Sunday, November 7, 2010

Mayor Ballard Makes A Call-To-Action to Help Prevent Youth Gang Involvement

Mayor Greg Ballard was joined today by Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) Chief of Police Paul Ciesielski, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana Joe Hogsett and other community leaders for a gang prevention and intervention summit at Crispus Attucks High School.

More than 150 parents, caregivers, and teachers attended the conference focused on addressing youth gang involvement. As part of the Comprehensive Anti-Gang Initiative (C.A.G.I.), the forum was a call-to-action to Indianapolis residents for the early intervention and prevention of gang involvement in school-aged children.

“It is important for our youth to learn that the decisions and choices they make impact their future and that of the community. It is through education and early intervention that we will stop gang involvement and behavior in our youth,” said Mayor Ballard. “To prevent gang activity, it is crucial for parents, teachers, caregivers, and any adults who interact with our youth daily to be involved and proactive.”

Attendees at the summit heard from experts in the gang prevention field who discussed the difference between youth rebellion and gang behavior, the warning signs of gang involvement, and steps adults can take to intervene at the first instance gang involvement is detected.

The gang prevention and intervention conference was held in collaboration with many agencies and organizations, including IMPD, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the U.S. Department of Justice, and the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute.

In the following weeks, resources for programs and services will be made available at www.indy.gov/gangprevention.

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