So when a group dared us to keep our kids off drugs, we jumped on the bandwagon. It quickly caught on, and 18 years later the campaign has reached approximately 36 million kids. Based on the premise that prevention is the only real answer to drug abuse, officers provide youth with information about drugs, teach skills for dealing with peer pressure and build confidence.
Web sites point to studies that demonstrate the benefits of their program.
They've had success in fostering better relationships between kids and police officers. DARE is an important part of the overall drug program in many schools. Students polled believe it meets its goals by providing students the tools to deal with peer pressure. Not significantly, it seems. According to critics, it fails to reach teens at highest risk, and some claim it may actually be damaging to students.