Drug Abuse Resistance Education is offered to fifth grade students throughout Jefferson County. Classroom instruction by Sheriff’s SROs teaches students the harmful effects of drug and alcohol abuse. They learn how tobacco products threaten their health. DARE students talk about the issue of violence with their deputy, and share ideas about how to avoid violent confrontations. Students interact with deputies to hear and model refusal skills. They learn how to avoid negative peer pressure. DARE provides curriculum and training for deputies to teach more advanced courses to junior high and high school students as well.

Each Sheriff’s SRO must train for two weeks at the National DARE Training Center in Huntsville, Alabama, before becoming certified as an instructor. For each additional level of instruction they must participate in more training and be graded by instructors.

NEW! Sheriff’s SROs are becoming certified to offer DARE Parents! This course provides a platform for deputies, parents, other caregivers and community members to discuss warning signs of drug use, intervention techniques and other issues of concern about youthful drug abuse. Look for Parents Night at your elementary school this fall.

If you are interested in being a parent leader for these meetings, call Lt. Mike Ozley at 205-379-2009. Check out www.dare.com.