Building Safer Communities Through Evidence-Based Prevention in Schools

In an era when drug abuse and violence continue to threaten America’s youth, one nonprofit organization is making a significant impact through its comprehensive, school-based prevention programs. L.E.A.D. (Law Enforcement Against Drugs and Violence) has established itself as a national leader in protecting young people from the dangers of substance abuse, bullying, and violence through evidence-based education delivered by trained law enforcement officers.

A Proven Approach to Prevention
L.E.A.D. offers the top, evidence-based, school-based drug and violence prevention curriculum, which serve as the cornerstone of the organization’s effective, tested, and proven prevention strategies. By combining law enforcement expertise with educational best practices, L.E.A.D. creates meaningful connections between officers, students, educators, and community leaders.

The organization’s mission is clear: to create safer, healthier communities free from drugs, bullying, and violence. L.E.A.D. achieves this vision by collaborating with educators, community leaders, families, and support organizations across all 50 states, providing comprehensive training and resources to ensure program effectiveness.

Collier County: A National Model
Collier County is L.E.A.D.’s largest county-wide program, supported by the Collier County Sheriff’s Department, Marco Island Police Department, and the Naples Police Department. This partnership has transformed the county into a model for school-based prevention initiatives nationwide. “We are proud to partner with L.E.A.D. and be the leader in school-based prevention throughout the United States,” notes Collier County Sheriff Kevin Rambosk, (FEATURED PHOTO) who serves as First Vice Chair on L.E.A.D.’s Board of Directors.

The success in Collier County is remarkable. After piloting the program in select schools, L.E.A.D. is now taught to fifth graders in 29 elementary public schools, six charter schools, and three private schools throughout the county. The Collier County Sheriff’s Office maintains the largest cadre of L.E.A.D. instructors in the nation, with 58 deputies certified to teach the curriculum. This commitment demonstrates the deep partnership between law enforcement and education in protecting the county’s youth.

Sheriff Rambosk discovered the program in 2019 and has been instrumental in its expansion throughout Florida. His dedication earned him L.E.A.D.’s National Partner of the Year award in 2021, recognizing his commitment to protecting children from drug and violence risks.

Growing Presence in Southwest Florida
“We are proud to have our development office headquarters in Naples and to partner with many other nonprofit organizations and leaders throughout southern west Florida,” said L.E.A.D. CEO Nick DeMauro. The Naples headquarters, which celebrated its grand opening in 2023, represents the organization’s growing investment in the region and its commitment to expanding evidence-based prevention programs throughout Florida and beyond.

Through strategic partnerships with law enforcement agencies, schools, and community organizations, L.E.A.D. continues to expand its reach, providing young people with the knowledge and skills they need to make healthy decisions and avoid the dangers of drugs, bullying, and violence. The organization’s success in Collier County serves as a blueprint for communities nationwide seeking effective prevention solutions.

For more information about L.E.A.D. and its nationwide mission to build safer communities through drug and violence prevention, visit LEADrugs.org and look for the new Safer Communities Podcast, presented by L.E.A.D., on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.