The Gates Mills Police Departments Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.) program has been in existence since 1992. D.A.R.E. was originally developed in 1983 by the Los Angeles Police Department in conjunction with the Unified School District. One of the unique features of this program is the use of certified and trained police officers as instructors. The goal is to educate students with accurate information about drugs and to give them the necessary skills to make good life decisions.

Currently, the Gates Mills Police Department D.A.R.E. program is taught by Officer Charlene Strasshofer and consists of a 10 week curriculum which is presented to either fifth or sixth grade students. The purpose of D.A.R.E. is to:

• Provide accurate information about alcohol and drugs.
• Teach students decision making skills
• Show students how to resist peer pressure
• Suggest healthy alternatives to drug use
• Build confidence and self-esteem

All three Gates Mills Schools are strong supporters of the D.A.R.E. program. In addition to the core 10 week program, a second and third grade personal safety program is being introduced. D.A.R.E. creates a positive atmosphere for students of all ages to interact with uniformed law enforcement officers.

Any questions pertaining to the D.A.R.E. program can be answered by contacting Officer Charlene Strasshofer at the Gates Mills Police Department.