D.A.R.E. is the largest school based drug abuse and violence reduction program in the world today. D.A.R.E. teaches our children that popularity can be found through positive behavior, without abandoning their values. It provides them with the skills to resist social pressures at a time when they are easily influenced.
D.A.R.E. follows a carefully structured curriculum taught by highly trained police officers. By getting information from a uniformed police officer - one who knows how drugs and violence destroy lives - kids take the message seriously. D.A.R.E. officers are role models whose positive interaction with students leaves a lasting impression. Only experienced, enthusiastic officers with exceptional teaching abilities are selected for this assignment. Prior to beginning their classroom "beat", D.A.R.E. officers must successfully complete a rigorous training program, then update their instructor credentials annually.
Each year thousands of Baltimore County school students graduate from D.A.R.E.. Baltimore County was the first jurisdiction in Maryland to implement the program. Based on the success and reputation of the Baltimore County D.A.R.E. Unit, law enforcement agencies throughout the state adopted the program. Mentor Officers from Baltimore County play an integral role in the instruction, evaluation, and certification of future D.A.R.E. Officers in Maryland.
Parental involvement is extremely important for a successful D.A.R.E. program. Realizing this, Baltimore County offers the "D.A.R.E. Parent Program". These presentations assist families by providing information and forming a partnership to ensure a safe and drug-free future for our children.
To find out more about D.A.R.E., contact the D.A.R.E. Unit at 410-887-6341 Revised June 15, 2009 | 
Courthouse 