HISTORY OF THE RINGWOOD D.A.R.E. PROGRAM
In 1991 then Chief Armando T. Di Muzio from the Ringwood Police Department felt there was a need to help the children in our Borough learn how to deal with the pressures of drug abuse. Chief Di Muzio did some research and found that the D.A.R.E. program, which was spreading across the country and was well suited for our Borough. It was at that time Chief Di Muzio chose Sgt. Robert Anderson as the first Ringwood D.A.R.E. Officer.
Sgt. Anderson spent two weeks at the Bergen County Police and Fire Academy training in the D.A.R.E. program. He graduated and started to teach the program. In September 1991, seventeen weeks later the first D.A.R.E. Class in Ringwood Graduated.
The Ringwood Police D.A.R.E. Program continues stronger than ever in Ringwood. Our D.A.R.E. Officers are Sgt. Henry "Bud" Hill, Detective James Rapp, Patrol Officer Matthew Ferraro and Patrol Officer Doug Faber. Our D.A.R.E. Program is taught to the 5th grade classes in the public and parochial schools. We also conduct a "refresher" or more advanced course for the 7th graders.
THE PROGRAM
D.A.R.E. - Drug Abuse Resistance and Education is a preventative program developed in Los Angeles, CA. The 13 week program was developed by educators, police officers, and doctors. It was developed to help equip children with skills, to resist peer pressure to experiment with harmful drugs. In 1995 it was revised to include skills for children to learn how to deal with violence and how not to solve problems using violence.
The specially trained officers go to the schools when the children are in fifth grade.They teach the comprehensive program once a week for seventeen weeks. During their time at the schools they develope a positive rapport with the children not only in the classroom, but also during the time they spend with them at lunch and on the playground.
The D.A.R.E. Officers work closely with and receive much support from the teachers. The teachers are in the classroom during the lessons to provide supervision for the students. The program focuses on four areas;
- Provides accurate information about alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs.
- Teaches the children decision making skills.
- Shows children how to resist peer pressure and violence.
- It provides positive alternatives to drug use and violence.
HOW IS D.A.R.E. SUPPORTED?
The D.A.R.E. program has the support of the Chief of Police and the Officers within the Department. It also has the support of the Mayor and Council as well as the Board of Education, the Schools in the Borough and the Childrens Parents.
Monetary support is received from a grant through A.W.A.R.E./A.S.A.P (our municipal alliance).
TIPS FOR PARENTS
- Establish family rules that make the use of drugs non-negotiable.
- Know your childrens friends and communicate with their parents.
- Know where your children are going and with who.
- If your child is going to a party, check to see if their will be parental supervision.
- Communicate with your child, and they will communicate with you (leave the door open).
For any information about D.A.R.E. and or questions relating to upcoming events, call Police Headquarters (973) 962-7017, email us at hill@ringwoodpolice.com or post on our Facebook page.
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Additional Links
Contact Information
Ringwood Police Department
60 Margaret King Ave
Ringwood, NJ 07456
(973) 962-7017
Ringwood Road Information Line
(973) 962-1212
Emergency Dial 9-1-1
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