Nashville, Tennessee --- A new group of police officers and sheriffs' deputies graduated today from D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) training conducted by the Tennessee Department of Safety. Tennessee Highway Patrol D.A.R.E. instructors taught the latest two-week, 80-hour class. The 21 officers who completed the course represent 10 Tennessee law enforcement agencies and one Texas community (A list of the officers and the departments they represent is on page 2).

"The D.A.R.E program is important in the fight against drug use by young people," said Department of Safety Commissioner Fred Phillips. "Its success in keeping children and teens away from drugs is recognized across the United States , and around the world."

D.A.R.E. focuses on responsibility and resistance to peer pressure. It targets communication and refusal skills, decision-making skills and awareness about drugs and health. D.A.R.E. programs across Tennessee reach an estimated 50,000 children each year.

Tennessee Highway Patrol Colonel Lynn Pitts said, "D.A.R.E.'s success proves that early intervention helps keep kids away from drugs. The curriculum is demanding and comprehensive."

Since 1990, THP has conducted 34 D.A.R.E. Training Seminars in Nashville . The classes have prepared more than 1,000 officers to work with young people on drug education. Tennessee 's D.A.R.E. trainers are also called on regularly to conduct courses for other police agencies across the country, as well as abroad.

D.A.R.E. Roster
34th D.A.R.E. Officer Training Seminar
June 5 - 17, 2005

The Tennessee Department of Safety's mission is (www.tennessee.gov/safety) to ensure the safety and general welfare of the public. The department encompasses the Tennessee Highway Patrol, Office of Homeland Security and Driver License Services. General areas of responsibility include law enforcement, safety education, motorist services and terrorism prevention.