D.A.R.E was introduced to the Manchester School System during the 1989/1990 school year. Community Relations Officer Gary Frost, in cooperation with Mr. Alan Chesterton, Assistant Superintendent of Schools, were able to gather support to start the program in six of Manchester's schools.
Officers Stephen J. Novak and Max Cohen were selected to attend an extensive two week training program. The officers learned teaching techniques that would assist them in instructing Manchester's sixth grade students about the dangers of drug involvement, building self-esteem, and conflict resolution. The officers were also taught how to deal with sensitive issues that students may bring up during class presentations.
The D.A.R.E. Program was started at Verplanck, Nathan Hale, Buckley, Martin, Robertson, and Bowers Schools. One sixth grade class in each of the schools was selected to participate. The program quickly gained support of students, parents, teachers, and the community. The following year, all of Manchester's elementary school sixth grade classes participated.
The program was offered to the parochial schools and St. Bridget and St. James Schools eagerly chose to participate. Manchester's school system was being revised with the sixth grades moving to the middle schools. For a one year period, both fifth and sixth grade students participated in D.A.R.E. so no students would be left out. The program is presently being taught to all fifth grade classes in both public and parochial schools. The middle school program was recently introduced to Bennet Middle School and Assumption Middle School as a follow up to the elementary core program.
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Funding for the Manchester D.A.R.E. Program comes from both state and federal grants, private donations, court ordered penalties, and fund raisers. This allows for the purchase of materials needed for class and training for the officers. D.A.R.E. officers annually attend both state and national conferences which help them provide the best training possible to students.
The Manchester Police Department's D.A.R.E. Car is a 1986 Chevrolet Camaro Z-28. The car was confiscated by members of the Tri-Town Narcotics Task Force from a person that was arrested for a drug offense. It was originally used for undercover operations for several years before being turned over to the D.A.R.E. Unit. The vehicle was completely renovated and equipped with lights, siren, and the D.A.R.E. logo. It is used in the schools to teach children about the consequences of becoming involved in drugs. It has also been displayed in parades and car shows within the state and has received many awards.
Officers currently teaching the D.A.R.E. Program are Chris Thomas, (D.A.R.E. Coordinator), David Patria, Michel Brouillard, Michelle Wagner, Tracy Pfeifer, Matthew Pace, Jerrad Johnson and John Laughlin.
In addition to presenting the D.A.R.E. Program the D.A.R.E. Officers are responsible for giving tours of the police department and participation in community programs such as child identification and safety presentations, bicycle rodeos, school fairs, and safety clinics sponsored by hospitals, businesses, and day care centers. |
