The fifth-grade students at Clinton Elementary School are going through the DARE program right now.

On the WHOW Morning Show Wednesday, Clinton Police Chief Ben Lowers told Regional Radio the annual program puts local police in the classrooms with all sorts of lessons.

DARE began in 1983 in Los Angeles and was brought to Clinton in the early 90s by now Sheriff Mike Walker. Chief Lowers says many adults now probably remember the messages geared towards avoiding drugs and alcohol but the program has evolved to meet the challenges kids today face.

Chief Lowers believes the program is valuable not only in the lessons that students are learning but also in the positive interactions they have with the students. He says it is beneficial to have law enforcement show kids they are people just like them.

Adding a wrinkle to this year's DARE program is School Resource Officer Mike Bennett is co-teaching his last DARE classes before he retires. Chief Lowers praises Officer Bennett's presence and chemistry with the kids.

The DARE program allows students the opportunity to ask questions anonymously that may be happening in the classroom or at home.