Hello Everyone,
Evelyn here,
with a news
release from the Media Office of the Attorney General Bill McCollum on . . .
-----------------------
Attorney General McCollum Launches 23rd National Crime Prevention Conference
Annual conference provides strategies, tools to prevent crime in local
communities
TALLAHASSEE, FL - Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum today addressed
the attendees of the 23rd Annual Conference on Preventing Crime in the
Black Community at the conference’s opening session in Tampa. The
conference, established by the Florida Attorney General’s Office in 1985
and co-hosted with the Georgia Attorney General Thurbert Baker’s Office, is
a cooperative effort to encourage communication and action within local
communities by showcasing innovative ideas and successful prevention
strategies that focus on crime issues in African-American neighborhoods.
“One of the most effective weapons against crime in our communities is the
community itself,” said Attorney General McCollum. “When neighbors unite
against criminals and work with our law enforcement agencies to fight back,
the criminals don’t stand a chance, and I’m proud to showcase so many
successful efforts at this year’s conference.”
In its 23rd year, the National Conference on Preventing Crime in the Black
Community attracts law enforcement officers from throughout Florida and the
country. Other invitees include county commissioners, mayors, victim
advocates, community members, church groups and more than 500 teenagers.
Participants from over 25 states and the District of Columbia, as well as
representatives from several nations, will come together to address the
concerns of crime in minority communities. The 2007 conference attracted
over 2,500 participants.
"This conference exists to offer support for those who want our communities
to foster inspiration and nurture achievement, rather than serve as a haven
for crime and anguish," said Attorney General Baker. "I believe that this
year's conference is yet another step forward in our effort to reduce crime
rates in communities that see crime statistics far higher than should be
expected or tolerated."
Attorney General McCollum delivered the key note address at the
conference’s opening session this morning. Remarks were also made by
Secretary Walter A. McNeil of the Florida Department of Corrections,
Secretary Robert A. Butterworth of the Florida Department of Children and
Families and a representative from the Florida Department of Education.
The conference was designed to address issues relating to the
disproportionate number of African-Americans who are under the supervision
of the criminal justice system. The agenda is designed to showcase
successful programs and promote a positive exchange of ideas on the
subject. Workshops will feature dynamic topics such as “Innovative Ways to
Fight Crime in the Black Community,” “Gangs: Identification, Intervention
and Transition of Former Members,” and “Reentry and Our Communities,” as
well as Florida's restoration of civil rights initiatives, human
trafficking and conflict resolution. In addition to the adult sessions and
workshops, a full schedule of workshops has been specifically designed for
teens and their chaperones. Teens and adults will be able to participate in
an open discussion and share their experiences and insight on factors that
contribute to crime and violence.
Included in this year’s program will be the annual report from the Council
on the Social Status of Black Men and Boys, which was created in 2006 by
the Florida Legislature and was made permanent with the Governor’s signing
of legislation passed this spring. Housed in the Office of the Attorney
General, the Council studies socio-economic conditions affecting black men
and boys, including income, employment and education, and makes
recommendations to address identified areas of concern. The recently-signed
legislation will also allow the Council to develop strategic programs and
funding initiatives to improve education and mentoring opportunities for
Black youth.
This year’s conference is being held in Tampa at the Marriott Waterside
Hotel and Marina and the Westin Tampa Harbour Island Hotel. Additional
information, including a full schedule of events, is available online at
http://www.preventblackcrime.com.
Bill McCollum
Attorney General
News Release
June 20, 2008
---------------------------
Evelyn out.
