The 48th D.A.R.E. Officer Training School was conducted by the Louisiana D.A.R.E. Training Center, comprised of five veteran officers and one educator from various agencies statewide.

 

Each officer completed an 80-hour session focused on presentation skills, collaborative learning, classroom management, and facilitation techniques. Over two weeks, participants received specialized instruction on delivering evidence-based lessons that help students develop critical life skills, resist peer pressure, and make safe and responsible choices. The program emphasizes interactive teaching methods, student engagement, and fostering positive relationships between officers, schools, and communities.

 

Training included the D.A.R.E. Elementary “Keepin’ it…REAL,” the new Middle School “Keepin’ it…REAL” curriculum, and the High School “My Playbook” curriculum, which focuses on core social-emotional learning competencies such as responsible decision-making, effective communication, and building resilience.

 

“D.A.R.E. is more than a drug prevention program—it’s about giving young people the tools they need to make positive decisions throughout their lives,” said Captain Wendy Llorens, Retired. “The officers graduating from this training will not only serve as educators but also as mentors and role models in their communities.”

 

Sheriff Stuart Wright commented: “We are proud of Deputies Robertson, Severance, and Hamilton for completing this important training. Their commitment to educating and guiding our youth reflects the values of the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office and will make a meaningful difference in the lives of the students they serve.”

 

Since its establishment in 1983, the D.A.R.E. program has reached millions of students worldwide and continues to evolve with the latest research on prevention and education.

 

The NPSO Youth Services Division includes 13 certified School Resource Officers, nine of whom are certified D.A.R.E. instructors. These officers serve all elementary, junior high, and high schools within the city and parish of Natchitoches.

 

For more information about the D.A.R.E. program or to learn how schools can participate, please contact Captain Wendy Llorens, Retired; Mentor/Instructor/DARE Coordinator at 318-357-2239.

 

Pictured: Sgt. David Dorsey, Deputy Jamey Robertson, Deputy Breelyn Hamilton, Deputy Jonathan Severance, Cpt. Wendy Llorens, Chief Darrel Winder. Note: Sgt. David Dorsey served as Breelyn Hamilton’s D.A.R.E. Officer when she was in school.