BOSTON - On March 15, 2012, the United States Attorney’s Office will host almost 500 law enforcement and community professionals from around New England at its Annual Gang Prevention Summit, at Bentley University in Waltham. This year’s summit, sponsored by the Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), focuses on the growing trend of youth violence and aims to provide professionals with tools to prevent and combat the various forms of youth violence.
The summit begins at 8:30 a.m. with opening remarks by U.S. Attorney Carmen M. Ortiz and Middlesex District Attorney Gerald T. Leone. Participants have the opportunity to learn from experts in the public and nonprofit sectors about grant-making for violence prevention, use of social media by gang members, mentoring programs and their impact on youth violence, and the development of online community resource tools. The four sessions will be complemented by a keynote address by Reverend Liz Walker who will talk about the importance of raising the expectations of young people.
The diverse range of participants includes local law enforcement, federal prosecutors, social workers, medical professionals, educators, and faith-based partners. The purpose of the summit is to form and strengthen working partnerships among stakeholders as well as provide relevant training.
“Bringing all components of our society together to work collaboratively to prevent gun and gang violence, especially amongst our youth, is critically important. By implementing a comprehensive, community-based approach, we will achieve great progress in securing the safety of our neighborhoods” said U.S. Attorney Carmen M. Ortiz.
The Project Safe Neighborhoods initiative was launched in 2001 by the Department of Justice to reduce gun and gang crime in America. Spearheaded by United States Attorneys’ Offices, PSN operates as a comprehensive, coordinated and community-based approach that promotes prevention and deterrence efforts. The five foundation principles of PSN are to create working partnerships, plan strategically, provide up-to-date training, further community outreach, and to be accountable for outcomes.
Giving Back to the Community through a variety of venues & initiatives.
Making sure that victims of federal crimes are treated with compassion, fairness and respect.
