D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) is a collaborative effort by DARE certified law enforcement officers, educators, students, parents and community to offer an educational program in the classroom to prevent or reduce drug abuse and violence among children and youth.

The DARE program offers preventative strategies to enhance those protective factors which appear to foster the development of resiliency in young people who may be at risk for substance abuse or other problem behaviors.  These strategies focus on the development of social competence, communication skills, self-esteem, empathy, decision-making, conflict resolution, sense of purpose and independence, and positive alternative activities to drug abuse and other destructive behaviors.

DARE offers a variety of interactive, group-participation, cooperative-learning activities which are designed to encourage students to solve problems of major importance in their lives.  An important element of DARE is the use of student leaders who do not use drugs as positive role models in influencing younger students.

The Jefferson County Sheriff's Department currently has five certified D.A.R.E. instructors teaching in seven local elementary & middle schools throughout Jefferson County.