Address: Springfield Police Department, Project D.A.R.E., 321 E. Chestnut Expressway, Springfield, MO 65802

Website: http://ci.springfield.mo.us/spd/Miscellanea/dare.html

To make a measurable contribution to the reduction of drug, solvent and alcohol abuse and violence throughout the Springfield area by educating children about the consequences of drug misuse, providing them with the means to resist the temptation to experiment and mobilizing the support of the whole community in this endeavor.

Four Springfield Police Officers presently teach the D.A.R.E. curriculum to fifth graders in 42 public and private elementary schools. Officers designate half a semester to each school. More than 25,000 Springfield students have graduated from the program. The D.A.R.E. unit also hosts a five-day resident camp in June of each year.

The Springfield D.A.R.E. program was established in the fall of 1990 as a life skills-based Drug Prevention Education Program. Lessons include topics such as consequences, building self-esteem, assertiveness, managing stress, reducing violence, media influences, making decisions about risky behavior and positive role modeling. The program focuses on the development of personal skills, attributes and strategies needed to resist the constantly increasing pressure to experiment with drugs, including alcohol, tobacco, marijuana and other drugs. Topics related to drug facts and beliefs, risks and responsibilities, assertiveness, conflict resolution, managing time, media influences and dealing with antisocial behavior are also incorporated.

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