DEA Champions 2025 Red Ribbon Campaign

WASHINGTON – Forty years after the death of DEA Special Agent Enrique ‘Kiki’ Camarena, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration continues to honor his legacy by supporting the nation’s largest drug prevention initiative—the Red Ribbon Campaign—throughout the month of October.

“The ultimate sacrifice made by Special Agent Enrique ‘Kiki’ Camarena inspires the men and women of DEA to continue our critical mission with unwavering determination. In order to win this battle, we must fight it together,” said DEA Administrator Terrance Cole. “Drug prevention is a critical and powerful tool that enhances knowledge and builds resilience. The Red Ribbon Campaign – the nation’s largest and longest drug prevention campaign – reminds us that a healthy, drug-free lifestyle can build a safer, stronger America for generations to come.”

This year’s Red Ribbon theme is “Life is a Puzzle, Solve it Drug Free,” highlighting how living a drug-free lifestyle helps build a stronger and brighter future, one piece at a time.

October is a cornerstone for DEA’s efforts around drug prevention, education, and community outreach. Through a unified focus on fentanyl enforcement, public awareness initiatives, and the National Prescription Drug Take Back Campaign, DEA works tirelessly throughout the month to promote community safety and encourage healthy, drug-free lifestyles.

DEA’s 2025 Virtual National Red Ribbon Rally is now live on www.dea.gov. The Red Ribbon Rally will be available throughout the month on demand at www.DEA.gov/redribbon and www.getsmartaboutdrugs.com.

The Virtual National Red Ribbon Rally includes remarks by DEA Administrator Terrance Cole; a musical performance by students from Center Stage Academy for the Arts in Clinton, Maryland; Color Guards from DC’s Young Marines and ChalleNGe Academy in Maryland; remarks from country music artists on the dangers of counterfeit pills; inspirational remarks from NFL Pro Football Hall of Famer and former Baltimore Raven Ray Lewis, and several scout troops from around the country discussing the Red Ribbon Patch Program. The winners of DEA’s 2025 Community Drug Prevention Awards and Visual Arts Contest will be announced, and viewers will learn many ways schools, community organizations, and families can get involved in this year’s Red Ribbon Campaign.

Every year, DEA recognizes October 23 through October 31 as Red Ribbon Week, which offers a great opportunity for parents, teachers, educators, and community organizations to raise awareness about substance misuse. In addition to our heightened outreach and awareness efforts you will see DEA #GoRedforKiki to honor Special Agent Camarena’s life and legacy.

Red Ribbon Week began in 1985 in Kiki’s hometown of Calexico, California, and quickly gained momentum across the state and then across the rest of the country. The National Family Partnership turned Red Ribbon Week into a national drug awareness campaign, an eight-day event proclaimed by the U.S. Congress and chaired by then President and Mrs. Reagan.  Every year since, Red Ribbon Week has been celebrated in schools and throughout communities.

October is also recognized as National Substance Use Prevention Month by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). As part of Red Ribbon Week, DEA and SAMHSA are sponsoring the 10th Annual Red Ribbon Campus Video PSA Contest. Last year’s winners and information on how campuses can submit a PSA can be found at www.campusdrugprevention.gov/psacontest.

DEA is also a co-sponsor of the National Family Partnership’s annual Red Ribbon Week Photo Contest. More information is available at www.redribbon.org.

Empowering Youth through G.R.E.A.T. Program Graduation

PHILADELPHIA — Special Agent in Charge Eric DeGree of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives’ Philadelphia Field Division proudly announced today the graduation of students from Tacony Charter Academy who have successfully completed the Gang Resistance Education and Training (G.R.E.A.T.) program. This graduation marks a significant achievement in fostering essential life skills and positive relationships between law enforcement and local community youth.

The G.R.E.A.T. program, aimed at youth and community outreach, was initiated in 1991 as a proactive measure against violent crime. It employs community-oriented policing strategies and outreach initiatives to change perceptions about law enforcement, one student at a time.

In Philadelphia, G.R.E.A.T. program instructors have been dedicated to combating delinquency, youth violence, and gang affiliation.

DeGree stated, “For 31 years, ATF and local law enforcement partners have been serving as G.R.E.A.T. instructors. Witnessing the growth and success of our youth who participate in this program is immeasurably rewarding for all our instructors.”

Tacony Charter Academy guidance counselor Stephanie Katz expressed gratitude, saying, “Tacony Charter Academy appreciates Agent Baldwin's work with our students. Providing our students with additional learning opportunities concerning decision-making outside of school is extremely important. Equipping them with the tools they need to manage their emotions in different situations, as the G.R.E.A.T. program does, is invaluable. Thanks to ATF for the fantastic support.”

The G.R.E.A.T. curriculum encompasses violence prevention, conflict resolution techniques, decision-making skills, goal setting, and problem-solving. The elementary school curriculum spans six interactive weeks, targeting fourth and fifth graders, with a strong emphasis on family involvement. Students are educated on setting goals, resisting peer pressure, respecting differences, resolving conflicts, and understanding how gang involvement can negatively impact their lives. They also learn the significance of becoming responsible community members.

This training is an integral component of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that unites all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun-related incidents, making local neighborhoods safer for all residents. On May 26, 2021, the Department of Justice launched a violent crime reduction strategy that reinforces PSN's core principles: building trust and legitimacy in local communities, supporting community-based organizations focused on preventing violence, establishing targeted and strategic enforcement priorities, and assessing outcomes.

For more information about the G.R.E.A.T. program, its mission, and its impact on communities, visit the G.R.E.A.T. Home website and review the G.R.E.A.T. fact sheet.

The Houston Police DWI Task Force: Combating Impaired Driving for Safer Roads

Impaired driving remains a significant public safety concern, posing a serious risk to motorists and pedestrians alike. In response to this critical issue, law enforcement agencies across the country have established specialized task forces to combat driving while intoxicated (DWI). The Houston Police Department's DWI Task Force stands at the forefront of this endeavor, dedicated to reducing alcohol and drug-related crashes and ensuring safer roads for all. In this article, we will explore the vital role of the Houston Police DWI Task Force, its mission, strategies, and the impact it has on the community.

The Mission of the Houston Police DWI Task Force:

The primary mission of the Houston Police DWI Task Force is to proactively detect and apprehend impaired drivers to prevent alcohol and drug-related accidents. Through targeted enforcement and community outreach, the task force aims to reduce the number of DWI incidents, injuries, and fatalities on Houston's roads. By deploying highly trained officers specialized in detecting impaired driving behaviors, the task force plays a crucial role in safeguarding the lives of Houston residents and visitors.

Strategies and Initiatives:

The Houston Police DWI Task Force employs a multifaceted approach to tackle impaired driving effectively. Some of the key strategies and initiatives include:

1. Sobriety Checkpoints: The task force conducts sobriety checkpoints at strategic locations throughout the city to identify and arrest impaired drivers. These checkpoints act as a visible deterrent, sending a strong message that DWI will not be tolerated.

2. Enhanced Training: Officers assigned to the DWI Task Force undergo extensive training in the detection and apprehension of impaired drivers. They learn to recognize common signs of impairment, conduct standardized field sobriety tests, and administer breathalyzer tests accurately.

3. Community Education: In addition to enforcement efforts, the task force engages in community education programs to raise awareness about the dangers of impaired driving. These initiatives aim to foster a sense of responsibility among residents and encourage them to make safer choices when it comes to alcohol consumption and driving.

4. Targeting High-Risk Areas: The task force strategically focuses on areas with high rates of DWI incidents and alcohol-related crashes. By prioritizing these locations, they can maximize their impact on reducing impaired driving incidents.

5. Collaborations and Partnerships: The Houston Police DWI Task Force collaborates with other law enforcement agencies, local organizations, and advocacy groups to strengthen their efforts in combating impaired driving. Working together, they can create a unified approach to address this critical issue effectively.

Impact on the Community:

The presence of the Houston Police DWI Task Force has had a significant impact on the community. By removing impaired drivers from the road, the task force has contributed to a reduction in alcohol and drug-related accidents, injuries, and fatalities. Their proactive enforcement efforts act as a powerful deterrent, dissuading potential offenders from driving while under the influence.

Furthermore, the task force's community outreach initiatives have helped to foster a culture of responsibility and safety regarding alcohol consumption and driving. By raising awareness and providing educational resources, the task force empowers residents to make informed decisions and prevent impaired driving incidents.

Conclusion:

The Houston Police DWI Task Force plays a vital role in ensuring safer roads for the residents of Houston. Through targeted enforcement, enhanced training, and community outreach, the task force effectively combats impaired driving and reduces the risks associated with DWI incidents. Their commitment to proactive detection and apprehension of impaired drivers underscores the Houston Police Department's dedication to protecting the community and upholding public safety. By continuing their efforts, the Houston Police DWI Task Force serves as a beacon of responsible law enforcement, striving to create a city with fewer DWI incidents and safer roads for all.