D.A.R.E. was founded in 1983 in Los Angeles and has proven so successful that it is now being implemented in 75 percent of our nation's school districts and in more than 43 countries around the world. DARE places a trained, uniformed officer in the classroom to work with students.  The course work, which emphasizes self-esteem and resisting peer pressure, helps students understand the consequences of using drugs, tobacco and alcohol, and live productive drug and violence-free lives.
 
The D.A.R.E. curriculum is designed to be taught by police officers whose training and experience give them the background needed to answer the sophisticated questions often posed by young students about drugs and crime. Prior to entering the D.A.R.E. program, officers undergo 80 hours of special training in areas such as child development, classroom management, teaching techniques, and communication skills.

Presidential administrations, governors, members of congress, and state legislators have praised D.A.R.E. Since 1988, Presidential Proclamation declares one day each year National D.A.R.E. Day. State legislatures have joined with the President and Congress by proclaiming D.A.R.E. Day within their respective states.

D.A.R.E. goes beyond traditional drug abuse and violence prevention programs. It gives children the skills needed to recognize and resist the subtle and overt pressures that cause them to experiment with drugs or become involved in gangs or violent activities.

Presently, the Medina County Sheriff's Office has three DARE Officers: Deputy Sharon Centner, Deputy Jeff Kulbis and Deputy Robert Locher.

Funding for the Medina County Sheriff's Office D.A.R.E Program is provided by the Medina County Drug Abuse Commission (MCDAC), which receives it's monies from the "Anti-Drug Levy".