DARE (Drug Abuse Resistance Education)

The Drug Abuse Resistance Education program is based on research which indicates that effective prevention instruction must focus on providing accurate information, coping and decision-making skills, and positive alternatives to substance abuse for our young people. The Helena Police Department's DARE program is a joint effort with the Lewis & Clark County Sheriff's Office.

Our current DARE Officer is Gerald LaChere. Officer Gerald LaChere was raised in Helena and graduated from Capital High School in 1999.  He spent 4 years after High School fighting wildfires.  Officer LaChere has a AAS in Fire Science/Protective Services from the U of M Helena and graduated from the Montana Law Enforcement Academy in June of 2004. 

Officer LaChere worked one year on patrol and then was placed into the Helena Housing Officer Position for two and a half years.  While in the Housing Authority position he became involved in the Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) and currently assists in training other CIT Officers.  In August of 2007 Officer LaChere was accepted as the City of Helena’s new D.A.R.E. Officer.  He received his D.A.R.E. training at the Wyoming Law Enforcement Academy and currently teaches D.A.R.E. classes at the local City of Helena Elementary Schools. 

Officer LaChere spends his free time with his large extended family in town.  He has a wife and two of his own children, but also has two nieces who currently live with him.