Established in 1871, the Blacksburg Police Department is a full-service law enforcement agency that prevents crime, protects residents lives and their properties, suppresses criminal activities and apprehends law offenders. The department supports Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.), which is an international education program that seeks to prevent the use of illegal drugs, membership in gangs and violent behavior. The Blacksburg Police Department also administers various crime prevention programs. In addition, the department offers services for issuing home security and vacant house checking orders. It conducts a neighborhood watch program that encourages citizens to participate in law enforcement by reporting suspicious criminal activities. The Blacksburg Police Department maintains a location in Blacksburg, Va.