L.E.A.D. Launches Community Prevention Officer (CPO) Initiative

Pilot Program Brings Evidence-Based Prevention from Classrooms into Communities Nationwide

ALLENTOWN, N.J. — L.E.A.D. (Law Enforcement Against Drugs & Violence) is proud to announce the launch of its L.E.A.D. Community Prevention Officer (CPO) initiative, a pioneering program designed to expand evidence-based substance abuse and violence prevention beyond school walls and into the heart of communities across America.

The pilot program has already launched with 12 carefully selected law enforcement professionals representing agencies from eight states — Alabama, Florida, Kansas, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Oklahoma and Virginia. These officers will be the first to complete comprehensive L.E.A.D. CPO training and certification.

“This initiative represents the natural evolution of prevention work,” said Nick De Mauro, executive director and CEO of L.E.A.D. “For 10 years, we’ve seen tremendous success with officer-taught prevention in schools. Now we’re taking that same evidence-based approach into neighborhoods, recreation centers, faith communities, and family programs where youth spend most of their time.”

EXTENDING PREVENTION BEYOND THE CLASSROOM 

While L.E.A.D.’s evidence-based prevention program has demonstrated strong results in schools, youth spend most of their time outside the classroom, where environmental and social influences continue to shape their behavior.

The L.E.A.D. CPO role addresses this critical gap by extending proven prevention strategies into community settings, fostering continuity of learning and reinforcing positive decision-making.

Dickinson County (Kansas) Sheriff’s Office Deputy Brandon Depew participated in the L.E.A.D. CPO pilot program.

“Our agency was honored to be part of the pilot training for the L.E.A.D. Community Prevention Officer role,” said Deputy Depew. “Through a mix of virtual and in-person sessions, we learned from leading prevention science experts, analyzed our community’s demographics and geographical impacts, and developed strategic, data-driven prevention plans.”

Since 2017, Deputy Depew has served as a School Resource Officer in Dickinson County, Kansas. Last year, he joined the Sheriff’s Recovery Court team helping community members navigate alcohol and substance abuse challenges.

“Prevention is never one-size-fits-all,” said Deputy Depew. “Whether your community is small or spans multiple counties, whether you’re six officers strong or hundreds, this training equips us to tackle the challenges that truly matter.”

L.E.A.D. Community Prevention Officers will serve as trusted bridges between law enforcement, schools, families, and community organizations. They will be equipped to:

• Conduct comprehensive community assessments to identify prevention needs and opportunities
• Adapt school-based prevention lessons for community settings
• Build partnerships with youth centers, faith-based organizations, recreation programs, and family engagement initiatives
• Host prevention-centered workshops, town hall meetings, and community events
• Connect families and youth with local prevention coalitions and support services
• Apply recognized community prevention planning frameworks to assess needs and measure progress

GUIDED BY EXPERTS

The L.E.A.D. CPO initiative is guided by L.E.A.D.’s Scientific Advisory Board and management team, working in collaboration with top prevention researchers and key law enforcement experts, including a former International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) President, and the former Police Commissioner of the Boston Police Department.

“The Community Prevention Officer role recognizes that effective prevention requires more than enforcement — it requires education, engagement, and empowerment,” noted De Mauro. “These officers will build trust and transparency between law enforcement and the communities they serve while addressing the root causes of substance abuse and violence.”

BUILDING ON A DECADE OF SUCCESS

L.E.A.D. has spent 10 years building successful partnerships between law enforcement agencies and schools nationwide, delivering evidence-based drug and violence prevention curricula through officer-taught classroom instruction. The organization’s “On The Street and In The Classroom” approach has demonstrated that trusted law enforcement professionals can make a profound impact on youth development and community safety.

The Community Prevention Officer initiative represents L.E.A.D.’s commitment to innovation and continuous improvement in prevention work. By extending proven strategies into broader community settings, the program strengthens the bridge between schools, families, and communities to promote healthy, safe, and resilient youth.

The L.E.A.D. school-based prevention program is an approved use of opioid settlement funds, and the Community Prevention Officer initiative is designed to complement and extend these evidence-based efforts.

LOOKING AHEAD

Following the successful completion of the pilot program, L.E.A.D. plans to expand the CPO initiative to additional agencies nationwide. Pilot participants will present their experiences and outcomes at L.E.A.D.’s National Training Conference in June, providing valuable insights for future program expansion.

“We’re building a national movement in prevention,” said De Mauro. “These 12 officers and their agencies are pioneers, helping us develop and refine a model that will strengthen communities across the country for years to come.”

The L.E.A.D. 21st Century Drugs and Violence Prevention Training Conference, June 1-4, 2026, at Harrah’s Atlantic City, is an opportunity for the L.E.A.D. community to benefit from inspiring keynotes and expert-led training courses in drug and violence prevention strategies and tactics for building safer communities. For more information about the conference and to register, visit LEADrugs.org/conference.

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).