OTTAWA — The Ottawa Police Department’s DARE program is in its 25th year this year. Police Chief Dennis Butler said the DARE summer camp remains one of the most popular parts of the anti-substance abuse program for fifth-graders. The DARE program was the highlight of this morning’s Ottawa Police Foundation breakfast. Gracie Chappell, who attended last summer’s DARE camp, was introduced at the breakfast. She said it was a wonderful experience and a great way to end the summer. The Ottawa Police Foundation raises money for the DARE program and other needs for the Ottawa Police Department. Butler said one of his priorities and which would be funded by the foundation, would be to attain national accreditation for the Ottawa Police Department. Butler said he’s started the process but it could take several years. Accreditation requires a high level of training and professional conduct, he said. Nationally-accredited departments tend to have fewer complaints from the public, have fewer incidents involving force and their cities have lower liability insurance rates, he said.
Monday, May 6, 1 p.m.
