Supporters blindsided by suspension of D.A.R.E. program
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Las Vegas, NV (KTNV)- A lot of parents are crying foul saying they were blindsided by a decision to cut the D.A.R.E. program from Clark County Schools. It's getting heated between strong supporters of the program, and while they fight to get dare bac Video by ktnv.com
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Las Vegas, NV (KTNV) -- A lot of parents are crying foul saying they were blindsided by a decision to cut the D.A.R.E. program from Clark County Schools. It's getting heated between strong supporters of the program, and while they fight to get dare back in schools others are looking for temporary solutions.
Community members in Metro's jurisdiction are confused about the recent decision to suspend the popular D.A.R.E. program at Clark County Schools.
"He never told the Clark County School District or the police that he was cutting the program," says Rose Moore, an advocate for the program.
In a video released by Metro the sheriff says the decision came in order to get D.A.R.E. officers back on the street.
"I'm very worried about the budget situation we're faced with and the service level that we provide," says Sheriff Doug Gillespie.
"With that component now absent, we'll have to pick it up at the area command level," says Capt. Tom Roberts with Metro.
At a community outreach event Friday night officers and several other charitable and faith based agencies met at Molasky Family Park near Cambridge Street and Twain Avenue. The goal was to let a troubled community see officers in a positive light.
"Those kids are important. They're the future of our community and we need to be involved," says Capt. Roberts.
Along with officers organizations like the Solutions Foundation hope to fill in the gap left by the suspended D.A.R.E. program.
"It's really unfortunate that DARE lost its funding or is no longer there for the community, but there are other programs," says Shannon Brett with the Solutions Foundation adding that they will have to step things up.
Passionate supporters of the program say in the long run suspending D.A.R.E. could back fire on Metro.
"With this program we get more information about drugs, alcohol, violence, bullying from the kids they have in the programs.That's where they're getting their information," says Moore.
Mrs. Moore is organizing a march Saturday in front of Metro headquarters from 11am to 1pm. She's asking people to show up wearing their D.A.R.E. shirts.
More information on the Solutions Foundations can be found here.
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