"Drug Abuse Resistance Education" or D.A.R.E.  
is a series of classroom lessons led by a police officer that is designed to teach youth to recognize and resist the many direct and subtle pressures that may influence them to experiment with alcohol, tobacco, drugs or to engage in violence. Founded in 1983 in
Los Angeles, D.A.R.E. is now being implemented in
75 percent of our nation's school districts and in more than 43 countries around the world.

In Alhambra, there are approximately 1,000  students who participate annually in the program, which runs for 17 weeks and is taught at the fifth grade level. Subjects include the proper use of 9-1-1, strangers, drugs, gangs, violence, good touch/bad touch, and other important lessons that young people need to know. 

For additional information about the D.A.R.E. Program, contact Susie Carranza at 626-570-5111.

One additional facet of the D.A.R.E. program is the Department's sponsorship of a three-day D.A.R.E. Camp (generally held at the YMCA Camp Ta Ta Pochon in the San Bernardino Mountains). Eighty-five participants, who range in age from ten to twelve years, are nominated by the school's principal to attend. The goal of the camp is to enhance self-esteem, provide drug-free activities, demonstrate positive peer role models and encourage good sportsmanship in competition. Alhambra police officers participate as counselors and team leaders, providing the youngsters an opportunity to interact and develop positive feelings about law enforcement. The camp experience is designed to provide good clean fun geared to show the benefits of life without drugs. There is no cost to the families of the children who participate in the D.A.R.E. Camp and each participant receives an assortment of prizes while at camp. Businesses and community organizations typically donate the prizes. The trip is also funded by the annual D.A.R.E. Golf Tournament, which is held at the Alhambra Golf Course at the end of May.