The D.A.R.E. Program (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) was founded in Los Angeles, California in 1983. The Montvale Police Department is an active participant in the program and remains dedicated to the D.A.R.E. mission: "teaching students good decision-making skills to help them lead safe and healthy lives."

D.A.R.E. is taught at various levels in Montvale. At Memorial School, the 1st Grade classes receive lessons which introduce the concepts of safety, following rules, and household dangers. The 3rd grade receives lessons which reinforce those taught at the 1st grade level. They also learn about the dangers of tobacco products and alcohol, and how to say "No" when faced with dangerous situations.

At Fieldstone Middle School, the 5th grade receives the core curriculum, which consists of 10 lessons. The 5th grade D.A.R.E. program not only teaches students about the dangers associated with drug use, but it also teaches them how to make good decisions in difficult situations. D.A.R.E. equips students with the tools necessary to form solid friendships and stand up to negative peer pressure.

At Pascack Hills High School, the 10th grade receives lessons which emphasize consequences and laws. The program is offered during Driver Education, and also focuses on the dangers of drinking and driving, as well as the use of illegal drugs.

P.O. Allison McNeice and P.O. Kash Cruise are the current certified D.A.R.E. instructors for the Montvale Police Department. Officer McNeice teaches the 1st, 3rd and 5th grade classes and Officer Cruise instructs at the 8th and 10th grade levels. The Montvale D.A.R.E. program is fortunate enough to receive tremendous support from the Citizens of Montvale Against Drugs (C.O.M.A.D.), a volunteer organization comprised of parents and teachers dedicated to the safety of the children of Montvale.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding the D.A.R.E. Program, please feel free to contact either Officer McNeice at amcneice@montvale.org or Office Cruise at kcruise@montvale.org.

Check out the D.A.R.E. websites: www.dare.com and www.darenj.com