The Mesquite Police Department, in a cooperative effort with the Mesquite Independent School District, has made available, to the 5th grade elementary school students, a preventative program entitled Law Enforcement Teaching Students. The program is designed to enhance the student’s basic knowledge of the dangers of drug use. However, the unit focuses on topics such as building a positive self concept, developing sound decision making skills, and recognizing and coping with peer pressure.

The L.E.T.S. Program is taught by M.I.S.D. teachers along with two Mesquite Police Officers who are assigned full time to the program during the school year. A team teaching approach allows each member to contribute unique skills and experience to the lessons. There are many teaching methods used to enhance the program from class discussion, role play, puzzles and competitive games. The students are encouraged to participate. Three one-hour lessons are given by the teacher and six one-hour lessons are given by the officer.

The program is conducted at 30 elementary schools, and is taught to almost three thousand 5th grade students. The 5th grade was chosen in an effort to reach students before they have experimented with drugs and alcohol.

Officers, along with conducting the program, also spend time with the students at lunch, recess and other school activities. This is an effort to establish a positive officer-student relationship. The students receive, during the program, pencil, note pad and eraser with the “Let’s Be Drug Free” logo. These are given to remind students of the program, and things they have learned.