News Flash

Home - Spotlights

Posted on: April 25, 2023

Mayor Jack Dilles' Monthly Message

Jack Dilles Photo

Students face challenges beyond the pressure to succeed academically. Parents hear about many of these issues as their children move through middle school, high school and beyond. These challenges include peer pressure, drugs, harassment, bullying, discrimination and low self-esteem. How can we help our young people build self-confidence and deal with these pressures? One program that confronts such issues is the Scotts Valley Police Department’s D.A.R.E. program.  D.A.R.E. stands for Drug Abuse Resistance Education. 

At one time, D.A.R.E. focused mainly on drug and alcohol reduction education. Such programs disappeared in some communities, but D.A.R.E. has remained meaningful by evolving into a current wide-ranging program.  D.A.R.E.'s innovative and highly effective evidence-based curriculum was developed by Los Angeles Unified School District health education specialists. The D.A.R.E. vision is defined as a “world in which students everywhere are empowered to respect others and choose to lead lives free from violence, substance abuse, and other dangerous behaviors.” D.A.R.E. officers receive 80 hours of special training to be equipped with all the tools they need to teach this relevant course.

Recently, the Scotts Valley Police Department held D.A.R.E. graduation ceremonies honoring all fifth graders at Brook Knoll Elementary School, Vine Hill Elementary School and Baymonte Christian School. These events were attended by City Council Members, Police Chief Stephen Walpole, School Principals, fifth grade teachers, Police Department command staff, and many parents. Remarks were made by City Council Members, Chief Walpole, and Principals. School Resource Officer Patrick Ahrens talked about lessons learned by students and the rapport he developed with them. All students submitted essays as part of the program; and the best essays at each school were selected for recognition. These students read their essays aloud and were presented with medals by Officer Ahrens.  Lastly, teachers presented the students with their D.A.R.E. completion certificates. It was my great pleasure to attend and briefly speak at two of these events. (see photos below)

Officer Ahrens leads all Police Department school programs, including D.A.R.E. He has been serving Scotts Valley since 2017. He was born and raised locally and graduated from Scotts Valley High School. He also received a degree in Business Administration from San Jose State University. He taught all of the classes, encouraging students to think and write about challenges they are facing or might face in the future.  I could tell by listening that students paid attention and took the lessons to heart.  Students are lucky to have an officer of his caliber working for us. 

The Scotts Valley D.A.R.E. program provides our youth with the information and skills they need to live drug and violence-free lives. D.A.R.E. lessons focus on providing accurate information about alcohol and drugs, teaching students decision-making skills, and showing them how to resist peer pressure. D.A.R.E. officers give students ideas for alternatives to drug use and violence.  Through D.A.R.E., officers establish positive relationships between students and law enforcement, teachers, parents, and other community leaders.

 Scotts Valley residents are blessed to live in a community where our Police Department strives to teach our youth valuable lessons that will help them succeed in school and future life endeavors. 

The D.A.R.E. curriculum is open for review to any member of the community. For more information, please contact the Scotts Valley Police Department at (831) 440-5670, or visit dare.org. 

Baymonte D.A.R.E Graduation:
(photo credit:  SVPD)

Baymonte D.A.R.E. Graduation


Vine Hill D.A.R.E Graduation:
(photo credit:  SVPD)

Vine Hill D.A.R.E. Graduation


Brook Knoll D.A.R.E Graduation:
(photo credit:  SVPD)

Brook Knoll D.A.R.E. Graduation


Facebook Twitter Email

Other News in Home - Spotlights

News flash cover 10.31

New Staff Members

Posted on: October 31, 2023
Jack Dilles Photo

New Police Officers Join Scotts Valley

Posted on: October 11, 2023
Housing Element Image

Housing Element Update for 2023-2031

Posted on: September 21, 2023
City Hall plaque

Mayor Jack Dilles' Monthly Message

Posted on: August 15, 2023
City Hall sign

Mayor Jack Dilles' Monthly Message

Posted on: July 18, 2023
Hocus Pocus Park Playground

Mayor Jack Dilles' Monthly Message

Posted on: June 21, 2023
Picture of Allan Timms, Donna Lind, Chris Lamm, Jack Dilles, Derek Timm, and Randy Johnson

Mayor Jack Dilles' Monthly Message

Posted on: June 6, 2023
CruzAware logo

CruzAware Launch Press Release

Posted on: June 6, 2023
A5A9AF24-04C3-4011-87AC-51A51A25303D_1_102_a

Mayor Jack Dilles' Monthly Message

Posted on: March 28, 2023
Jack Dilles Photo

Mayor Jack Dilles' Monthly Message

Posted on: March 22, 2023
Jack Dilles Photo

Mayor Jack Dilles' Monthly Message

Posted on: January 24, 2023