Gang expert to lead training for public, police and educators
Published on Thu, Oct 23, 2008 by Beckye RandallRead More Local News
10/23/08
Gang expert to lead training for public, police and educators
by Beckye Randall
Citizens, parents and business owners who are concerned about gang activity in Marysville are invited to attend a gang awareness forum November 6, hosted by the City of Marysville and featuring Christopher Grant, a nationally renowned expert on street gangs.
Local law enforcement members, educators and community leaders will take part in an expanded gang awareness training seminar November 6 and 7, also led by Grant.
Christopher Grant is a retired chief of detectives with the Rapid City, SD, police department and former commander of the area’s Gang Task Force. He has spent more than 20 years studying and helping to combat gang activity within a community similar in size to Marysville.
As a national gang specialist with the U.S. Department of Justice’s Gang Resistance Education and Training Program (G.R.E.A.T.), Grant has presented training programs to hundreds of law enforcement, educational and civic organizations nationwide.
The community forum for adults will be held Thursday, November 6, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the Grove Elementary School gym at 6510 Grove Street. The forum, entitled “Understanding the Gangster Mentality,” will help parents and others better recognize the impact of gangs on communities, families and individuals, along with the warning signs that suggest gang involvement.
Grant will also meet with the Marysville Graffiti Task Force, local community and education leaders, and city staff for more in-depth training.
Anti-graffiti crusader and City Councilmember Jeff Vaughan met Grant at a forum hosted by the Tulalip Tribes earlier this year and recognized the value of sharing his expertise with the Marysville and Tulalip communities.
“Christopher Grant understands how gang activity affects communities like ours,” said Vaughan. “His message and training will help us learn what we can do as community leaders to keep gangs out of our community, and give us the tools and training to follow through.”
