Gang Prevention Summit set for Saturday

2015 proved to be a deadly year in Salinas, with a record of 40 homicides, most of them gang related.

“It starts with literacy, it starts with success in school, it starts with positive activities for children. If kids grow up with those things as fundamentals then they will never be attracted to gangs,” said Salinas Police Chief McMillin

Salinas Police Chief Kelly McMillin said it’s up to parents, friends, teachers, and whoever else plays a role in that child’s life, to recognize early warning signs.

“The problem that we have is that we wait until young men particularly are already associated with gangs before we try to get them out. It’s much harder to pull them out of that lifestyle then it is to prevent them from ever getting into it in the first place,” said Chief McMillin.

Gang violence not only destroys families and ruins lives, but also cripples communities.

“People don’t want to come to Salinas, they don’t want to come to events here, because they’re afraid of becoming a victim,” said McMillin.

Even if that’s not the case.

“Because the reality is that gang violence and gang activity is confined generally to that community of gang members,” said McMillin.

Chief McMillin will be one of several speakers at the gang prevention summit crossroads 20-16.

“I believe everyone does have a role in public safety. This is a good place to learn on how they can participate,” said McMillin.

The summit is free to the public

WHEN: 8:30am-3:00pm Saturday, January 30th.

WHERE: Boys & Girls club, Salinas Clubhouse, 85 Maryal Drive.