July 26, 2007

The Charlottesville Police Department and the Albemarle County Police Department announced Thursday the launch of a major gang awareness initiative.

Officials say the effort will will involve a detailed presentation with valuable information on noticing gang signs and behavior.

" It is very important to let ...parents know what they can look for, signs they can look for if there may be some involvement with their child or some indication that they may be headed in that direction" said Lt. Gary Pleasants.

They also plan to address the importance of public and parental involvement in identifying gang activity and keeping it from spreading into the area.

The presentation is part of a mulit phase approach to combat gang activity including intelligence gathering, education, enforcement and prevention.

To help initiate this new effort, representatives from both jurisdictions will hold an important public presentation at a Community Forum in Charlottesville City Council Chambers on Thursday, August 28 from 6:00pm – 7:00pm.