The Rochester Police Department D.A.R.E. program began in 1990 with the appointment of Detective Sgt.Paul Callaghan as the Departments
first D.A.R.E. Officer. The program is a cooperative effort between the Rochester Police Department, the Rochester School System,
and many other community groups to prevent the use and abuse of drugs including tobacco and alcohol by children and young adults.
The
purpose of the D.A.R.E. program is to help the students recognize and resist the many pressures that influence them to experiment
with tobacco, alcohol, inhalants, and other drugs. To combat this pressure, the students are instructed about feelings relating to
self-esteem, decision making, and positive alternatives to drug abuse behavior. Since its inception in 1990, over 3000 students inRochester have received the D.A.R.E. curriculum. In 1992, we became the first police department in New Hampshire to teach D.A.R.E.
to high school students. Currently, four Rochester Police Officers are certified to instruct the programs curriculum.
The D.A.R.E.
program is well received throughout the community by school and elected officials. The D.A.R.E. program plays an important role
of the departments community policing policing philosophy
