CSI forum will focus on illegal drugs
The fourth in a series of public forums to discuss topics related to crime in Fayette County will focus on illegal drug activity, as local law enforcement officials battle an ever-increasing war on drugs. The Herald-Standard, in conjunction with Penn State Fayette, The Eberly Campus, and police and law enforcement officials from across the county, will host “CSI: Fayette County – Crime Subjects Investigated.”
The forum will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. on June 28 in Swimmer Hall in the Williams Building at Penn State Fayette Campus.
“CSI: Fayette County” is a series of seminars throughout the year that will address crime in Fayette County in an effort to inform area residents about how to avoid becoming a victim, educate residents on their role in crime prevention and discuss topics relevant to crime and criminal activity in the county.
Mark O’Keefe, Herald-Standard executive editor, who will serve as moderator for the event, said the event is open to the public, and he hopes that as many people as possible will attend.
“We’ve been very pleased with the reaction to the forums so far, and we’re hoping that we get a good turnout for this one,” said O’Keefe. “This is a chance for people to come out and get some information about the drug problem, which we know is one of the most serious issues facing local residents.
“We’re very happy with those that have agreed to serve on our panel. These are people who deal with the drug problem on a firsthand basis every day, and we’re sure they will have a lot of good advice for those in attendance.”
Val Laub, publisher of the Herald-Standard, said the newspaper is sponsoring the forums as a community service.
“We’re trying to educate people about the crime problem, and certainly drugs is a big part of that,” said Laub.
“Our hope is that through education we can help people deal with the drug problem more effectively.”
Panelists for the discussion are still being finalized but will include state police Lt. David Heckman, an official from the Fayette County District Attorney’s office, Penn State Fayette nursing instructor Damien Zsiros and the Brian Reese, treatment supervisor at the Fayette County Drug and Alcohol Commission.
Susan Brimo-Cox, public relations director at Penn State Fayette, said the campus is pleased to be a partner in the public forums and said that they offer county residents a unique opportunity to hear from law enforcement officials and Penn State faculty.
The forum will be divided into two parts with the panelists each speaking about 10-12 minutes in the first part. The second part will be devoted to taking questions from those in attendance.
The last forum was held in late April and focused on municipal police departments in Fayette County. Previous forums focused on regional police and the role of state police in the community.
Seating is limited and those attending are urged to come early.