The Coon Rapids Police Department has participated in the D.A.R.E. program since 1988, a curriculum designed to promote self-respect, self worth and give young people the ability to say no to drugs and alcohol. D.A.R.E. stands for Drug Abuse Resistance Education. Officers teach the program at all 8 elementary schools.
More about the Curriculum
Through the D.A.R.E. program, officers help students:
Learn accurate information about drugs and violence
Have an understanding of the effects of drug abuse that go beyond the physical ramifications and extend to emotional, social, and economic aspects of life
Understand responsibility, decision-making and problem solving skills and strategies to help students make informed decisions that will help them resist drug use, peer pressure and violence
Learn skills to resist peer pressure
Understand how to choose good friends, help others, resist bullying, build self-esteem and develop confident communication skills
Learn drug avoidance techniques
Visit the D.A.R.E. website for more information on the program.