Launched in 1983, D.A.R.E. is a comprehensive K-12 prevention education program taught in thousands of schools in America, as well as many other countries.  Taught by highly trained law enforcement officers, D.A.R.E. Education Programs deliver science/evidence-based curricula that teach students good decision-making skills that will help them lead safe and healthy lives and cope with high risk circumstances including drugs, alcohol, violence, bullying, and internet safety.

Since its earliest beginning, D.A.R.E. has been a highly decentralized program building upon its strong foundation of collaboration at the local level between school districts and educators, law enforcement agencies and their officers, and families and students.  Today, it’s the largest program of its kind that also develops and reinforces school and community-based prevention and community-oriented policing.

Colfax County DARE was established in 2025 and is taught by Colfax County Sgt. James Palensky #9438.