It's a program that a couple generations of students have taken part in and the tradition carries on in Clinton still.

Police Chief Ben Lowers now leads the DARE program in the Clinton School district after years of being led by retired-Chief Mike Reidy. Chief Lowers says they are right in the middle of the program currently.

The effectiveness of the DARE program has come under question and Chief Lowers says that has led some programs to fold. He notes that has led to a shift in the curriculum to fit the challenges kids today face.

When it comes to finding out how effective the DARE program is, Chief Lowers says if it helps one student stay off of drugs after the course, then it has served it's purpose.

Chief Lowers says there are six sixth grade classes in the district. Graduation for the DARE program is April 15.

Chief Lowers points out this is one of the many ways the Police Department is working to be more visible in the schools.