20 Years of DARE in Murrieta Schools: Police 'Proud' of Teaching, Mentoring Efforts

MURRIETA, CA – Since 1996, the Murrieta Police Department has taught the DARE curriculum to 5th graders in our local elementary schools. The Drug Abuse Resistance Education Program's mission of teaching students good decision making skills to help them lead safe and healthy lives is consistent with the goals and mission of the Murrieta Police Department. Over the last 20 years, countless Murrieta students have gained a greater understanding of the consequences that result from the choices they make as juveniles.

Ten (10) local MVUSD Elementary Schools, as well as Menifee Unified's Oak Meadows Elementary have Murrieta Police Officers assigned as DARE Instructors. Each year, 5th grade students from those 11 schools receive a 10 week DARE program, culminating in a DARE graduation and Mulligan's DARE Night.

The program is paid for with funds from within the police department budget. In addition to Police Department funds, the end of year Mulligan's night sends 25% of the proceeds back to the Police budget for the next year's program.

The Murrieta Police Department believes the youth in our community is the greatest asset we have. Teaching and mentoring Murrieta's youth over the last 20 years through the DARE curriculum is something the police department is very proud of.

During the month of October 2016, DARE America will be in our community soliciting donations for their organization. They will be set up in front of retail establishments. Although the Murrieta Police Department supports DARE America's mission, we also want the community to know that Murrieta PD's DARE Program is fully funded within the city budget. DARE America does not fund the Murrieta PD / MVUSD DARE Program.

DARE Graduation this year is set for May of 2017. Graduation will be held at each school site. Mulligan's DARE Night will be held the same week. Contact your elementary school principal and/or Sergeant David Baca for more information on the program. Sergeant Baca can be reached at 951-461-6308.

– Submitted for publication by the Murrieta Police Department.