KANDIYOHI COUNTY DARE PROGRAM

DARE  ANNUAL REPORT 2004

KANDIYOHI COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE

 The Kandiyohi County Sheriff’s Office has been involved with the DARE program since 1991.  The DARE program has the full support of the Sheriff.  It is currently being taught in three schools by officers of the Sheriff’s Office.  Those schools are New London-Spicer Middle School, MACCRAY East, and ACGC North. 

The DARE program has recently been revised to a 10 week program.  It is offered in the 5^th grade and again in the 7^th grade.  The officer spends an hour per week with each class in each school.  The DARE program teaches about the negative effects of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs.  It stresses good decision making to encourage the students to make healthy life choices. The students learn where the pressures are that tempt them to try something illegal, whether it be illegal drugs or illegal activity.  The students are taught how to stand up for themselves with building their self esteem and how they can surround themselves with friends that may be a positive influence on them.  These are skills that the students can use now and in the future.

During 2004, the two officers taught DARE in the above mentioned schools.  Deputy Todd Neumann is a school resource officer at the New London Spicer Schools where he is responsible for teaching DARE in both the 5^th grade and the 7^th grade.  Deputy Mike Roe taught 5^th grade DARE in ACGC North and MACCRAY East.

In 2004, approximately 342 students received the DARE program in Kandiyohi County.  New London-Spicer had 145 5^th grade students and 152 7^th grade students.  MACCRAY East had 40 students.  ACGC North had 45 students.

In addition to the DARE curriculum there are rewards with the program, such as a DARE celebration to acknowledge the completion of the 5^th grade curriculum.  All of the 5^th grade students in the county were taken bowling at the Kandi Bowl with their DARE officer.  All of the 7^th grade students were treated to a Pizza Party with their DARE officer.

It is estimated that 500 to 600 officer hours are spent each year toward DARE teaching, DARE activities, and DARE training.  Approximately 15 to 20 dollars are spent per DARE student each year.  This covers workbooks, shirts, DARE merchandise, and DARE rewards.  This money is generated from some donations but mostly from drug fine moneys from within Kandiyohi County.

The DARE program has become a bridge for students to know a peace officer on a whole new level.  The rapport that is developed between the student and the officer will benefit both the public and the Sheriff’s Office for many years.

Respectfully Submitted,

Deputy Todd Neumann

DARE Officer

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