Opioid Remediation Education “keepin’ it REAL”
Las Cruces Police Department was allocated $175,000 for the training, development, and implementation of a D.A.R.E. keepin’ it REAL Program in Las Cruces Public Schools. The new curriculum is based on the Socio-Emotional Learning Theory. It teaches kids more than just saying no to drugs, it teaches them life skills such as self awareness, responsible decision making, understanding others, relationship and communication skills, dealing with stress/peer pressure, and dealing with bullying. The curriculum is an evidence-based program and has been recommended by the Surgeon General, Scientific American Magazine, the President’s 2017 Commission on Combatting Drug Addiction and the Opioid Crisis, the National Institute of Justice, the California Healthy Kid Resource Center, and the United Nations.
During School Year 2025-2026, four School Resource Officers were trained to implement the curriculum. Programs were implemented at three elementary schools including Sonoma Ranch Elementary, Central Elementary, and Conlee Elementary. Four more officers were trained in July 2026, and more will be in the near future.
