2018 PCN Profiles: Matthew Harris

Matthew Harris is the Founder and President of the Character: Be About It (CBAI) program. This is a prevention-based program that works with schools and law enforcement to foster good relationships in local communities with the youth, while instilling important character traits into children from kindergarten-8th grade. Officers come into schools to teach kids about different subjects, and provide positive role models to look up to. A team of researchers, educators, and fellow State Troopers developed and implemented this youth development program. It emphasizes qualities such as kindness, integrity, self-regulation, and hope. So far, CBAI has worked in 50 schools with over 950 students from all backgrounds with documented success. Harris previously worked for 20 years as a PA State Trooper, and witnessed first hand how children were scared of law enforcement, and wants to change the image kids have of police and law enforcement officials.