Drug Abuse Resistance Education, (D.A.R.E) has been taught in the City of West Jordan for more than fifteen years and many of the early graduates now have children of their own. On the average, 1,550 sixth grade students are taught to avoid harmful drugs, violence, and gangs.

D.A.R.E. officers take a two-week instructor's course to familiarize themselves with the material taught in the classroom. They also attend D.A.R.E conferences for additional training with D.A.R.E. officers from around the world.

Detective Don Hoffman teaches D.A.R.E.at the following elementary schools: Copper Canyon, Jordan Hills, Majestic, Mountain Shadows, Oakcrest, Riverside, Westland, and Westvale. Detective Hoffman can be contacted at 801-256-2089.

Detective Paul Jacobson teaches D.A.R.E. at the following elementary schools: Columbia, Falcon Ridge, Hayden Peak, Heartland, Jim Bridger, Oquirrh, Terra Linda and West Jordan. Detective Jacobson can be contacted at 801-256-2145.

D.A.R.E. officers and students enjoy use of a black 1999 Pontiac Trans Am. It is fully equipped with police lights and siren. This machine is very fast and beautiful. This vehicle was seized from a local drug dealer because the vehicle was found to contain methamphetamine and a large amount of cash. It has since been custom painted and is now the official D.A.R.E. vehicle for the West Jordan Police Department.

The D.A.R.E. program teaches students how to avoid the dangers and hazards facing young children today (i.e. harmful drugs, gangs and violence).  These same principles can be used and even re-taught to their children.  Also taught in class is the building of self-esteem, good decision-making skills, and positive alternatives to drugs and violence. Most of the instruction involves role-playing and skits that are performed by our students.