D.A.R.E. Officers Learn New Curriculum
(Pierre) – As part of the yearly D.A.R.E. in-service sessions, over 100 South Dakota law enforcement officers gathered this month to learn new techniques for educating youth about the dangers of drugs, alcohol and violence. The new instructional format introduced during the sessions is facilitation based. It will be implemented into South Dakota classrooms this year.
“Today’s youth are part of the MTV generation. They are use to information coming at them quickly and in a variety of exciting ways. We’re teaching the D.A.R.E. officers to expand their presentation skills to keep up with what the kids are relating to,” said Chief Deputy Attorney General Larry Long.
Several D.A.R.E. officers received special recognition at the in-service. Dave Stephan a Division of Criminal Investigation Agent was awarded the Exceptional Service Award. Dave was instrumental in keeping the D.A.R.E. program active in the Sioux Falls Schools. The program was jeopardized last year after the September 11th attacks put a strain on local law enforcement resources.
Chief Jerry Davidson, Whitewood Police Department, received the West River Ron Tennill Award and Burt Seifel, Watertown Police Department, received the East River Ron Tennill Award. Both were honored with this award for their determination, dedication and unending enthusiasm for the D.A.R.E. program.
Julie Rosell of Redfield received the South Dakota Educator of the Year Award.
There are 176 D.A.R.E. officers in South Dakota and 236 schools with D.A.R.E programs. The program reached 11,705 students last year.
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