The California mayor and police department are working with school officials to get a Drug Abuse Resistance Education program back into the California Area School District.

They hope it could happen as early as this fall.

Police Chief Richard Encapera and patrolman Wesley Sheets recently completed DARE training. Patrolman Timothy Sheehan completed it earlier.

Founded in 1983 in Los Angeles, DARE is a private, nonprofit organization that aims to teach school children to avoid drugs, gangs and violence.

"We are committed to this effort," said Mayor Casey Durdines. "Education combined with strict enforcement of the law are key elements in keeping our community and our children safe from the dangers of drugs."

The anti-drug program hasn't been in California Area schools for about three years since two DARE-certified officers left the department.

"The program was well-received in the past," Chief Encapera said in a telephone interview. "The school district has been receptive" to the idea of reinstituting the program.

Geared primarily to elementary school students, DARE is made up of 12 one-hour lessons, the chief said.

Patrolman Sheets, one of two officers assigned to the California Area schools as a resource officer, would be the primary instructor for all DARE programs at the school, Mayor Durdines said.

"Officer Sheets is currently working with the school district administration to work the DARE program into the curriculum," the mayor said.