The Essex Fells Police Department has always been a front runner when it comes to community policing. For the past twenty-two years the Essex Fells Police Department has raised awareness on the dangers of drugs and alcohol by actively engaging the youth of Essex Fells. One of the major community policing outreach programs that the Essex Fells Police Department has consistently participated in is the Law Enforcement Against Drugs (L.E.A.D.) program. Every year the designated L.E.A.D. officer instructs the sixth grade class, and it has become a badge of honor to graduate from the program. The L.E.A.D program consists of ten classroom sessions and during those sessions a wide range of topics are discussed. The lessons cover how to make healthy decisions, resisting negative peer pressure, and the dangers of alcohol and drug use.

 

The L.E.A.D. program is staffed by two officers and is overseen by a supervisor. All members of the Essex Fells Police Department that are part of the program are certified as a L.E.A.D instructor. To become a certified L.E.A.D. instructor an officer must complete a forty-hour instructor course, and teach a course while being proctored. 

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Supervisor: ​

•  Sergeant Scott Cohen #188

 

Officer:​

• Detective Jonathan Berger #181

 

 

What is LEAD?

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Law Enforcement Against Drugs (L.E.A.D.) is a non-profit organization, supported by dedicated police officers, committed to protecting our youth and communities from the proliferation of drugs, drug related crimes, peer to peer/cyber bullying and violence. We achieve our goals by collaborating with educators, community leaders, families and L.E.A.D. support organizations.

 

To learn more about L.E.A.D. please visit https://www.leadrugs.org/