Community Service Focus (1980-Present)

    "Say no to drugs!" This well-known phrase was coined by the Drug Abuse Resistance Education Program (DARE). Many cities across the nation have implemented the DARE program into school districts. The Cedar Falls DARE program began in 1988. This program had limited beginnings, but has expanded rapidly over the past eleven years. In 1988, sixth graders were the only students who were able to take advantage of the DARE program in Cedar Falls. By 1992, the DARE program had expanded to all grade levels in Cedar Falls’ junior high schools. The CFPD was also given credit for creating Iowa’s mascot for the DARE program. "DAREN the Lion" makes visits to all local schools and special activities to help push the message of the DARE program.

    The Cedar Falls Police Department also established two specially trained units to deal with specific areas of law enforcement. The Major Incident Response Team (MIRT) and the Hostage Negotiation Team (HNT) were developed in 1983 to handle non-routine police situations. This includes suicides, hostage incidents, and any other problems that a regular police officer cannot handle. The members of these teams require special certification and extensive training. In 1998, members of the MIRT and HNT received 720 hours of training.

    The other specialized team that the police division is proud to have on patrol is the canine patrol (K-9s), "man’s best friend." These unique members of the CFPD offer a number of added capabilities to the department. The two canines have thorough training in narcotics detection, building searches, and offensive tactics. At the time of this writing, the department uses a specially equipped Ford Explorer for the transportation of their canine units, "Bohdi" and "Ciro."