The Mahwah Municipal Alliance, Mahwah, New Jersey, is an organization of community volunteers and local police focusing efforts on student growth and helping our kids make better decisions. The MMA was originally established in 1985 under the leadership of then Mahwah Police Chief Samuel Alderisio. Chief Alderiso’s vision was to bring a substance abuse program into Grades 5, 7 and 10 by using trained, experienced police officers. The intention was to provide age appropriate teaching about tobacco, drug and alcohol abuse, avoiding violence as a means of conflict resolution, building self-esteem, and showing the consequences of positive decision making. In addition, the effort was designed to show law enforcement in positive roles. Since its inception, thousands of Mahwah children have participated and successfully interacted with dedicated officers of the Mahwah Police Department. Today, known as the “Mahwah Substance Abuse Program”, it is a staple of Mahwah’s public school curriculum and a pillar of the Mahwah Municipal Alliance.
a 501 c3 non-profit organization
