Gloucester Township PD Chief Recognized Nationally by L.E.A.D.
Wednesday, July 28, 2021
Allentown, NJ, July 22, 2021– LEAD - Law Enforcement Against Drugs and Violence , a national nonprofit organization committed to protecting children from the risks of drugs and violence, awarded L.E.A.D. Police Chief David Harkins of Gloucester Township Police Department its ‘Host Agency Award.’ 
“We want to congratulate Chief Harkins on demonstrating excellent commitment and service to the L.E.A.D. organization throughout the United States,” said Nick DeMauro, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of L.E.A.D. “We specifically commend him on participating in the 5th Annual 21st Century Drug and Violence Prevention Training Conference and Summit.”
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 with the only proven effective anti–drug, anti–violence curriculum for students K-12. Over the course of the 10-week program, officers and educators teach the curriculum to educate our youth on how they can make smart decisions without the involvement of drugs. L.E.A.D. currently operates in 37 states across the U.S.
Due to a strong relationship with L.E.A.D. since it established in 2014, Chief Harkins and his team at Gloucester Township Police Department became involved with L.E.A.D in 2015. Recently, Chief 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,” said Chief Harkins. “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.”
Chief 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,” said Chief Harkins.
L.E.A.D. has been a huge part of Chief Harkins and his team’s success in building positive relationships with the kids in their community. 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. He is proud to partner with L.E.A.D. and looks forward to continue creating safer, healthier communities.
About L.E.A.D.
L.E.A.D. provides the leadership, resources and management to ensure law enforcement agencies have the means to partner with educators, community leaders, and families. L.E.A.D. succeeds by providing proven and effective programs to deter youth and adults from drug use, drug related crimes, bullying and violence. L.E.A.D. is committed to reinforcing the mutual respect, goodwill and relations between law enforcement and their communities. For more information visit https://www.leadrugs.org/.