JPD invites donations to the program
Jefferson police chief Mark Clouse this week announced his plans to re-establish the DARE (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) program in the Greene County Schools next school year.
According to Clouse, the program will bring more positive law enforcement interaction/education with youngsters in the community. The program is dedicated to educating youngsters about illegal drugs and not only the effect on their body, but also on their life as a whole.
Jefferson PD officer Caleb Jans will attend a one-week class for DARE officer training in the late summer. The JPD has contacted the Greene County Community Schools and plans to start classes in the fall of 2018.
To begin the program, fifth grade students will attend. Students will be split into two separate groups, with each group attending a 45 minute class once a week. After 10 classes, the students will be DARE graduates.
The Iowa DARE program is funded through a $10 DARE surcharge added to court fines for drug-related crimes. The program will pay for Jans’ one week class and housing so that he can become a certified instructor.
The JPD has established a DARE checking account at Home State Bank for anyone who would like to support the program financially. Donations will be used to purchase classroom necessities like name plates, pencils, banners and signs, and items for students featuring the DARE logo.
“Thank you to all who have supported us and our efforts in bettering our department enhancing the city’s public safety and the quality of life for the citizens within it. This has been and always will be our goal,” Clouse said.
