Program

History of D.A.R.E. in Medicine Hat
D.A.R.E. Officer School Assignments

What is DARE?

• D.A.R.E. is a prevention education program that provides a pro-active approach to a global substance abuse problem.
• It is a co-operative triangle between the parents, schools and police.

Parent Involvement
Parent involvement and reinforcement is crucial. You can help your children remain drug-free.

• Become informed about drugs (including alcohol & tobacco) and their effects
• Make your position on drugs, including alcohol and tobacco, clear to your child; have frank, open discussions with him or her.
• Show your child how to deal with day-to-day problems like stress, disappointment, and frustration.
• Avoid accusations, as these often result in denial.
• Be prepared that the behavior you expect from your child may be different from what your child says is expected of his or her peers.
• Help your child find ways to have fun through positive activities such as sports, music, dance, and other creative projects.
• Know your child’s friends and their parents.

• Encourage your local organizations, businesses, or service clubs to become active supporters of the D.A.R.E. program so that we can continue teaching our children these necessary skills.

Drug Trends in our Community
 Learn more here

School Resource Officers and Dogs

Purpose

• To create relationships with the staff and students through education and deterrence and to reduce the presence of drugs in our schools.  

Components of the Program

Introduction

• Introduce a puppy into the schools at 8 weeks of age that will encourage students to approach and start building a relationship with the SRO as well as giving the school a sense of ownership of the dog as it was raised with the kids and in the environment it will be working in

Presentation

• Presentation to all students to educate them on the negative effects of drug use. Focusing on the phrase

• “WHAT DO YOU DESERVE FROM LIFE”

Demonstration

• Demonstrate the SRO dogs capabilities to detect and locate drugs. This demonstration will act as a deterrent for those students who might choose to bring drugs into the schools. Read more about Dogs for Drug Free Schools

Note

• Enforcement and directed searches is not a component of the program  but if the dogs locate drugs while in the school, the offender will be dealt with criminally or by the school act as the principal and SRO see fit for the situation based on current case law.

School Resource Officers

• Position Summary
• To work cooperatively with school administration, staff, students, parents, and the community to identify and address school concerns or problems.
• To present a learning environment through guidance, structured classroom lectures and distribution of educational resource materials.
• To enforce the law and conduct investigations as the need arises, also to prevent crime by being a visible law enforcement presence in the school.

• School Resource Officer Program’s Goals
• Develop a positive rapport with the school and surrounding community. Being present in the neighboring residential areas with school administrators will enhance the positive image of police, students and staff.
• Foster an improved understanding of the role of law enforcement in a free and democratic society;
• Assist schools in creating a safe and secure learning environment;
• Assist in the development of lockdown and evacuation protocols. Evaluate and modify the procedures as required. Attend debriefs after significant incidents. 
• Support Alberta Association of School Resource Officers, Alberta Educations Safe, Secure and Caring Schools initiative, as well as the Alberta Teachers Association Safe and Caring Schools program goals, philosophy, and objectives;
• Investigate offences and enforce the law as required;
• Mentor, advise, make agency referrals and conference students, school staff, and parents on issues of importance as they arise;
• Act as a positive role model to students and the school community through assisting with the delivery of extra curricular school programs.
• Work closely with school administrators, counseling/guidance staff on matters of mutual concern;
• Prepare and present informational sessions to students and staff in a classroom setting, or assembly format which may include:
• Criminal Law
• Charter of Rights
• Judicial System
• Topics of Interest (youth gangs, suicide, sex crimes, assaults and harassments, police as a career, impaired driving, drugs and alcohol, Youth Criminal Justice Act, Dogs for Drug free Schools.

Read more about School Resource Officers

Community Partners

Learn more about our Community Partners here