Second crime forum series set
?After a successful series of forums last year to raise awareness regarding crime and criminal activity in Fayette County, the first forum in a new series will focus on the role of juries in the judicial process.
The Herald-Standard, in conjunction with Penn State Fayette, The Eberly Campus, soon will present the first in a series of four public forums slated for this year.
Panelists are still being finalized for the first public forum in a series of discussions planned to increase community awareness regarding crime in the county.
Last year the newspaper and Penn State Fayette partnered with police and law enforcement officials from across the county, to host six public workshops titled “CSI: Fayette County -Crime Subjects Investigated.”
After a successful year in 2010, the newspaper decided to continue the forum series this year, with four additional meetings planned.
The series of seminars will continue to address crime and criminal activity in the region 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 criminal activity in the county.
The first forum focusing on juries will be held from 6 to 8?p.m. April 11 at the corporate training center, Room 112, in the Eberly Building at Penn State Fayette.
Panelists for the discussion will include: Fayette County Assistant District Attorney Michelle Kelley, Fayette County Judge Steve P. Leskinen, defense attorney Mark Mehalov, recent juror Barb Eicher and Dr. Richard Ball, administration of justice professor at Penn State Fayette. An additional panelist representing the state police is also being finalized.
Organizers of the forum are expecting a large turnout and those interested in attending are urged to come early, as seating will be on a first-come basis.
Susan Brimo-Cox, director of marketing and communications for Penn State Fayette, said that the collaboration between the newspaper and the school has afforded the public a unique opportunity to gain insight into criminal activity in the county.
Herald-Standard Executive Editor Mark O’Keefe agreed.
“We’re excited about holding our first CSI forum for 2011,” said O’Keefe.
“We think this will be a great opportunity for people to learn more about how the jury system works and perhaps help the those attending be a better juror if they’re ever called to serve.”
Herald-Standard Publisher Val Laub said he was appreciative of those who have agreed to serve on the panel.
“It’s great that we have so many people who are willing to come out and share their knowledge with the public,” said Laub. “We urge everyone to come out and learn more about this often overlooked but critical part of our criminal justice system.”
The forum, which is free and open to the public, will be divided into two parts, with the panelists each speaking for 10 to 12 minutes in the first part. The second part will be devoted to taking questions from the audience.
Forums last year focused on sexual abuse, gang activity and juvenile crime, illegal drug use, municipal police departments, the concept of regional police and the role of state police in the community?After a successful series of forums last year to raise awareness regarding crime and criminal activity in Fayette County, the first forum in a new series will focus on the role of juries in the judicial process.
The Herald-Standard, in conjunction with Penn State Fayette, The Eberly Campus, soon will present the first in a series of four public forums slated for this year.
Panelists are still being finalized for the first public forum in a series of discussions planned to increase community awareness regarding crime in the county.
Last year the newspaper and Penn State Fayette partnered with police and law enforcement officials from across the county, to host six public workshops titled “CSI: Fayette County -Crime Subjects Investigated.”
After a successful year in 2010, the newspaper decided to continue the forum series this year, with four additional meetings planned.
The series of seminars will continue to address crime and criminal activity in the region 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 criminal activity in the county.
The first forum focusing on juries will be held from 6 to 8?p.m. April 11 at the corporate training center, Room 112, in the Eberly Building at Penn State Fayette.
Panelists for the discussion will include: Fayette County Assistant District Attorney Michelle Kelley, Fayette County Judge Steve P. Leskinen, defense attorney Mark Mehalov, recent juror Barb Eicher and Dr. Richard Ball, administration of justice professor at Penn State Fayette. An additional panelist representing the state police is also being finalized.
Organizers of the forum are expecting a large turnout and those interested in attending are urged to come early, as seating will be on a first-come basis.
Susan Brimo-Cox, director of marketing and communications for Penn State Fayette, said that the collaboration between the newspaper and the school has afforded the public a unique opportunity to gain insight into criminal activity in the county.
Herald-Standard Executive Editor Mark O’Keefe agreed.
“We’re excited about holding our first CSI forum for 2011,” said O’Keefe.
“We think this will be a great opportunity for people to learn more about how the jury system works and perhaps help the those attending be a better juror if they’re ever called to serve.”
Herald-Standard Publisher Val Laub said he was appreciative of those who have agreed to serve on the panel.
“It’s great that we have so many people who are willing to come out and share their knowledge with the public,” said Laub. “We urge everyone to come out and learn more about this often overlooked but critical part of our criminal justice system.”
The forum, which is free and open to the public, will be divided into two parts, with the panelists each speaking for 10 to 12 minutes in the first part. The second part will be devoted to taking questions from the audience.
Forums last year focused on sexual abuse, gang activity and juvenile crime, illegal drug use, municipal police departments, the concept of regional police and the role of state police in the community.