Contact: Sgt. Mike Richey
Phone: (336) 373-2653

Greensboro Police to Host Drug and Gang Awareness Forum

GREENSBORO, NC -- (October 19, 2007) -- The Greensboro Police Department (GPD) will hold a Drug and Gang Awareness Educational Forum on Monday, October 29 from 6:30 to 9 pm at Odeon Theater, located at the Greensboro Coliseum complex, 1921 W. Lee Street.

Parents, grandparents, caregivers, and those who work with children and teenagers are encouraged to attend this free workshop to learn how to identify the warning signs of drug and gang involvement, as well as how to determine the best course of action to combat these problems. Free parking is available in front of the Coliseum along Lee Street.

In addition to a presentation by the GPD, Darryl Kosciak of the Folk Teen Center will provide information on Project Hope, a program administered by the City’s Parks and Recreation Department that aims to involve teens in productive activities.

Educating the public about gangs is one of several steps the GPD is taking to address this growing concern. The GPD is partnering with the Guilford County Sheriff’s Department and the High Point Police Department to share information about gang activity throughout the region. In addition, the GPD Criminal Intelligence Squad is working with ATF agents and the US Attorney’s Office to target violent gangs and gang members for prosecution.

More than 12 nationally organized gangs are currently represented in Greensboro. These include Bloods, Crips, Latin Kings, Vice Lords, Folks, Sur-13, and MS-13.

For more information about gangs in Greensboro or about the educational forum, contact Sgt.  Mike Richey at (336) 373-2653.

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About the City of Greensboro: The City works with the community to improve the quality of life for residents through inclusion, diversity, and trust. As the seventh largest employer in Greensboro, the City has a professional staff of 2,800 employees who maintain the values of honesty, integrity, stewardship, and respect. The City is governed by a council-manager form of government with a mayor and eight council members. For more information on the City, visit www.greensboro-nc.gov or call 373-CITY (2489).