Gang Awareness Town Halls: In Alabama (WKRG), the Mobile Police Departments Gulf Coast Technology Center is set to host two crucial Gang Awareness & Prevention Town Hall Meetings tailored for parents in the community.
According to an MPD news release, the town halls will delve into gang identifiers, influencers, Alabama’s new gang law, and practical solutions for the community. Cmdrs. Kevin Levy and Curtis Graves will serve as hosts for these meetings.
Mark your calendars for the following dates:
- Tuesday, Nov. 7, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Bishop State Community College, 351 N. Broad Street
- Tuesday, Nov. 14, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Dayspring Baptist Church, 2200 Cody Road South
Local concerns highlight that children as young as 12 are getting involved in gangs, emphasizing the critical role of parental involvement, as stated in the release.
The meetings will feature a panel of experts, including:
- Andre King Gulf Coast Technology Center Cyber Intelligence Coordinator
- Joshua Jones City of Mobile Youth Violence Prevention Coordinator
- Cpl. Nathaniel McCarty Supervisor of the MPD Victim Services Unit and Family Intervention Team
- Tres Stefurak Associate Dean and Professor of Counseling Psychology at the University of South Alabama
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Our Reader’s Queries
What are the strategies for gang prevention?
Communities need to use various strategies and services to stop young people from joining gangs, such as tackling the factors that put them at risk, supporting families, resolving conflicts among young people, and better supervising them at the community level.
How can a gang be identified?
Commonly used criteria for categorizing groups as gangs include: consisting of three or more members, typically aged 12-24, who share an identity and symbols, and recognize themselves and are recognized by others as a gang.
How extensive is the current gang problem?
There are approximately 33,000 violent street gangs, motorcycle gangs, and prison gangs currently engaged in criminal activity in the United States.
What is gang intervention?
The Gang Intervention Team/Department of Juvenile Justice aims to empower urban youth through a comprehensive approach. Our focus is on improving social skills, boosting academic performance, and cultivating job-readiness. By providing training and mentorship, we strive to produce capable and driven individuals who are self-motivated and ready to contribute positively to society.