The Attorney General for the State of Ohio, the Ohio Association of Police, and the Ohio Department of Education have combined resources to bring D.A.R.E. to Ohio to prevent drug abuse by school age youth. D.A.R.E. is a kindergarten through eighth grade curriculum, with a primary emphasis in the fifth and sixth grades, just before the children are most likely to begin experimenting with drugs or/and alcohol. The lessons focus on techniques for resisting peer pressure, making decisions and problem solving; students are also challenged to consider the consequences for their actions and to consider healthy alternatives to drug use.

          In November of 1990, the Elyria Police Department made a commitment to D.A.R.E. and the Elyria City School System by having Officer Rick Valentik complete 40 hours of D.A.R.E. training. Officer Valentik presented the first D.A.R.E. class in the Elyria City Schools in November of 1990 and March of 1991. Beginning in March of 1991 until June 1991, D.A.R.E. was presented to six Elyria Schools and two parochial schools.

          Officer Rick Valentik presented the D.A.R.E. curriculum until May of 1993 when Officer George E. Wakeman was assigned to the position. He was trained as a D.A.R.E. officer in 1993 and conducted classes in eight public schools and two parochial schools. In April of 1994, Officer Bob Brandal was trained as a second D.A.R.E. officer and began teaching in September of 1994. In the fall of 1996, Officer Wandra Ward was trained as a third D.A.R.E. Officer and began teaching in January of 1997. The D.A.R.E. program is currently maintained by Officer Wandra Ward.

         The D.A.R.E. program consistently receives excellent reviews from the school system and from the community. The D.A.R.E. program is made possible by the funding provided with the passage of the police levy by the citizens of Elyria and a grant from the Ohio Attorney General's Office. Their support and assistance is vital and has made this improvement in police services possible.