D.A.R.E. Drug Abuse Resistance Education
Drug Abuse Resistance Education is taught to fifth and sixth graders in private and Rockwood schools in the Ballwin Policing area. This is a ten week drug education program which focuses on identification, self-esteem, alternatives, and ways to say no to drugs. D.A.R.E. is a comprehensive educational program designed to prevent or reduce drug abuse, violence, and gang involvement among school-age children. Law Enforcement Officers appear in kindergarten through grade twelve at all schools, both Rockwood and Parkway, located in Ballwin and discuss safety matters requested by the school with D.A.R.E. objectives in mind.
Ballwin currently has two D.A.R.E. officers who teach in four elementary schools.
D.A.R.E. is a cooperative effort on the part of the police department, schools, and parents. D.A.R.E. began in 1983 at the Los Angeles Police Department and has grown to thousands of officers in all fifty states. D.A.R.E. is also taught in forty-four foreign countries. Much of what is taught is many of the same values and morals that parents convey to their children: Good decision making abilities, learning assertiveness, consequences of actions, resistance techniques, self-esteem issues, managing stress, and having positive role models in their lives. D.A.R.E. achieves these objectives by sharpening their skills and heightening their awareness of the potentials that exist now or in their future.
D.A.R.E. is the largest and most widely implemented drug and violence prevention program in the world. It has become recognized as a key element of community-based police efforts.
P.C. the Patrol Car
P.C. the Patrol Car is an innovative and effective new tool that the Ballwin Police Department uses to teach young children about certain safety issues.
This robotic talking car has been utilized very effectively in schools, mall exhibits, churches, and local fairs to promote child safety. Everywhere P.C. visits, he receives many hugs and kisses from all of his new small friends.
P.C. the Patrol Car would like to meet with your children. For more information on scheduling a presentation, you can contact the Ballwin Police Department’s Community Affairs Division at (636) 207-2351.
Tours of the Ballwin Police Department
Tours are offered Monday through Friday and can be scheduled at various times throughout the day. The tours last approximately 45 minutes and include Police Communications (911 System), the criminal processing and holding area, the squad room, the Ballwin Municipal Courtroom, and a police patrol vehicle. The Ballwin Police Department is also very happy to assist scouting groups with any of their required projects including fingerprinting.
They are taught how to use the Emergency 911 number, and are given a sampling of what is involved with the day-to-day operation of a Police Department.
To schedule a tour of the facility, you may contact the Ballwin Police Department’s Community Affairs Division at (636) 207-2351.
Safety for Children - Fingerprinting
Children in pre-school through 6th grade are fingerprinted in order to possibly identify a child if he or she may be abducted. This is done on a yearly basis with the parents retaining the fingerprint cards. (The Police Department will not keep any fingerprint card on a child.)
Hug-A-Bear Program
The Ballwin Police, in conjunction with AT&T, keep on hand a supply of stuffed handmade bears. When officers respond to a call in which a child was injured or traumatized, the child is given a Hug-A-Bear.
Buckle Bear
Buckle Bear is the Ballwin Police's mascot which pays visits to schools, day cares, churches, and day camps. Buckle Bear wears a set of seat belts to demonstrate to the public the importance of "Buckling up for safety".
Interactive 911 Simulator
On July 15, 2003, the Ballwin Police Department received a 911 simulator to be used when giving tours at the police station and for classroom presentations at local schools. 
By using the simulator’s telephone, a child participates in a question and answer dialogue with a realistic emergency operator. A 3-digit display shows the numbers that are dialed and two speakers allow other students to hear the phone conversation. The simulator is equipped with 7 pre-recorded messages which the instructor controls via a hand held button box.
Telephone Pioneers of America donated the 911 simulator to the Ballwin Police Department in memory of Harry C. Wangrow. Mr. Wangrow initiated the purchase of the 911 simulator prior to his death.
If you should have any questions concerning the 911 simulator or to schedule a tour or a classroom presentation, please contact the Community Affairs Division at (636) 207-2351.
Student Shadowing / Student Interns
The Ballwin Police are very supportive with those students trying to further pursue their career goals. The Ballwin Police work closely with the school districts, and when possible, will accept an intern to work at the Police Department. This not only fulfills a requirement for the student, but also it gives him or her the insight into their career choice of criminal justice.
