D.A.R.E. is the premier youth prevention education program of the Blacksburg Police Department. Taught at the elementary school level, D.A.R.E. serves to educate fifth grade students about the dangers of drugs and violence.

The curriculum examines appropriate ways in which the student may effectively resist peer pressure, handle stress, make good decisions about risky behaviors, and discover positive alternatives to drug use. D.A.R.E. also helps the student to recognize the importance of self-esteem and understand the consequences of drug use and violence. The D.A.R.E. core curriculum is taught at the fifth grade level; however visits to students in grades K-4 may also be conducted.