RALEIGH — The Governor’s Gang Task Force will meet for the first time Thursday at the Governor’s Crime Commission in Raleigh.
Salisbury Mayor Susan Kluttz was recently appointed by Gov. Bev Perdue to serve on the task force, which will meet at 9 a.m. at 1201 Front St., Suite 200.
Perdue established the task force through executive order in October 2010 to enhance anti-gang law enforcement efforts and develop gang prevention policies in North Carolina. There are an estimated 15,000 gang members in the state.
“Government’s most important mission is public safety,” Perdue said in a press release. “The task force will help develop a well-coordinated enforcement program and enhanced information sharing among agencies. Members also can draft proposed legislation if it is needed to address emerging gang issues.
“The goal is to keep young people away from gangs, reduce crime and make our communities safer places to live.”
Perdue appointed 26 members from leadership positions within state agencies and the law enforcement community as well as legislators and other key figures involved in gang prevention, intervention and suppression programs within the state.