Over the years, the D.A.R.E. Program has shifted from solely being about drugs and alcohol, to aligning more with the everyday struggles of young people. 

Clinton Police Chief Ben Lowers told Regional Radio on the WHOW First Responders Road Tour Wednesday, that he and School Resource Officer Kody Mair are in week three of the D.A.R.E. program. The duo spends time with 5th graders in the Clinton School District to help them navigate topics like substance abuse and bullying. 

Chief Lowers finds one of the most important aspects of D.A.R.E to be what he and Officer Mair call humanizing the badge. Students participate in fun activities and the occasional moment of goofing off which helps them to build trust with local law enforcement.

It's often said that kids are great judges of character. Officer Mair reflects that sentiment by trying to be as real and relatable to his students as possible.

The 5th graders of Clinton School District will continue to work with Officer Mair and Chief Lowers in the coming weeks to learn how to stay away from drugs and alcohol, and how to handle the everyday challenges of being a kid.