To Resist Drugs And Violence
Officer Bruce Bowden
D.A.R.E.
A
simple acronym with a big message.
Drug
Abuse Resistance Education
D.A.R.E
teaches our children that popularity can be found in positive behavior, that
belonging need not require them to abandon their values, that self-confidence
and self-worth come from asserting themselves and resisting destructive
temptations. D.A.R.E. teaches them
not just that they should refuse drugs and alcohol, but how to do so.
D.A.R.E.
gives our children the tools they need to build a better, fuller, more
satisfying life. By getting the
message from a street-wise police officer—one who’s been out there, one who
knows how drugs and alcohol can destroy lives—kids take that message
seriously.
And, by getting to kids
when they’re most vulnerable to social pressure—when they’re 9, 10, and 11
years old or sooner—D.A.R.E. helps them build the willpower and the belief in
themselves that they’ll need to stay on track as they forge their futures.
HISTORY OF THE PROGRAM
The D.A.R.E. program was
created in 1983 as a joint venture of the Los Angeles Police Department, under
Chief Daryl Gates and the Los Angeles Unified School District.
The overwhelming success caused the D.A.R.E. program to be expanded into
all 50 states, and thousands of communities worldwide.
In 1994, the Peabody
School Committee saw a need and wanted to bring D.A.R.E. to the Peabody schools.
School Committeeman Michael Garabedian brought the idea to Chief Champagne who
wholeheartedly endorsed the program. Officer
Manuel Costa was selected to initiate the program in Peabody and he was sent to
“D.A.R.E. Officer Training” (D.O.T.). Upon
certification, Officer Costa introduced the program to all eight of the Peabody
elementary schools and St. John’s school, as well.
The D.A.R.E. program was accepted with great success.
OFFICER BRUCE BOWDEN
In 1996, Officer Bruce Bowden was selected to take over the D.A.R.E. program. Officer Bowden is a proud graduate of the Peabody public school system and graduated from Northeastern University, with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice. He then earned his Master of Science Degree from Anna Maria College. He earned his “D.A.R.E. Instructor” certification in August of 1996, and has been enthusiastically teaching D.A.R.E. to hundreds of Peabody school children since. He has and continues to attend numerous workshops and educational programs, allowing him to stay up to date. He is currently qualified to teach D.A.R.E. in both elementary and middle schools.
Officer Bowden is the Post Advisor for the Peabody Police Law Enforcement Explorer Post# 1212. Officer Bowden is married and has two daughters. His background, training and experience allows him to share numerous real-life situations with his students, to help them better understand the meaning of consequences.
D.A.R.E. works because it gives the students straight talk and conversation, with someone who becomes a friend, a confidant and ally. It leaves a lasting impression on kids and their families. And more.
D.A.R.E. Officers want the student's futures to be bright, secure, healthy and safe. And most of all, to succeed. D.A.R.E. Officers care about the student's ability to cope with the challenges of life, their capacity to resist the negative influences around them and to focus instead on their strengths and their potential.
The Peabody Police Department and the Peabody School Department are but two members of the partnership needed to help D.A.R.E. achieve its promise. The other, and most important partners in this effort are the children's parents. All of us, working together, can save this nation's most vital resource, our children.
Let's D.A.R.E. to win!
D.A.R.E. Summer Day Camp Program
The Summer Day Camp Program has been developed through the Essex County District Attorney Kevin Burke's Office. Fourth grade students about to enter the fifth grade may choose one of two weeks during the month of August. The Summer program is full of activities and events that mix fun with drug awareness and prevention. The students are shown alternatives - things they can do other than use drugs. The D.A.R.E. Officers give the students tools to work with - decision making skills and confidence.
Above is the Peabody Police Department's D.A.R.E. car. It is a 1998 Ford Mustang GT with a 4.6 liter engine. It was designed to promote our Department's philosophy of DRUG ABUSE RESISTANCE EDUCATION.
The car was financially sponsored through the courtesy of the following local businesses and also through the assets seized from those persons arrested for drug violations.
The Peabody Police Department wishes to express our great thanks to these fine business organizations.
D.A.R.E. Links
Massachusetts D.A.R.E. Officers' Association