The DARE unit is comprised of Police Officers who work in the elementary and middle schools interacting with students and teaching the DARE and GREAT curriculums. "D.A.R.E." stands for Drug Abuse Resistance Education. The DARE program consists of a seventeen week program of lessons on the dangers of drugs, alcohol, tobacco and violence targeted at fifth and sixth graders.

"G.R.E.A.T." (Gang Resistance Education and Training) is a program on the dangers of gangs taught to middle school students. Over the course of the year, the Hialeah DARE Officers teach the program in sixteen elementary schools to approximately 5,000 students. Between classes the officers are always available to talk with students and offer limited guidance. The DARE officers enjoy the interaction with the students and believe their work has a positive impact on the lives of the students.