Date: Tuesday, January 7, 2009

Time: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Location:ESD 105 Conference Center – Yakima Room

Fee: No Fee

Instructor: Randy Town

Contact: Ashley Cook (509) 454-5304

The vision of this forum is that attendees will receive an update on current national, regional, and local gang activity, and will review new and past successful strategies used by communities in dealing with gangs, drug activity, and other related criminal activity. The focus will be on enforcement, intervention and prevention; early signs of gang activity; the gang witness relocation program; and current Washington State law regarding gangs.

Attendees will leave the forum knowing the following information:

• A legal definition for street gangs.

• Recent laws pertaining to gangs in Washington State.

• Street gang migration and evolution.

• Signs and symptoms of community gang problems.

• Keys to Success: prevention/intervention/suppression.

• Understanding the gang member mindset.

• Considerations in responding to gang violence: a public safety perspective.