Dubuque Police Department’s D.A.R.E. program receives D.R.A. Grant

Date: 10/16/18
Contacts: Lieutenant Joe Messerich, (563) 589-4473
                  Assistant Chief Jeremy Jensen, (563) 589-4444

Officer Rick Fullmer, The Dubuque Police Department’s D.A.R.E. Coordinator thanks the Dubuque Racing Association for the $2,600 grant recently given to the organization. 

In cooperation with the Dubuque Police Protective Association, the Dubuque Police Department’s D.A.R.E. program received the funds to create a “Hidden in Plain Sight Room.”  The Hidden in Plain Sight Room is a concept that is used by drug prevention programs to bring awareness to parents, educators, caregivers, and community members of the trends in drug culture. The "room" consists of two walls and furniture that would typically be found in a bedroom.  D.A.R.E. Instructors will then place various drug related items around the room. These items consist of: paraphernalia used to ingest drugs, containers used to conceal drugs, products used to manufacture drugs, and clothing and posters used to promulgate the acceptance of drug culture and use.  

Often drug use is hidden by using items that mimic products and containers that would typically not draw attention.  Using a pop bottle or a snack container with a hidden compartment for example.  The Hidden in Plain Sight Room presentation helps to bring some of those tactics to light and provides attendees with an overview of various drug and alcohol related products that are available on the market.   

It is hoped that this presentation will provide attendees with the information they need to help determine if the person they are concerned about is experimenting with or using drugs and alcohol. Early intervention is vital to help prevent the negative consequences of drug use and underage alcohol consumption like unsafe or risky decision-making, vehicle accidents, and drug and/or alcohol dependence.

If you are interested in the Hidden in Plain Sight presentation, please contact Ofc. Rick Fullmer at 563-589-7862 or by email at Rfullmer@cityofdubuque.org.