GANGS: An Ocean County Reality. They are a problem not only for law enforcement but also for the community.

As a parent, educator, member of law enforcement, youth or concerned community member, you can help prevent further gang violence by learning what a gang is, what the signs of gang involvement and gang activity are and what you can do to stem future gang violence.

The Ocean County Library will host a Gang Awareness Program on Thursday, Feb. 25th at the Toms River branch for teens, parents, educators, clergy and other concerned adults about the growing menace of gangs in our communities.

http://connect.theoceancountylibrary.org/Calendar%20of%20Events?trumbaEmbed=view%3Devent%26eventid%3D117934788

This program is designed to educate and present strategies detailing how residents can deal with those groups. 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 up. 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.

 Lt. Torres will further talk about gang presence in schools and popular culture. He will point out what to look for when gang involvement is suspected and where to go for help.

The programs are free and open to the public.

Teens ages 12 and up are encouraged to attend.

  Sign in for all programs after 6:15 pm and the program promptly starts at 6:30.

 Light refreshments will be served and Professional Development Hours are offered.

These programs are 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