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MEDIA ADVISORY. . . MEDIA ADVISORY. . . MEDIA ADVISORY. . . MEDIA ADVISORY

April 26, 2004

State Police Expert Will Deliver April 30 Seminar on Early Gang Recognition

A nationally known expert on street gangs will help Woodbridge teachers and administrators recognize emerging gang activity in the schools.

The audience coming to hear Detective Sergeant First Class Keith Bevacqui of the New Jersey State Police will be comprised of representatives from 8 township middle and high schools.

The seminar takes place Friday, April 30, 2004 at 10:00 a.m. in Council Chambers, Town Hall, 1 Main Street, Woodbridge. It is sponsored by Woodbridge Township Board of Education.

"Early detection is key to preventing the spread of street gangs," said Mayor Frank G. Pelzman. "The odds for successful intervention are increased when law enforcement agencies and educators share resources in seminars like this."

Councilwoman Caroline Ehrlich noted that gangs are no longer just a big-city issue. "They are spreading to the suburbs and small towns, and middle and even elementary schools have become major recruiting pools. We are very glad our Board of Education is taking a pro-active approach on this matter."

TIMELY TOPIC: Experts estimate there are at least 10,000 gang members in New Jersey drawn from nearly 150 distinct gangs. . . If you are looking for the latest facts and figures about the New Jersey street gang crisis and an update on the latest intelligence tools used by law enforcement in identifying and fighting gangs, this seminar will be of great interest. Please give me a call to attend or to get more information on the program