D60 Loses DARE Program

There will be something missing when D-60 students start up next year, no more DARE officers. This one is a police cut-back.

A recent evaluation done by KRW Associates recommended cutting the DARE program. It will now be up to the school resources officers to play that role for students.

?When I first come to Pueblo, I was faced with recommendations of KRW associates. I had to look at those changes and recommendations,? said Police Chief Luis Velez.

One of the recommendations was removing eight officers from D-60 campuses, four DARE officers and four school resources officers.

?I didn’t think we could get by with taking eight officers,? said Velez.

They decided removing all four of the DARE officers, eliminating the DARE program all together. Those former DARE officers will no go back on patrol.

The DARE program was offered in elementary schools to teach young students the dangers of drugs and gangs.

?I believe its always great to have good interactions with police and students, but I believe they can have that with the SRO, not just through the DARE curriculum,? said Chief Deputy Mark Bennett.

The school resources officers will remain.

?We will still have ten police officers in the schools. Part of their job is to develop relationships with students,? said Bennett.

The removal will be effective this upcoming school year.