Robert F Lawlor Jr is a subject matter expert in addiction, policing, investigations, overdose response, and building public health/public safety collaborations to develop strategies to effectively address the overdose crisis at a local, regional, and statewide level.

Mr. Lawlor began his career in 1995 with the City of New Haven Department of Police Service, where he served in many capacities, including being assigned to the Connecticut State Police Statewide Narcotics Task Force, shift commander, supervisor of the Robbery/Burglary Unit and Supervisor of the Homicide/Cold Case Unit.

In 2015, Mr. Lawlor was hired by New England HIDTA (High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas) as the Drug Intelligence Officer for the State of Connecticut and, in 2016, became part of the Connecticut Overdose Response Strategies Public Health/Public Safety Team. The Overdose Response Strategy (ORS) is an unprecedented and unique collaboration between public health and public safety, created to help local communities reduce drug overdoses and save lives by sharing timely data, pertinent intelligence, and evidence-based and innovative strategies.

Mr. Lawlor holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from POST University, a Master of Science in Criminal Investigations from the University of New Haven, and a Master of Science in Addiction Policy and Practice from Georgetown University. In addition, he is a graduate of the DEA Drug Investigators School and the NYPD Homicide Investigators School. Mr. Lawlor is also a recipient of numerous law enforcement awards/citations for bravery and excellence.

Mr. Lawlor is also an advocate for law enforcement officers' health and mental well-being. He was a founding member of the New Haven Police Departments Employee Assistance Programs Peer Support Team and is a Mental Health First Aid Instructor.