It is generally acknowledged that under Daryl Gates leadership, the LAPD developed a reputation in minority communities for racism and contempt for civil rights. Gates saw the DARE program as a way to get police into the schools and give kids a way of reporting the drug use in the schools and home. The first thing I had to deal with was what to do about the DARE Pledge letter my son had handed me to sign. While parental consent is required by law, at least in my cases, the first, and perhaps most controversial lesson, took place before I was presented with any consent form. Have good attendance Demonstrate good behavior during class.
Good behavior is explained on the reverse side of the letter.
This is a good description of the DARE program. It is positive, practical and not concerned with theoretical matters. Keep your body free from drugs. Help with a project at school. When the letter reached me, it had already been signed by John Smith, Rosemary Clark, and my son, Isaac.