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DARE Program Alive and Well in Bellevue
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Officer Bob talks with Dick Clarke and Jenny Andrews.
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Detective Bob Oliver, one of two DARE program officers, said he’s got the best job in the Bellevue Police Department. “For the past 12 years, I’ve been working with school children in the DARE program. I’ve been in law enforcement for 28 years. I’ve been a SWAT team member, a hostage negotiator, but I’ll say again, ‘I’ve got the best job there is – the DARE program.’” Oliver shares his work with Officer Tom Baker.
Oliver explained that DARE is a 17-lesson program. “We teach classes and do weekends representing the department on behalf of DARE. We teach 5th grade students about the choices they have, refusal skills with role playing, and practicing how to utilize these skills. We teach them how to stay away from gangs.” DARE has middle school and high school students come to the classes as role models. “We’re teaching kids alternatives to drugs and how to be assertive. At the end of the lessons, they write an essay. They learn self-esteem, how to feel good about themselves.”
Detective Oliver said, “Students are selected to read their own essays in various settings. We get quality time with the kids, 3rd, 4th and 5th graders. It’s the best job in the department, bar none. My measure of success is when our graduates come back and ask for my autograph!”
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Kayla Blau reads her DARE essay.
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Oliver introduced Kayla Blau, a fifth grader from Cherry Crest Elementary School. She read her essay. “I will use DARE all my life. I’ve learned what drugs are all about and how to combat peer pressure. How to say no. I’ve learned strategies of picking friends. I’ve learned about gun control and self-esteem. I’ve become more assertive and know I have a better chance of staying drug-free. I’ve liked role models from high school. I know that drugs can kill me and ruin my lifestyle. It’s a matter of school and education vs. drugs and jail. DARE educates kids all over the nation.” Friday was Kayla’s birthday! And, she got a song from the BBRC! She was accompanied by her father.
Office Bob continued, saying the Bellevue Police Department pays his salary. “Contrary to published reports in other parts of the country, the Program is not going away and will continued to be funded. The vehicles we use are donated. The community supports the program, as shown by discounts offered to DARE graduates by such firms as the Country Buffet, McDonalds, Speed King, bowling alleys, and others.
Question and Answer Time
Q: When was DARE started?
A: In 1983 in California; 1990 in Bellevue. All Bellevue elementary and private schools have the DARE program.
Q: What percent of students enroll?
A: Nearly 100%. We do parent education programs. Most states have a DARE program and it’s also international. The most positive delivery system is by using police officers.
Q: How do you teach about peer pressure?
A: No bones about it, this the strongest thing a kid will meet. We find that role playing is the most effective way to teach a defense against peer pressure.
Q: Violence?
A: Yes, we address that. We bring in current events that are important to kids. We talk about safety issues and that life is filled with risks.
Q: Statistics?
A: There has been a general decrease in youth crime since the DARE program began. We involve parents by having them attend classes. We are gearing up to offer more parent meetings
Q: Are we losing the war on drugs?
A: Education is the only way we are going to turn the corner. According to DARE America, there is a tremendous decrease in youth smoking. There is hope.
From Acting President Dick Brown, Officer Oliver received a certificate showing a donation of 750 pounds of food has been made in his name to Rotary First Harvest. Thanks to Jenny Andrews for her introduction.
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