Community encouraged to spot warning signs at gang awareness presentation

MOSES LAKE — Preventing youth violence and gang involvement requires a coordinated effort between families, schools and law enforcement, said Hunter McLeod, threat assessment coordinator with the North Central Education Service District. “This should be a group effort,” said McLeod. “We want to provide families and community members with tools – strategies they can use at home – even if gang activity isn’t directly impacting their household.” McLeod and Ray Lopez, school resource officer with the Moses Lake Police Department, led a gang awareness presentation at Vanguard Academy last week, aimed at helping families better recognize risk factors and prevent youth involvement in gangs.