L.E.A.D. Recognizes Gloucester Twp. Police For Anti-Drug Efforts

GLOUCESTER TOWNSHIP, NJ — Gloucester Township Police Chief David Harkins has been awarded the ‘Host Agency Award’ by the Law Enforcement Against Drugs and Violence (L.E.A.D.), a national nonprofit organization committed to protecting children from the risks of drugs and violence, L.E.A.D. announced.

“We want to congratulate Chief Harkins on demonstrating excellent commitment and service to the L.E.A.D. organization throughout the United States,” L.E.A.D. Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer Nick DeMauro said. “We specifically commend him on participating in the 5th annual 21st Century Drug and Violence Prevention Training Conference and Summit.”

L.E.A.D. was established in 2014, and the Gloucester Township Police Department joined in 2015. Harkins attended his fifth conference at the Hard Rock Hotel in February 2020.

“The annual conferences are always beneficial as they allow us to keep up with certain trends and educational techniques,” Harkins said. “This year, the conference was particularly insightful as it provided us with strategies to better foster community relationships with law enforcement in an educational environment.”

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Supported by dedicated police officers, L.E.A.D. provides the leadership and resources, so law enforcement agencies can partner with educators, community leaders and families on an anti–drug, anti–violence curriculum for students K-12.

Over the course of the 10-week program, officers and educators teach young people how they can make smart decisions without the involvement of drugs. L.E.A.D. currently operates in 37 states across the country.

Harkins says that L.E.A.D.’s ability to educate children on the harm of drugs and violence is excellent.

“Sometimes, students don’t understand the life-altering impact that drugs can have on their lives, so it’s great that L.E.A.D. drills them on the terminal effects of drugs use at a young age,” Harkins said.

Harkins said L.E.A.D. has been a huge part of his team’s success in building positive relationships with the kids in their community. He said that knowing he is helping keep kids safe by creating a foundation of knowledge on the dangers of drugs and violence is most rewarding to him. Harkins said he is proud to partner with L.E.A.D. and looks forward to continuing to create safer, healthier communities.