Gang training seminar offered
By Barbara Scott
Staff Writer
On Thursday, Nov.10, the Loring Jobs Corps Center will be hosting a free Gang Training seminar from 7 to 9 p.m. at the LJC Community Center ballroom.
Graham Warne, LJC security coordinator, will be the primary speaker for the evening addressing a number of gang related issues including defining what exactly is a gang; gang identifiers; signs, symbols and colors; identifying graffiti and other topics.
“This is a way for myself and the Loring Job Corps to give back to the surrounding communities. I’m originally from Ohio,” said Graham, “and growing up in a city and through traveling, I learned about and have witnessed gang activities. I really like it up here and I want to help keep our communities safe by providing an informative and educational session like the one scheduled for Nov. 10, hoping to keep the public aware of the signs of gang activity,” he added.
According to Graham, Maine does have a gang presence and although it is more prominent at this time in the southern part of the state, gang-related graffiti along with other signs have appeared in local areas.
“This training is to educate community members of some of the things they should be aware of — to help identify signs, “stated Graham. “If someone witnesses something or hears of an unusual activity, they shouldn’t hesitate to report it either community officials or school teachers/administrators.”
Graham invites and encourages educators, law enforcement officials, individuals who work with youth-based programs and the general public to attend the Nov. 10 session.
