The mission of the DARE program is to provide drug awareness and crime prevention education to students in 11 rural schools and 3 middle and high schools residing in Clinton County. This program is administered by the DARE Officer who's primary responsibility, in addition to education programs, is to provide a vehicle for positive interaction between school students and law enforcement officers. It is designed to build trust and mutual respect between them. In Clinton County the DARE Officer also acts as the School Reserve Officer. Their responsibilities involve aiding in the implementation and development of programs to assist "at risk" youth. Overall, the DARE Officer takes a "community policing" approach by utilizing all venues of prevention including community, family, schools, juvenile courts and other social agencies.