D.A.R.E. is universally viewed as an internationally recognized model of community policing.  The United States Department of Justice has identified how D.A.R.E. benefits local communities:

• - D.A.R.E. "humanizes" the police: that is, young people can begin to relate to officers as people

• - D.A.R.E. permits students to see officers in a helping role, not just an enforcement role

• - D.A.R.E. opens lines of communication between law enforcement and youth

  • - D.A.R.E. Officers can serve as conduits to provide information beyond drug-related topics

         - D.A.R.E. opens dialogue between the school, police, and parents to deal with issues

For more information on the D.A.R.E. program within the Stafford County Sheriff's Office, visit their website by clicking on the D.A.R.E. logo on the right or by visiting the Juvenile Services Unit page.