S.T.A.R.T. PROGRAM

The S.T.A.R.T. Unit focuses on providing quality prevention education to students within the county.

Substance Tobacco Alcohol Resistance Training (S.T.A.R.T.) is a comprehensive and adaptable substance abuse prevention curriculum for fifth- and sixth-grade students. Over nine classes, students learn about critical issues facing youth today, such as tobacco, alcohol, illicit drugs, bullying and cyberbullying, peer pressure, and citizenship. All classes are led by School Resource Officers who utilize a combination of instructional strategies for student engagement, including interactive learning, lectures, writing prompts, group exercises, and peer-led discussions. Each lesson is focused on helping students understand positive and negative decision-making and providing them with the tools necessary to confidentially express the program’s motto: 
“Start by saying NO!” 

Unlike other prevention programs, S.T.A.R.T. was created by SCCPD law enforcement professionals with contributions from the St. Charles County Health Department, St. Charles County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, Digital Futures Initiative, and other community partners. The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office partnered with SCCPD to introduce S.T.A.R.T. to all Lincoln County school districts in 2022.

For more information on the S.T.A.R.T. program, contact Lt. Amy Tippett at atippett@sccmo.org.