MEMPHIS, Tenn. — More than 900 Memphis and Shelby County kids are saying “no” to drugs, gangs, bullying and peer pressure.
A huge DARE graduation was held today at Cummings Street Baptist Church.
WREG’s Katie Rufener was there to talk police and students about how this program is helping to tackle the drugs and violence epidemic in Memphis.
Kids are just saying no.
“I’ve learned not to do drugs, to say no to complete with volume levels that could rival any rock show,” Amaya Carter of Oak Forest Elementary said.
Also joining the students were their Memphis Police DARE officers and Police Director Mike Rallings.
“A lot of these young people don’t have the role models they need,” Rallings said. “I’m so proud of our police officers that have been teaching the DARE program, that have been mentoring kids for many, many years.”
Kids say the program teaches them how to handle tough situations and peer pressure.
“It’s just really bullying in fifth grade and fighting,” Amaya said.
And in a city plagued by drug addiction and violence, intervention at a young age is critical.
“The officers come and allow them to role play so that they can learn to make good decisions,” school counselor Schevonda Hunt said.
The Memphis Police Departmet reports it’s already made more than 1,800 drug-related arrests this year.
But with the lessons DARE taught them in mind, these kids said they’ll be staying out of trouble and doing their part to make Memphis a better place.
“I’ve always wanted to influence people to do the right thing and just keep on the right path,” Amaya said.
Rallings said it’s also a great opportunity for kids to establish relationships with their local police officers.
