The D.A.R.E. Program was founded in 1983 in Los Angeles. Today the program is taught in thousands of schools in America, as well as many other countries. The curriculum is taught by highly trained law enforcement officers. The D.A.R.E Program delivers science/evidence-based curricula that teaches students good decision-making skills that will help them lead safe and healthy lives and manage high-risk situations such as drugs, alcohol, violence, bullying, and internet safety.
D.A.R.E.'s primary mission is to provide children with the information and skills they need to live drug and violence-free lives. It establishes a positive relationship between students and law enforcement, teachers, and parents. The program is comprised of lessons which teach students to recognize and resist the many direct and subtle pressures that influence them to experiment with drugs, and instead, allow them to focus on their strengths and potential. The program achieves this by using decision-making skills to avoid negative consequences.
DARE is more than just a drug awareness program. DARE is a life skills program which promotes good decision making. Teaching students to:
- Exercise self-control particularly when under stress and pressure. Identify the risks and consequences of their choices.
- Make safe and responsible decisions. Communicate more confidently and effectively, thus developing stronger relationships with peers, family, and authority figures.
- Become safe and responsible citizens by learning how to help others and know how to get help.
In Bowling Green, the program is funded by the Bowling Green Police Department, the Bowling Green R-1 School District, donations, and fundraising. The program is taught at both the Bowling Green and Frankford campuses. The D.A.R.E officer at the Bowling Green Police Department is currently Detective Justin McCloud.
Detective McCloud attended D.A.R.E. instructor training in 2022 and taught his first class, which graduated in the spring of 2023. He completed his criminal justice education in 2011 and his law enforcement training in 2015. He has served the City of Bowling Green since 2016, starting as a patrol officer and is now a detective. You may contact D.A.R.E. officer/Detective McCloud at 573-324-3200, 573-314-9792 or email at jmccloud@bowlinggreen-mo.gov.
Click on the links below for useful DARE program information and fun facts.