Program looking to "LEAD" local law enforcement, school districts in teaching about drugs, violence

GEORGETOWN, Texas - Chief Maverick Campbell of the Liberty Hill Police Department sees firsthand on the streets the effects of the opioid and drug crisis. He says drug abuse is a problem that leads to even more problems in the community.

"You're going to have property crimes and persons crimes that impact your community's quality of life,” said Campbell.

That's why he makes sure his department is staying on top of things.

"The officers are constantly trying to keep up and stay updated on the latest trends with narcotics, substance abuse and crimes related to substance abuse," said Campbell.

A new tool in their arsenal could possibly be available in the near future: the Law Enforcement Against Drugs or "L.E.A.D." program.

“L.E.A.D. was founded because there was a heavy demand for tested, proven, effective drug and violence prevention for police officers to teach,” said executive director and CEO Nick DeMauro.

The program is already being used in more than 20 states and also in districts in San Antonio. On Tuesday, representatives from the organization came to Georgetown to convince law enforcement and local school districts to consider this program. DeMauro said L.E.A.D. educates on drugs and violence with an all-encompassing approach. 

"We need to serve them with an evidence-based, tested, proven curriculum that reduces crime, not just makes decisions. We're not in the decision making business just to teach kids whether to date or not. We are here to teach them the hard facts of leading a drug and violence-free lifestyle,” said DeMauro.

“It's not just coming into the room and telling you that this is marijuana, it's bad for you, this is heroin, it's bad for you, these are over the counter drugs and you can't abuse them. This starts with the social and emotional awareness,” said Campbell.

Campbell thinks it won't be long before this is adopted in Liberty Hill. He hopes the rest of the state will follow suit.

“I can't say it enough, evidence-based, evidence-based, evidence-based. I think it's important we get that into the school districts,” said Campbell.

A training for educators and law enforcement will be held February 10-17 at the A.W. Grimes Center.

For more information on L.E.A.D. and to get involved, visit the program's website.