D.A.R.E.
Since being introduced in 1992, the Colonie Police Department has used its DARE Education Program to positively affect the lives of thousands of Colonie school children.
The following Officers are currently assigned to the DARE and Community Services:
- Officer Richard Barber
- Officer Patrick Germaine
- Officer Greg Jensen
- Officer Sean McGee
- Officer Rebecca Ruecker
DARE Curriculum
The Following is the D.A.R.E. Curriculum followed by the Colonie D.A.R.E. Officers:
- Introduction to the D.A.R.E. Program
- Drug Use and Misuse- Highlights the harmful effects of drugs, both legal and illegal when misused.
- Consequences- Helps students understand there are many consequences, both positive and negative, that result from using and choosing not to use drugs.
- Resisting Pressures to Use Drugs- Provides students with examples of the types of peer pressure they may face when offered drugs, and how they can say "no."
- The 8 Ways to Say No- Teaches students a way no when resisting peer pressure.
- Building Self-Esteem- Helps students to build their self-esteem.
- Assertiveness: A Response Style- Teaches that assertiveness is a response style that enables a person to stand up for their rights while still respecting the right of others.
- Managing Stress- Informs students how to recognize stress and suggests ways to reduce their stress rather than take drugs.
- Reducing Violence- Teaches students how to deal with disagreements without resorting to violence.
- Media Influences-Assists students in developing and understanding the skills needed to analyze and resist media presentations about alcohol and drugs.
- Decision Making and Risk Taking- Students apply decision making processes in evaluating the results of various kinds of risk-taking behavior, including that of drug abuse.
- Alternatives to Drug Use- Introduces students to activities that are interesting, rewarding, and better than taking drugs.
- Role Model- Instructors brings in a role model to talk to the students about the importance of staying drug free.
- Resisting Gang and Group Violence- Helps students recognize the negative consequences of gang and group violence and suggests ways to aviod becoming involved.
- D.A.R.E. Summary- This class is used to reemphasize points made throughout the previous weeks.
- Taking a Stand- Students prepare an essay.
- Culmination- Special graduation ceremony held at the school for the students, families and friends.
General DARE Information
D.A.R.E. offers a highly structured, intensive curriculum developed by health education specialists.
A basic precept of the D.A.R.E. program is that elementary school children lack sufficient social skills to resist peer pressure and say no to drugs. D.A.R.E. instructors do not use scare tactics of traditional approaches that focus on the dangers of drug use. Instead, the instructors work with children to raise their self-esteem, to teach them how to make decisions on their own, and to help them identify positive alternatives to tobacco, alcohol, and drug abuse. The curriculum addresses learning objectives in keeping with those state departments of education and conforms with health standards.
Uniformed officers as D.A.R.E. instructors not only serve as role models for children at an immpressional age, but also have high credibility on the subject of drug use. Moreover, by relating to students in a role other than that of law enforcement, officers develop a rapport that promotes positive attitudes towards the police and greater respect for the law.
Many people believe that over time, a change in public attitudes will reduce that demand for drugs. D.A.R.E. seeks to promote this change.
D.A.R.E. instructors help children develop mature decision-making capabilities that they can apply to a variety of situations as they grow up.
The success of the D.A.R.E. program has been seen in communities throughout the country, including the Town of Colonie. Some of the benefits reported are:
- Significantly less substance abuse
- A sharp decrease in school vandalism and truancy
- Improved student work habits
- Reduced tension between ethnic groups
- Reduced gang activity
- A more positive attitude toward police
- Better student rapport with teachers and school officials
D.A.R.E.'s Long Term Goals
- Improved decision making in all life situations
- Reduction in the supply if controlled substances as a result of reduced demand
- A more positive image of police officers by children
- An overall reduction in criminality
For more information about all D.A.R.E. programs in Colonie New York -call the Colonie Police Community Services Unit at (518) 782-2662