Since that time, D.A.R.E. is being taught world wide by dedicated police officers who want to see the future of our youth equipped with information about the dangers of drugs, alcohol and tobacco. Armed with this information, combined with strategies to make good choices, will give our youth a better opportunity to resist the pressures that they commonly face. This will allow them to move into adu
lthood without the bondage that is associated with drug, alcohol and tobacco addiction. The Lafayette Police Department started the D.A.R.E. program in 1995 with Officer Barry Richard. Over the last 18 years, Officer Barry taught D.A.R.E. to thousands of 5th grade students in our community. He has even brought the curriculum to our private schools. Officer John Townsend was selected as the new D.A.R.E. Officer after Barry Richard retired. Officer Townsend went through two weeks of training in Ft. Stewart, GA and brings to the Lafayette community a whole new D.A.R.E. Our 5th graders will continue to be instructed on the dangers of drugs/alcohol/tobacco, but with a greater emphasis on making good choices. Officer Townsend will also be teaching the 7th grade students, acting as a refresher on what was taught to them two years prior. The Lafayette D.A.R.E. program loves to serve the community! We attend many events in the community in order to reach out and let our future generations know that we care about them, and want to see them become productive citizens. If you have an event and would like D.A.R.E. to participate, contact the Lafayette Police Department or simply send a message to this page!
