Kennewick Police graduating 31st class of D.A.R.E students

KENNEWICK, Wash.-- In 1988, then Kennewick Police Officer Ken Hohenberg started up the Drug Abuse Resistance Education program in partnership with the Kennewick School District.

The agency spends several months teaching 5th graders at all 17 elementary schools, as well as at Bethlehem Lutheran and St. Joseph's, about the dangers of drugs and alcohol.

"It's just an opportunity for us to get in, teach the kids about drug and alcohol awareness, teach them good decision-making skills, and to create a positive relationship with law enforcement at a young age," said Lt. Aaron Clem with the Kennewick Police Department.

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, more than 6% of sixth graders surveyed nationally admitted to smoking pot in the past month. That number increases to 22% by 12th grade.

"The earlier you can start talking about things and presenting problems to children and let them know things they might face in the future, it's a good thing," Clem said. "And this is just an example of that."

This year, School Resource Officers at Park and Highlands Middle Schools have started teaching a companion D.A.R.E curriculum to sixth graders.