DARE TAUGHT VALUABLE LESSONS

I don't agree with the mentality that the DARE program is a waste of time
and that it isn't effective in preventing the children of our community
from getting involved in drugs later on in life.

In fact, in Colerain Township we're not only continuing the DARE program
throughout the Northwest Local School District; were training a second
officer next month to help our school resource officer teach the program.
I've heard many people argue that a great number of DARE graduates
eventually end up either using drugs or at least experimenting with them.
That's probably true. We teach our kids not to steal, but many still end
up in jail later on in life convicted of theft. Does that mean se should
stop teaching our children right from Wrong?

If the education our children receive from the DARE program prevents even
one single child from ever using drugs then in my eyes the program is a
success.

Yes, it costs money; and yes, it involves the time of our officers. You'll
never convince the Colerain Township police department that the time and
money invested in these children has been wasted.

I challenge other communities to continue with the program to save that one
child.

Chief Steven J. Sarver

Colerain Township Police department