Community Affairs Unit Launches PROJECT L.E.A.D.
District Attorney General Charme Allen initiated the Community Affairs Unit upon her election in September 2014 and appointed Jackie Myers, a veteran member of the DA’s Office Staff, as the Community Affairs Coordinator. Since her appointment, Mrs. Myers has hit the ground running on behalf of the DA’s Office with the introduction of crime prevention projects, educational activities, and charitable events within the community. One such project she is currently launching for middle school children is the crime prevention program called PROJECT L.E.A.D.
PROJECT L.E.A.D. (Legal Enrichment And Decision-Making) is an effective law-related educational program that was established by the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office in partnership with the Constitutional Rights Foundation. The goal of this program is simple: to teach children that the choices they make today can affect their lives forever.
This year’s program will begin June 2nd and extend through June 25th. Classes will be held at The Boys and Girls Club located at The Haslam Family Club University, 407 Caswell Avenue, Knoxville, Tennessee 37917. Throughout this four-week program, the DA’s Office will sponsor various activities for the participating children. The children will tour the Knox County jail, see a demonstration by a drug-detecting dog, and hear from guest speakers who work within the criminal justice system. The kids will also engage in interactive classroom work. The program will conclude with participants performing a scripted mock trial shadowed by actual court personnel, putting into practice what they have learned about the criminal justice system. Please click here to view this year’s tentative schedule.
It is our Office’s hope that their experience in PROJECT L.E.A.D. will encourage these boys and girls to cultivate positive attitudes about the justice system, understand the importance of education, and realize the benefits of making the right life choices.
If you have any questions regarding the Community Affairs Unit, please contact the Community Affairs Director at dag@knoxcounty.org. or 865-215-2515.