In August of 2016, law enforcement, probation, justice system personnel, teachers, administrators, social workers, church leaders and the average resident came together to learn about a growing social issue across the U.S. The 165 people attending the free symposium came from Washington, where the event was held at the Temple of Jesus Christ Family Life Center, and from as far away as Charlotte to delve into gangs — gang psychology, the many gangs operating in the state and how to recognize the signs of gang affiliation, from graffiti to sports clothing and accessories like jewelry and shoe laces.

The event was so successful that its sponsors, Washington Police and Fire Services, have invited J.P. and Michelle Guarino of the nonprofit North Carolina Gang Investigators Association to present the second part of their Gang Free NC program, according to Kimberly Grimes, WPD’s community outreach coordinator.

“After the event, we actually got a lot of feedback: first, that (participants) want the second part to come to Washington. The other thing was how much they enjoyed it; how much they got out of it,” Grimes said.

The Guarinos have been working with gang task forces for more than 20 years: Michelle Guarino is a licensed social worker and civilian supervisor working with Chapel Hill Police Department and J.P. Guarino is the criminal gang intelligence project manager for the North Carolina State Highway Patrol. Between the two, they have direct experience with all aspects of gang life.

During an interview prior to last year’s event, Washington Police and Fire Services Director Stacy Drakeford said that police had started to see gang activity seeping in from other counties and communities and the age of those claiming to be gang affiliated was of concern: 13-, 14- and 15-year-olds. During the symposium, J.P. Guarino confirmed that the average age of a gang member in North Carolina is 14 years old.

Gang Free NC, as an organization, educates citizens and community leaders about the dangers of gangs by sharing knowledge, resources and experience, according to a WPD flyer. The goal is to prevent or eliminate gang activity in the state, but Grimes said this event is also an opportunity to get to know others in the community who are working to divert children away from gang participation.

“You actually learn about other programs that are going on in the community that you might not be aware of,” Grimes said.

Grimes said the fact that the six-hour symposium counts as a continuing education credit for many fields is an additional benefit for attending. Part two of Gang Free NC will be held on April 7 at First United Methodist Church in Washington, but participants must register by March 31. Training is from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. with lunch provided, and light breakfast food will be available during a networking period from 8-9 a.m.

She said she wanted to get the word out early so as many people as possible could attend, regardless of whether they are there for professional or personal reasons.

“The community is invited. Community leaders, church leaders, even if you are not a leader, and are just concerned about the community, we are not closing the doors on anyone,” Grimes said.

For more information, call Grimes at 252-943-1715. Registration forms can be picked up at Washington Police Department or requested by emailing kgrimes@washingtonnc.gov; forms can be returned via email to this address or mailed to Washington Police and Fire Services, 201 W. Third St., Washington 27889, attn: Kimberly Grimes. Attendance at the first Gang Free NC symposium is not required to attend part two.