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 26 officers who completed the course represent 17 Tennessee law enforcement agencies, two Missouri communities and one Mississippi community.

"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 approximately 80% of all school systems, and an estimated 50,000 children each year.

THP Sergeant Leonard Moudy, Tennessee 's D.A.R.E. coordinator, 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 35 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.

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.

D.A.R.E. ROSTER
35 th D.A.R.E. Officer Training Seminar
November 27 - December 9, 2005