Those who have passed through the public education system in the last 30 years would likely recall graduating from the Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.) program. While the program’s main goal is to teach children about the dangers of substance abuse, some of the Dartmouth Police Department’s newest recruits said D.A.R.E. was their first interaction with cops and an inspiration to join the force.

“I used to do the D.A.R.E. program. That’s what got me started,” said Officer Joshua Luis, 23. “As I got older, my opinions never changed about police officers. I find it a respectful job.”

Luis and six others were sworn into the Dartmouth Police during Monday night’s Select Board meeting, bringing the police force up to 67. The seven officers are all Dartmouth residents who graduated together from Plymouth Police Academy on Aug. 21. They range in age from 23 to 31.

The 22-week program began in March, and the recruits were trained to handle everything from crisis negotiation to CPR training.

“It’s kind of militaristic,” said Luis. “The first week you’re in there, they’re screaming at you. They’re trying to weed out who can take the pressure. But then, eventually, it goes in to the classroom. We did criminal law, Constitutional law.”

“It’s a lot of information all at once, but they give you all the basics,” said Amanda Tavares, 31, who will be one of four female officers on the Dartmouth Police Department.

Tavares said her first interaction with cops was through the D.A.R.E. program, kickstarting her drive to become a cop.

“It’s what I’ve wanted to do ever since I was a kid, and I was ready to pursue it,” she said.

After the group was sworn in, Select Board Chair Shawn McDonald noted the rigors of the profession.

“You have chosen one of the most difficult jobs because you have to balance fairness, equity and the law,” said McDonald, adding that current public sentiment toward cops is especially critical. “For all intents and purposes, we are the commissioners, but we’re here to support you.”

McDonald also expressed thanks to the officers’ family members, of which there were about 20 in attendance, for supporting their loved ones as they enter a demanding profession.

Jessica Amaral, who attended the meeting to watch her 24-year-old brother, Justin Amaral, be sworn in, said she was proud of her sibling’s success. She also said his joining was a bit nerve-racking because of the stigma surrounding police officers.

“It’s something that I think about every day. I was 12 when Justin was born. He tells me things before he tells mom. He’s my best friend,” said Amaral. “He’s helped us with our goals, so we want to do the same for him.”

“It’s been a crazy 22 weeks, for sure,” Amaral added. “But they’ve all grown up. They have the resources and the tools now. The academy was worth it.”

Acting Police Chief Robert Szala said the new officers still had some work ahead of them. The seven officers will now enter 10 weeks of field training, where they will learn from their fellow officers, work on the three shifts and have exposure to all areas of the department, including courts and the 911 center. Sgt. Peter Canuel will head the field training program.

“They come in at a difficult time — not only in policing, but they come at a time in Dartmouth where we’re building manpower, we’re dealing with the building of a police station and leadership uncertainty,” said Chief Szala.

But, after being inspired by D.A.R.E., graduating from the academy and entering the 10-week field training program at the Dartmouth Police station, Officer Tavares is ready for her new career.

“I look forward to it,” she said. “I’m very excited to start.”