The Portland Police Department conducts DARE programs in each elementary
school in Portland and Gregory along with the middle school and the junior high. The basic program
began in 1991. In 1993, we expanded to include Advanced DARE at the junior high. Since 1995,
we have also offered programs for high school students as well as Parent DARE. The basic program
taught in 4th grade targets about 600 students. The advanced program adds approximately 760
junior high students to the program. GPISD had a total of 4,196 students in March, 1997. By
March, 1998, there were 4,321 students.
In 1999, we purchased a Daren Lion costume with forfeited drug money. Daren is the mascot lion who champions the DARE anti-drug, anti-gang and anti-violence message. He symbolizes the confidence, strength and leadership the program encourages. Our Daren costume is used to promote the DARE program in a positive manner and has been highly visible at public functions in Portland and Coastal Bend.
The
program includes many incentives to draw students to participate from pizza parties for those
who complete their assignments to outstanding DARE student awards and tremendous amounts of praise
and support. We participate annually in the Red Ribbon Week activities and parade. Our
program is spotlighted through participation in a number of area parades and car shows with our
award-winning low rider hydraulic DARE car.
The Portland Police Department is an integral part of the Gregory-Portland ISD. Drug Free School Plan. Officers work together with school officials to identify gang members and provide parents with information to help combat alcohol and drug abuse and violence inside the home. The DARE program is the only program that combines school and law enforcement resources to curtail alcohol and drug abuse and prevent violent behavior.
According to Uniform Crime Reporting statistics, violence and alcohol and drug abuse violations in Portland remained fairly consistent in 1994-1996. In 1997, juvenile crime dropped in all three categories. In 1998, we saw an increase to levels close to those prior to 1997. There was a significant decrease, however, in property crimes in 1998. Statistically, the highest number of juveniles detained are for curfew violations.
Juvenile Arrests as a Percentage of All Arrests
(*1999 to date)
| 1992 | 1993 | 1994 | 1995 | 1996 | 1997 | 1998 | *1999 | |
| Assaults |
11% |
9% |
18% |
16% |
15% |
9% |
13% |
7% |
|
Drug Abuse Violations |
4% |
2% |
10% |
15% |
12% |
5% |
14% |
14% |
|
Alcohol Abuse Violations |
11% |
13% |
11% |
12% |
10% |
2% |
2% |
1% |
|
Property Crimes (Burglary, Theft, UUMV, Arson, Forgery) |
25% |
19% |
32% |
21% |
28% |
18% |
7% |
0% |
Program Effectiveness
In recent years, the effectiveness of the DARE program has been the focus of a number of studies. Some studies show positive results while others suggest the program has not met its goals and may even be counterproductive. Although the controversy will likely continue for some time, one thing is clear. DARE is the only organized attempt to deter children from the use of illicit drugs. Something more effective may come along at some point. But until then, we believe its the best tool we have to educate our youngsters on the dangers they face.
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