United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam announced that the U.S. Attorney’s Office organized an anti-gang program yesterday for over 2,000 Scranton School District students grades 7-12. The event focused on educating students on the perils of gang membership.
In its auditorium and broadcasted to all their classrooms, the Scranton School District hosted subject matter experts from the United States Attorney’s Office, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pennsylvania State Police, and the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General.
Presenters focused on the myth of gang membership and the destruction that follows the “big lie” - that gangs provide protection, family, and loyalty. The presenters highlighted the tools that law enforcement have at its disposal to prosecute those who join a bad association knowing of its criminal objectives. Those tools include federal RICO and VICAR statutes which carry substantial penalties. Students were also advised about the many resources available to them to escape violence and danger, and were encouraged that if they see something – say something. The goal seeks to keep students, their family, and our communities as safe as possible and to prevent harm.
“As our schools have seen an increase in gang activity and recruitment, and thus it is an important priority to educate students on the risks and consequences of joining a gang,” said U.S. Attorney Karam. “Our goal is to bring that awareness to students, and we are grateful to have strong partnerships with the school district and our law enforcement partners to support this objective.”
This event is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
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