I'm buying a house (still in looking stage - perfect time to buy and there are so many out there in my range), so I wanted to get more involved in the community as a homeowner and find out about crime in my area - Southeast Baltimore. Last night I went with a friend to the monthly local police meeting and had the best time! Not to make light of the seriousness of what was presented and discussed, but it was quite a show - between the officers and the community members. You could just spot the people who LIVE for these meetings. They practically set up shop at their table - with leather portfolios filled with legal pads, pens, highlighters. They bring water bottles and fliers and highlight the agenda. They ask many many questions. They are known by name by the officers. Still, I could appreciate their fervor. It's people like that that keep the police informed and keep an eye out for bad behavior.
The police were great, actually - funny, friendly, passionate about what they do, committed to being good communicators and responders to community needs. About 7 of them were in on the presentation (which included PowerPoint! There were many misspellings so my friend and I are going to volunteer to proofread for them next time). They passed out so much helpful material on gangs - how to spot them, how to talk to parents who might have a child in a gang, what they're doing about it, graffiti, etc. My friend showed me a picture of a bit of graffiti that had been on the wall of the bank across from Creative Alliance (I hadn't even seen it!) - a Bloods symbol. It was all fascinating and I feel more informed already. I'm working with a group that mentors young girls (the police said the girl gangs are more hard core than the boys) and I plan on contacting the youth division to ask them to come and present to the girls - before it's too late!
What I wanted to pass on to you, Dear Writer, is yet another reminder to step out of your comfort zone. Until my friend mentioned this meeting, I didn't know they existed. Saw some of my neighbors there. I took so many notes on people, things said, and other info, that I might use later in my writing. Look for something like this where you live. It doesn't have to be a police meeting - it can be some event or museum or organization or store you've been meaning to check out and haven't gotten around to. My advice to you? GO. You never know what you might see/hear that will inspire you to write. Get out there and keep your eyes open!
(And consider finding these meetings in your area and attend them and/or volunteer to mentor a young boy or girl (your police department will have lists of these organizations in your area). Your involvement could make all the difference and ensure they don't get sucked into a gang. I know plenty of people who just complain and complain about the police and never go to a meeting like this and share their concerns. They forget it's a partnership. The police need our help as much as we need theirs.)
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