The FBI Meets with Congressman Tim Bishop and Local Community Leaders to Discuss an Increase of Violence and Gang Activity in Suffolk County
| FBI New York May 05, 2010 |
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FBI representatives and Suffolk County community |
Left to Right: FBI Special Agent Steven Troyd, |
On Monday, May 3rd, FBI special agents joined Congressman Tim Bishop (D-1), Suffolk County Executive Steve Levy, Suffolk County Legislator Kate Browning, Police Commissioner Richard Dormer and other community leaders to participate in a Suffolk County community meeting against the increased violence in Bellport and East Patchogue, New York. Neighborhood constituents were encouraged to become more personally involved in supporting local and federal joint efforts to decrease gang violence in their communities. Local officials listened to residents’ concerns and provided perspectives on various steps that can be taken to address and reduce substance abuse and gang affiliation among their youth.
Assistant Special Agent in Charge (ASAC) Peter Grupe said, “The FBI will continue to participate in multiagency efforts to shore up local communities in their fight against gang violence.”
The FBI views gang violence, in addition to all other major crime problems, as a barrier to both our communities and our national security. The FBI’s community outreach activities, in conjunction with local police, government components, and school districts, have been designed to show teenagers and young adults who are thinking about joining a gang the opportunities available to them if they take a different route and the consequences that will await them should they decide to enter into life as a gang member.
To find out more on the threats posed by gangs and how you can help spot and prevent gang activity, please visit our website at http://www.fbi.gov/hq/cid/ngic/violent_gangs.htm.
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