D.A.R.E. Program

Overview

The Huntington Police Department and Huntington County Sheriff’s Office are proud to operate the D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) program in the Huntington County Community School Corporation!

The D.A.R.E. program is the most comprehensive drug prevention and education program in the world, reaching over 1.5 million students annually. Scientific studies and research-based evaluations have shown a 32% to 44% decrease in marijuana, alcohol, and tobacco use among students who participate in the program. This proven, evidence-based curriculum is taught by local law enforcement officers, creating lasting connections with the students they mentor.

Officers selected for the D.A.R.E. program are carefully chosen and highly trained to ensure a strong commitment to the students of our community. The following officers currently serve in this role:

• School Resource Officer Daniel Lowes – Huntington Police Department
• Detective Austin Johnson – Huntington Police Department
• Captain Malcom Jones – Huntington County Sheriff’s Office

All participating officers are graduates of the D.A.R.E. Instructor School, a rigorous 80-hour training that includes classroom and hands-on experience. This two-week course is funded through money seized from convicted drug offenders in our community.

Officers visit every elementary school in Huntington County, reaching students from kindergarten through fifth grade. Beginning in 2024, the program will expand into local middle schools.

The D.A.R.E. program helps students build trust with law enforcement, fosters positive attitudes, and increases respect for the law.

Community support is vital to the continued success of this program. Donations are welcome and appreciated. If you'd like to contribute, please make checks payable to: Huntington Police Dept. (Memo: D.A.R.E.). Donations go toward student materials like workbooks, pencils, T-shirts, and other program supplies.

Photo Gallery