D.A.R.E., which stands for Drug Abuse Resistance Education, is a 16 week program. The program is taught by a uniformed Police Officer, in the exit grade (5th or 6th) of elementary school. Children are taught life skills which will help them to make the correct decisions concerning drugs and violence. The D.A.R.E. Officer regularly visits K-4th classes as well. The Marion Police Department teaches the D.A.R.E. program at Marion Elementary and Junior High D.A.R.E. at East McDowell Junior High School.