SHERIFF UPSET BY DARE'S PROFIT SYSTEM

Since the early 1990's, the Lake County Sheriff's Office has sent
deputy sheriffs into fifth-grade classrooms throughout Lake County to
teach the dangers of drug abuse and alcohol, and the consequences of crime.

During these visits, children have been given the tools to resist
peer pressure and stay drug-, alcohol- and crime-free.

Since the beginning, the curriculum used was provided by the
well-known DARE (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) organization, which
started in Los Angeles, Calif., by members of that police department.

DARE America Inc., which, according to its Web site, enjoys status as
a not-for-profit organization, controls the DARE curriculum.

All workbooks, materials and the very popular T-shirts must be
purchased by the Sheriff's Office from DARE America Inc. Often, the
material and T-shirts could be purchased locally at less expense.

However, because the DARE logo, curriculum and other items have been
copyrighted, it must come from DARE America Inc.

For the entire time, this program has been paid for in large part
through the generous donations of many businesses and private individuals.

We have enjoyed great generosity from the people of Lake County, and
it seemed to be the perfect partnership between government, the
schools and a not-for-profit organization to deliver an all-important
message to young people facing the challenges of society.

Sounds great, right? Wrong.

I was disappointed and surprised to learn recently that in January of
this year, DARE America Inc. has begun allowing private, for-profit
businesses to begin selling DARE T-shirts and other logo merchandise
for a profit. Those businesses have been seen setting up tables at
supermarkets and shopping centers here in Lake County.

In some cases, these for-profit companies make as much as an 80
percent profit. What is worse is that of the very small 20 percent
that is returned to DARE America Inc., not one cent is returned to
Lake County to teach the DARE program to children here.

I have complained, and I hope that DARE America Inc. reverses its
policy of allowing people to make a profit on the backs of
hardworking members of law enforcement who have spent countless hours
building the good reputation that DARE now enjoys.

In the meantime, if Lake residents buy any DARE logo merchandise,
please make sure the person selling it is a deputy sheriff or local
police officer. If they are not, buyers will only be lining the
pockets of someone out to make a profit, and what little bit of money
is passed along to DARE America Inc. will not make it back to our
classrooms. I am urging residents not to buy from these vendors.

Anyone who would like more information about the DARE program, DARE
America Inc. or what you can to do help may contact the Lake County
Sheriff's Office or local police department.

Chris Daniels is sheriff of Lake County.