DARE Program Effectiveness
Re “DARE Effort Competing With Other Priorities,” Oct. 17.
The column heading would better read “DARE Effort Competing with Political Posturing.”
It is absolute nonsense to suggest that it is better to staff a school resource officer at a high school than to staff a DARE [Drug Abuse Resistance Education] officer at the elementary level. The former is reactive to the nth political degree, and the latter is pro-activity at its best. The DARE program is easily the most effective law enforcement / community program effort ever conceived. Just look at the impact it has had on steering our youth away from drugs, crime and other ills. It is impossible to calculate the immense positive impact it has had on community / police relations.
It is far better that little LaTisha or Tommy get to know law enforcement through their classroom experience than almost any other means. The DARE program provides valuable sensitivity training and experience for our officers as well. The DARE office makes lasting positive impressions on our youth all day, every day.
Sheriff Bob Brooks and school Supt. Jerry Gross are to be commended for their insightful and responsible approach on this issue.
ELLIS L. GREEN
Ventura
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