Over 100 people participated in a forum about Safety and Justice, October 26th, 2017, at the Trinity Oaks Senior Living Community in Salisbury, North Carolina. West Virginia State Senator John Unger helped organize and facilitate the forum.

An article in the Salisbury Post, titled Salisbury residents sit down to talk about tough issues, by Rebecca Rider, describes more about the forum. The following is an excerpt from the October 27th, 2017 article:

Unger was invited to Salisbury by Ted Goins, who said he first met the senator a week after the tragic murder of 7-year-old A’yanna Allen in December 2016. The death brought issues of violence to the forefront of local discussions.

Roughly 100 people attended the Thursday morning workshop. Leaders of the three-hour session asked groups to think critically about common strategies to reduce violence and increase a feeling of community safety, and to ask: Would this work in Salisbury?

Deputy Police Chief Shon Barnes set the stage by updating the group on crime statistics and police initiatives.

In the past year, he said, the Salisbury Police Department has implemented a stratified policing model, formed partnerships with state and federal law enforcement agencies, increased foot patrols, and expanded its community engagement.

Click here to read the full article.