Juvenile Crime Prevention Council: Special Session

Juvenile Crime Prevention Council Special Session Recap: Focus on Youth, Safety, and Community Engagement

On May 29, 2025, the Juvenile Crime Prevention Council (JCPC) held a special session meeting focused on key initiatives aimed at supporting young people and enhancing community safety. The meeting, attended by council members and representatives from various agencies including the Division of Juvenile Justice (DJJ), Department of Public Safety (DPS), and Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), centered around finalizing annual plans, preparing for Gun Violence Awareness & Prevention Month, and providing updates on ongoing programs.

A major outcome of the meeting was the unanimous approval of the JCPC's 2024-2025 annual plan and certification documents. These comprehensive materials, totaling over 80 pages, outline the council's strategies for addressing risk and needs planning for youth involved with DJJ in District 40 (formerly District 28), detailing funded programs, data analysis, and a focus on community-based interventions. Council Chair George Redman emphasized the importance of sharing these documents with the broader community, recognizing them as valuable evidence of the JCPC’s positive impact. Hannah will ensure these approved documents are available on the Board of Commissioners' website in advance of their upcoming meeting.

A significant portion of the discussion revolved around planning events for June, designated as Gun Violence Awareness & Prevention Month. The council is partnering with DJJ, DPS, and DHHS on the "NC Safe" campaign, promoting safe gun storage practices and open communication within families. A series of community events are planned throughout the month, including a photo opportunity at City County Plaza, a gun safety event featuring free gun lock distribution at the Tanger Outlet Mall, a unique "Guns to Gardens" art project, and a family-focused safety event at Martin Luther King Park. These events are designed to engage residents, raise awareness about gun violence prevention, and provide valuable resources for families.

Beyond planning events, the council received updates on existing programs like community service and teen court initiatives, including upcoming Lego workshops and plans to commemorate a significant event. While no direct public comments were made during the meeting, a representative from Umoja shared information about a fundraiser supporting the John R Hayes High Stepping Majorettes and Drum Corps, highlighting the importance of community support for local youth organizations.

Looking ahead, several action items were identified to ensure the JCPC's ongoing success. Council staff will update agency information, address an ongoing discrepancy regarding district numbers on some documents, and follow up with Deputy Secretary William Lasseter to confirm his attendance at the gun safety event. Brandon will also circulate flyers related to an upcoming AI Summit and "Survive and Succeed" event. The next full JCPC meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, June 11th, due to the Juneteenth holiday.

This special session meeting underscored the JCPC's dedication to proactive juvenile crime prevention through strategic planning, collaborative partnerships, and community engagement. The approved annual plan provides a roadmap for the council's work, while the planned Gun Violence Awareness & Prevention Month events offer opportunities for residents to participate in creating a safer and more supportive environment for young people in our community.