Have you heard about the Community Awareness Seminars? The school system has organized meetings at each of the high schools in the county, inviting the students in that district and their parents.

We’ve done four so far. I’d like to do many more.

They follow this format. The principal of the high school welcomes everyone. Then I speak briefly about the purpose of the meeting. Bob Stavenger from the Fayetteville Police Department gives an excellent talk about gangs that operate in surrounding counties and the ones trying to get started in our schools. Curt Cearley, Director of Technology Services for the schools and Peggy O’Farrell, the webmaster, offer eye-opening presentations about internet safety. Anthony Rhodes and Belinda McCastle from Sheriff Johnson’s Department discuss traffic stops. I especially like their advice to women who think they are being stopped by a police imposter.

Then we take questions from the audience. I love that part. I’ve carefully listened to the comments from parents. As I do, I’m flooded with ideas as to what we can do to preserve our way of life in Fayette County.

The alliance that has developed between law enforcement, our office and the schools is quickly adding new partners—parents. I can’t adequately express to you how encouraging that has been to me. It will take all of us to defend this county against those who want to tarnish it.

One question last Monday at Whitewater High was especially exciting to me. A student asked, “What can we as students do to stop gang activity when we see it?” The answer is to report the activity to an adult.

But the question itself suggests the possibility of another partner in the alliance. Students. With them on board we’ll win this fight.