In an effort to educate residents about the negative impacts of gangs, the City of Tulare and Tulare County will partner to host two gang awareness events in October.

The purpose of the Tulare Gang Awareness Event, scheduled for October 18 and 25, is to educate the public on gang prevention and suppression strategies, community safety, and how residents can get involved in combating gang activity.

“Collaboration between all partners is a must in order to inform and help educate residents about the gang presence and impacts upon our community,” said District Two Supervisor Pete Vander Poel. “Knowledge is power. This event should give parents and youth the tools to fight gangs and gang influences.”

The first forum is scheduled from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday, October 18 at Tulare Western High School. The second forum is scheduled 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday, October 25 at Live Oak Middle School.

Both forums will feature a one-hour resource fair and age related breakout sessions.

Tulare Police Chief Breckinridge said the partnership between the city, county, law enforcement, and schools is a promising sign of cooperation among agencies to combat gangs and gang influences.  “"The efforts and contributions of these partners serve as an indication that gangs are a community concern. No single agency, entity, or person can address this problem alone, it takes a continuous collaborative effort.”

The Tulare Gang Awareness Forum is a partnership between the Tulare County Board of Supervisors, City of Tulare, Tulare Police Department, Tulare County Sheriff’s Department, Tulare County Probation Department, Tulare City Elementary School District, and the Tulare Joint Union High School District.