Asbury Park Police Educate Local Students on Drug and Violence Prevention Through L.E.A.D. Program

ASBURY PARK, NJ – School Resource Officer (SRO) Chenice Wesley from Asbury Park Police Department is currently teaching essential life skills to almost 100 third graders across Thurgood Marshall and Bradley Elementary Schools. This initiative is part of the L.E.A.D. (Law Enforcement Against Drugs & Violence) program, a nationwide effort that emphasizes early education on the dangers of drugs and violence.

The program reaches 44 students at Thurgood Marshall Elementary and 55 students at Bradley Elementary, focusing on age-appropriate lessons about drug avoidance, violence prevention, and personal development skills such as goal setting, emotional management, and decision-making.

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Nick DeMauro, CEO of L.E.A.D., praises SRO Wesley's efforts, stating, "We know that SRO Wesley is doing an excellent job teaching our evidence-based program. We are eager to see the positive effects on her students, as our curriculum not only teaches drug and violence prevention but also builds crucial life skills."

L.E.A.D. operates both 'On The Street' and 'In The Classroom' to foster stronger bonds between law enforcement and communities. More than 5,000 trained instructors across 45 states deliver this curriculum, designed to educate K-12 students over a 10-week program about making wise choices in the face of peer pressure and societal challenges.

Officer Wesley finds her role incredibly rewarding, especially seeing the enthusiasm and understanding develop among her students. "It’s incredibly fulfilling to see the excitement on the students' faces, both inside and outside the classroom," Wesley shares. "Witnessing those 'light bulb' moments when students connect the lessons to their personal decisions is profoundly impactful."

The program also incorporates fun games and skits to reinforce the lessons, making learning enjoyable and memorable for the students. Wesley notes, "These activities not only help the students understand the material more deeply but also allow them to bond with me and their peers, easing the intensity of the topics we cover."

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As the program progresses, Wesley believes that the positive interactions between students and police officers will enhance community relations in Asbury Park, building trust and unity. "Having a familiar, trusted face in law enforcement can influence community perspectives and foster a sense of unity," she believes.

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