4.4. SR 06-04-2001 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Police Department Item ~ 4.4. MEMORANDUM TO: FROM: DATE: SUBJECT: Mayor and City Council Thomas D. Zerwas, Chief of Police May 29, 2001 D.A.R.E. Update Over the past several months, there has been discussion around the United States regarding how effective D.A.R.E. has been. The end result was that D.A.ILE. America decided to change the Dak. R.E. curriculum and address some of the concerns. Information we have received stated that it could take up to five (5) yeats before any solid information is gathered on how the new curriculum will impact the students. As a result of D.A.R.E. America's actions, a meeting was held with school district staff. The meeting centered on what should be done if D.A.1LE. is put on hold for the time being. The tentative agreement through a collaborative effort is to assist the school district with a new program called Project Alert. See the attached document, which will provide you with an introduction and overview of the program. Project Alert would be less officer intensive than D.A.1LE. has been. Elementary D.A.R.E. consisted of our officer spending seventeen (17) weeks (one hour per week) in each 5~ grade class. Project Alert would consist of the officer spending approximately three (3) weeks (one hour per week) with all 6~ graders, approximately two (2) weeks (one hour per class) with the 7t~ graders and approximately one (1) session with each 8~ grade class. The program would provide our officers with the opportunity to interact with the students. Interaction is very important to me and I hope to see it continue. I am, therefore, asking for your support to suspend the D.A.R.E. program indefinitely and allow us to work collaborafively with the Elk River Area School District in implementing Project Alert. If you have any questions do not hesitate to contact me.