The Manchester Township Police Department L.E.A.D. Officers are proud to work within the Manchester Township School District to educate ~250 fifth grade students throughout three elementary schools on the dangers posed by drugs and crime.
Led by Sgt. Charles Brooks, L.E.A.D. Officers John Decker, Michael Anderson, and Keith Craig play an instrumental role in not only educating students, but forming a strong partnership among the police, schools, parents, and children. By teaching students the good decision making skills they need to avoid high-risk behavior, L.E.A.D. training helps to ensure they grow up healthy, safe and secure. The skills that students learn through this program are important life lessons that will stay with them as they mature.
To celebrate graduation each year students are treated to a Pizza Party featuring DJ entertainment, as well as interactive stations featuring various law enforcement equipment including a Humvee and the New Jersey State Police helicopter.
L.E.A.D. is just one aspect of a multi-faceted approach to student outreach taken by the Manchester Township Police Department. Officers regularly visit elementary students, bringing with them interactive learning stations meant to educate while also forming a familiarity with police. The Department also hosts a week-long Youth Academy each summer, and recently implemented the #NotEvenOnce opiate awareness program for high school seniors.