Find Out How You Can Help Fight Gangs In Ocean County

TOMS RIVER, NJ — Gang activity is present throughout the country, state and Ocean County, and presentations in April at the Ocean County Library aim to arm teens, parents, educators, clergy and other concerned adults with information about the problem and what they can do to fight it, according to a news release from the library system.

The program is designed to educate and present strategies detailing how residents can deal with gangs. Local police departments, township and educational officials will have the opportunity to discuss gang presence with residents and what actions are being taken to combat it.

Edwin Torres, a retired New Jersey Police lieutenant and juvenile gang expert, will explain the warning signs of gang presence in a neighborhood and why kids join them. He will also give a brief history of gangs, gang markings, such as colors, symbols and clothing use to mark out territory and distinguish each other from rival gangs.

Torres will also discuss gang presence in schools and popular culture, and what to look for when gang involvement is suspected and where to go for help, the news release said.

The main branch of the library will host the program on Thursday, April 6, beginning at 6:30 p.m.; there are additional dates as well.

The series is funded through a community collaboration of the Ocean County Board of Chosen Freeholders, the Ocean County Youth Service Commission, the Ocean County Health Department, the Ocean County Superior Court Juvenile Probation Division, the Ocean County Library, the Municipal Alliance Project and the New Jersey Governor’s Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse.

Teens ages 12 and up are encouraged to attend and will receive two community service hours. Light refreshments will be served and professional development hours are offered. The programs are free and open to the public but registration is required. Sign in for all programs begins at 6:15 p.m. The program starts promptly at 6:30 p.m.

To register call the branch or visit www.theoceancountylibrary.org.

The program also will be held at the following library branches:

• Point Pleasant Borough Branch, Wednesday, April 5, 834 Beaver Dam, Rd., (732) 295-1555

• Manchester Branch, Thursday, April 13, 211 Colonial Drive, (732) 657-7600

Children's hands, by Vicki C, via Flickr under Creative Commons license