Ruppersberger Holds Congressional Forum to Help Curb Gang Violence

(Edgewood, MD)- Congressman C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger (D-Maryland 2nd) will hold a Congressional Forum to help prevent gang violence on Monday, October 30, 2006. The Congressman will be joined by co-host Harford County Councilman, Dion Guthrie, experts from the FBI, and representatives from the Harford County Sheriff’s Department. 

“Gangs are sophisticated crime networks not contained by state or international borders.  It is critically important that we work together as a team across jurisdictional lines on the federal, state, and local level to combat gang violence and keep our communities safe.  We need to build on regional efforts already underway while at the same time getting to kids early by enhancing our gang prevention and intervention efforts,” said Congressman C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger (D-MD).      

 “I believe we must focus on a comprehensive program that prevents gang activity on all levels.  We must try to stop young people from joining gangs, work hard to encourage young people to leave the gang life if they’ve already joined, and strictly prosecute gang members who commit crimes.  We must work across jurisdictional lines and partner with law enforcement officials, education leaders, social service agencies, and the community to do this,” said Dion Guthrie, Harford County Councilman. 

 WHO:              Congressman C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger (D-MD)
                          Harford County Councilman Dion Guthrie
                          Experts from FBI 
                          Representatives from Harford County Sheriff Department
  
 WHAT:            Congressional Forum on Gang Violence   

  WHEN:           6:30 p.m. Monday, October 30, 2006

 WHERE:         Edgewood Senior Center
                          1000 Gateway Road
                          Edgewood, Maryland 21040

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