L.E.A.D. Trains 41 Officers in Alaska

A class of 41 police officers in Alaska have completed a four-week training program through Law Enforcement Against Drugs and Violence (L.E.A.D.).
(Photo Courtesy L.E.A.D.)

UTQIAĠVIK, AK — In the top northern corner of the United States, where communities are separated by vast landscapes and harsh Arctic conditions, dozens of law enforcement officers and education partners came together to learn how to better reach young people.

Combining classroom instruction with hands-on certification work, those 41 participants have completed a four-week training program through L.E.A.D. (Law Enforcement Against Drugs and Violence) and are fully prepared to bring drug and violence prevention strategies to communities across Alaska’s North Slope. 

North Slope Borough Police Deputy Chief Phillip R. Brymer said bringing this training to the northernmost tip of the United States demonstrates the need for prevention education and youth support is universal.

Law enforcement officers and partnering school staff learned how to apply the L.E.A.D curriculum, based on Botvin LifeSkills Training (LST), to help students and the greater community deal with issues like bullying and substance abuse-related peer pressure.

“This wasn’t just a classroom exercise for us,” Deputy Chief Brymer said.  “It was an opportunity to build real rapport with our youth. Training 41 people over four weeks ensures that we have a sustainable, long-term presence in prevention efforts across the North Slope.” 

L.E.A.D.’s newly launched curriculum has real thought and science behind it, combining proven prevention research with practical life and decision-making skills that can help young people navigate life challenges like bullying, peer pressure, and substance abuse. Scientific Advisory Board Chair Zili Slobada said the newly certified participants have been trained in the ‘gold standard of evidence-based drug and violence prevention,” and are now equipped to bring 35 years of evidence-based Botvin Life Skills Training to their communities.

“This training opened doors for our officers to serve as mentors and educators within the community,” Deputy Chief Brymer said, adding that the training goes beyond the classroom, and its effectiveness doesn’t fade when the school day ends.

For more information about the Community Prevention Officer initiative or L.E.A.D.’s school-based prevention programs, contact the Program Team at 609.259.2500 or programs@leadrugs.org, or visit LEADrugs.org.

About L.E.A.D.

L.E.A.D. (Law Enforcement Against Drugs & Violence) is dedicated to protecting communities from the risks of substance use and violence by fostering partnerships between law enforcement, schools, families, and community organizations. Operating under the principle “On The Street and In The Classroom,” L.E.A.D. provides evidence-based prevention curriculum delivered by trained law enforcement officers. The organization celebrates a decade of success in keeping children safe from drugs and violence through proven, effective programming. L.E.A.D. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (EIN: 47-2471572).

About LST

Botvin LifeSkills Training (LST) is an evidence-based substance abuse and violence prevention program. LST has been extensively tested and proven to reduce tobacco, alcohol, and illicit drug use by as much as 80%. Long-term follow-up studies show that it produces prevention effects that are durable and long-lasting.