Public Forum on Youth and Gang Violence

September 12, 2007

The Partnership on Youth Violence Prevention, a collaboration between the schools and the law enforcement agencies in Gloucester, Hampton, James City County, Newport News, Poquoson, Williamsburg, and York County, will host several public forums focused on youth and gang violence throughout the months of September and October.

The forums will focus on the regional partnership, gang behavior and signs, and a demonstration on technology as it relates to youth and gang violence. At the conclusion of the meeting, there will be a panel with representatives from the partnership, the schools, law enforcement, the commonwealth attorney's office, juvenile court services, and the gang unit to address questions, concerns, or suggestions that attendees may have.

On the same evening some will have a separate forum for middle school and high school students to talk about youth crime, reporting practices, violence, and gangs. The youth forum will be conducted in partnership with the School Resource Officers and the Peninsula Crime Line.

The mission of the partnership is to coordinate the efforts of schools and law enforcement agencies for collaboration on preventing youth violence and gang participation on the Peninsula, while linking to existing resources within the business, neighborhood, faith-based, youth-serving and non-profit communities.

Forum Locations & Times:

• Gloucester - Thursday, September 20 at 6:30 pm, Gloucester High School
• Williamsburg/James City County - Thursday, September 27, 6:30 pm, Warhill High School, 4615 Opportunity Way
• Hampton - Thursday, October 4, 6:30 pm, Hampton Roads Convention Center
• Newport News - Thursday, October 11, 6:30 pm, Midtown Community Center, 570 McLawhorne Drive
• Newport News - Thursday, October 18, 6:30 pm, Downing Gross Cultural Arts Center at 25th Street and Wickham Ave.

For additional information call 928-4394.