Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: August 3, 2007
Contact : Sue McKinney
GANG GRAFFITI TO BE REMOVED FOR NATIONAL NIGHT OUT
MACON: The Project Safe Neighborhoods Anti-Gang Task Force plans to execute a gang graffiti eradication and tennis shoe removal on Tuesday, August 7, 2007 as part of the National Night Out event to be held that evening. A team will be working in each of the four Macon Police Department precincts beginning at 8:00 am and one in the Lake Wildwood area in the county. The purpose of the project is to remove the territorial markers left by gang members, send a message to them that their illegal activities will not be tolerated in Macon and enhance the appearance and quality of life in Macon and Bibb County by removing the unsightly graffiti.
The PSN Anti-Gang Task Force is a component of a federal initiative to reduce gang violence announced on February 15, 2006, by President George W. Bush and Attorney General Alberto Gonzalez, who have pledged $30 million over three years to reduce gang violence in America. The initiative includes partnerships among federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies; strategic planning and training that brings together federal, state, and local officials to build effective teams; outreach to communities; and accountability for impact on community safety. Macon’s PSN Anti-Gang Task Force includes representatives from Bibb County Sheriff’s Office, Macon Police Department, the Macon Judicial Circuit’s District Attorney’s Office, Solicitor’s Office and Probation Office; the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; and the U.S. Attorney’s Office. They will be assisted in the effort by Macon Fire Department.
Local media partners are encouraged to help us spread the anti-gang message throughout our community by covering this event. Please contact Verda Colvin, Anti-Gang Coordinator, at 478-752-3511 or Pamela Lightsey, Community Relations Specialist, at 478-621-2603 for more information about the event.
