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| COMBAT-Supported Law Enforcement School-Based Initiatives |
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Blue Springs Police IMPACT
The Blue Springs Police Department (BSPD) IMPACT program is a proactive educational initiative designed to enrich the lives of elementary students by teaching and reinforcing core values of integrity, responsibility, and respect. This program is actively delivered in the R-4 school district and three private elementary schools, reaching over 1,200 students annually. It aims to build strong, positive relationships among students, teachers, parents, and law enforcement to help prevent drug abuse and other risky behaviors. IMPACT equips students with essential life skills and tools that empower them to make positive choices within their homes, schools, and communities. Recognizing the diverse challenges children face today, the program meets students where they are, providing encouragement, education, and practical strategies to navigate difficult situations confidently.
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Buckner Police
The objective of this program includes: 1) Preparing students to act decisively in refusing offers to use drugs. 2) Helping students recognize risks and avoid drug-related, and violent situations. 3) Building strong decision-making, planning, communication, and assertive refusal skills. 4) Empowering youth to value their own perceptions and feelings and make choices that support drug-free values, and avoiding violent situations. 5) Fostering positive relationships between local law enforcement, youth, and parents of youth in an effort to build community support and trust. D.A.R.E believes that if you can teach youth to make safe and responsible decisions, it will guide them to healthy choices, not only about drugs, but across all parts of their lives. As they grow to be responsible citizens, they will lead healthier and more productive drug- and violence-free lives.
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Grandview Police
The DARE (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) curriculum is a structured, evidence-based program designed to educate students about substance abuse prevention while building essential life skills. Delivered over a 10-week period, the program equips young people with the knowledge, confidence, and strategies they need to resist drugs and make positive decisions. The curriculum consists of 10 lessons, each lasting between 40 to 45 minutes. These lessons are thoughtfully crafted to engage students actively in the learning process. Using a variety of teaching methods—including group discussions, role-plays, pair activities, and interactive games—DARE encourages meaningful interaction both among students and between students and instructors. Each lesson follows a clear outline, supported by activity sheets and homework assignments that reinforce the skills learned in class.
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Independence Police STEP
The STEP (Student Transition Empowerment Program) is a targeted initiative designed to support 6th and 8th grade students as they navigate key educational milestones—from elementary to middle school and middle to high school. Recognizing these transitions can be challenging and stressful, STEP equips students with essential life skills to manage these changes successfully and thrive academically and socially. The STEP program was developed in response to a nationwide shift away from traditional substance abuse prevention programs like DARE, which were found to be less effective. Research highlighted that students transitioning between school levels faced unique pressures and lacked the coping skills to handle everyday challenges. STEP fills this gap by focusing specifically on these transitional phases, ensuring students are better prepared for the changes ahead. STEP’s primary goals are centered on fostering resilience and positive decision-making in students.
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Jackson County Sheriff Junior Deputy Academy
The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office Junior Deputy Academy is dedicated to educating 5th grade students about the serious dangers posed by vaping—a public health crisis that has rapidly emerged as one of the most significant threats to youth in the past decade. With the goal of slowing and eventually stopping the teen vaping epidemic, the program seeks to prevent young children from beginning to use flavored e-cigarettes such as JUUL, Blu, and other popular vape pens. Raising Awareness About Vaping & Its Effects The Junior Deputy Academy focuses on increasing student awareness of the health risks associated with vaping. Participants learn how vaping affects the body, including the dangers of second-hand smoke, which can be just as harmful as directly vaping. The program emphasizes the serious correlation between vaping and cancer, dispelling myths that e-cigarettes are safer than traditional tobacco products.
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Lee's Summit Police IMPACT
The LSPD IMPACT curriculum is an impactful educational initiative offered in the Lee’s Summit R-7 and Blue Springs R-4 School Districts, as well as Our Lady of Presentation Parochial School. Tailored to meet the developmental needs of students in 2nd, 4th, 5th, and 7th grades, the program aims to enrich young lives by teaching and promoting core values such as integrity, responsibility, respect, and prevention. The IMPACT Program’s primary goal is to educate and empower students to make thoughtful, effective decisions about drug, alcohol, and tobacco use. By providing age-appropriate lessons, the curriculum prepares students to recognize the dangers associated with these substances and equips them with the skills to resist and refuse offers confidently. The program also focuses on emotional intelligence, teaching students how to manage their feelings and use de-escalation techniques to avoid conflicts before they escalate.
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Lone Jack Police Mighty Mules
The Mighty Mules Program is a dynamic, interactive curriculum designed to engage students directly with law enforcement officers in the classroom. This unique approach fosters positive relationships, lending credibility to important lessons about substance abuse prevention and personal safety. Delivered over nine weeks, the program includes nine lessons, each lasting 40 to 45 minutes. These lessons utilize diverse teaching methods such as group work, pair discussions, and fun, hands-on activities that encourage active student participation. The curriculum also features videos produced by youth, showcasing real stories that resonate with students and deepen their understanding of the material. Each lesson is carefully structured with clear outlines, activity instructions, and homework assignments that reinforce key concepts.
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Oak Grove Police
The DARE (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) curriculum is a well-established, interactive program designed to connect students with law enforcement officers in a classroom setting. This direct interaction builds positive relationships and reinforces the importance of substance abuse prevention through credible, relatable lessons. The DARE curriculum consists of 10 lessons delivered over a 10-week period, with each lesson lasting 40 to 45 minutes. These sessions incorporate a variety of teaching methods, including group work, role-plays, pair discussions, and games, to encourage active student participation. Lessons feature videos produced by youth, sharing real-life stories that enhance understanding and engagement. Each lesson is supported by clear outlines, activity sheets, homework assignments, and teacher notes to ensure structured and effective learning.
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2025 Totals |
8 Programs
$1,290,500
6,728 Students
To Be Served
Success Stories |
Agencies receiving COMBAT funding can submit their "success stories" using the this form.