Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE)

Definition & Program History

DARE (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) is a collaborative effort by law enforcement, schools, teachers, students, parents and the community to help prevent drug abuse and related crime and violence through education and awareness. An additional benefit of the program is that it provides an opportunity for the students and teachers to interact with deputies. The students learn that the deputies are people too, and that they care about them and their future. They learn that the deputies are someone they can go to with problems and concerns and get support and help.

Staffing

This internationally renowned education program is taught at most of the public schools in the unincorporated areas of Napa County as well as the City of American Canyon and the Town of Yountville by DARE deputies from this department. We have several deputies who teach one day a week in addition to working their regular assignment in patrol or civil division. They are supervised by a Sergeant. DARE deputies are selected for this assignment based on their experience and strong motivation to work with the students. These deputies must pass an intense two week training course before they can enter the classroom and present the program.

Partners & Funding

The program is a partnership with the Napa Valley Unified School District and is partially funded by the Napa County Safe Schools Foundation, a volunteer citizens group that holds fund raising events in the community to fund DARE in Napa County.

Schools Teaching DARE

Donaldson Way Elementary and Canyon Oaks Elementary teach DARE in addition to: