Local News in Brief : Churches’ Anti-Gang Role
The Inglewood Police Department has invited ministers and other clergy throughout south Los Angeles County to a March 29 meeting on increasing the role of churches in fighting gang and drug problems.
The department’s community affairs division organized the meeting and has invited Police Chief Raymond Johnson, Los Angeles County Sheriff Sherman Block, Los Angeles City Atty. James K. Hahn and Inglewood Juvenile Court Judge Roosevelt Dorn.
According to police criminal analyst Linda Kaladjian, the department hopes to mobilize clergy into taking a leadership role in community anti-crime efforts. The role of the clergy is particularly important because many congregations in the area include residents of adjoining communities who can unite in fighting a common problem, Kaladjian said.
The department also hopes to help more religious congregations establish anti-gang efforts such as the Kops and Kids program sponsored by the Inglewood police and two Inglewood churches last summer.
The meeting is scheduled for March 29 at 7 p.m. in the Inglewood High School Auditorium, 231 S. Grevillea Ave.
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