John Galea, MA
Chief of Ethnography (“Street Studies Unit”), OASAS
New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS)

Currently, Mr. Galea is in charge of a special OASAS unit that works undercover to study the culture of individuals involved in the illicit sale and use of drugs.  This work allows an inside look at the current drug subculture, current drugs of abuse, and emerging trends.  This information is crucial for developing relevant and successful treatment modalities.

Mr. Galea is considered by many to be the nation’s foremost authority on current trends with regards to substance abuse, the life style of addicts, drug use practices, and drug paraphernalia.  Mr. Galea retired from the New York City Police Department in 1990.  During his 25-year tenure with the department, he held various positions prior to his appointment as Commanding Officer of the Street Gang Intelligence Unit, Patrol Services Bureau in 1984.  Mr. Galea received his BA degree in Criminal Justice from John Jay College, City University of New York, and his MPA in Public Administration from C.W. Post, Long Island University.  He also attended the Federal Bureau of Investigations National Academy in Quantico, Virginia.  He is an adjunct professor at St. John’s University in New York City where he specializes in the sociology of Criminology, urban youth gangs, organized drug dealing and substance abuse.

Mr. Galea’s current work and vast experience gives the American Athletic Institute a vantage point rarely seen by those in the prevention/education field and the world of sport.