Bossier Sheriff’s Office Unveils New D.A.R.E Car

The Bossier Parish Sheriff's Office has a new car that's all decked out to promote its D.A.R.E (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) program.  

Sheriff Julian Whittington unveiled it today at W.T. Lewis Elementary School in Bossier City.

The 2014 Chevy Camaro was purchased with nearly $23,000 from seized drug money and the sale of seized drug-related items.  That money was awarded to the Bossier Parish Sheriff's Office by the Bossier/Webster District Attorney's Office.

Sheriff Whittington, who's a former D.A.R.E. officer himself, said, "We want the community to see that we're taking drugs off the street and we're investing the seized money back into the community by educating our young people about the dangers associated with drug use."

The D.A.R.E program stands for Drug Abuse Resistance Education.  It's been taught to fifth graders in all Bossier Parish elementary schools since 1990.  Last year, Sheriff Whittington expanded it to all Bossier Parish middle schools.  It teaches the dangers of drugs as well as alcohol and tobacco.  It also teaches self-awareness, responsible decision-making, understanding others, relationship and communication skills, and handling responsibilities and challenges.