Lakeland Police Spearhead 1st Peace Teen Summit In City

LAKELAND, FL —The Lakeland Police Department wants to bridge the gap between its officers and teenagers by hosting the first Peace Teen Summit in the city toward the end of July.

Teens will have the chance to learn about laws, meet law enforcement officials and ask questions during the three-hour event.

“We look forward to this summit as yet another opportunity to partner with our community to achieve a better understanding of police procedures for our citizens and build relationships for enhanced communication for our law enforcement officers to better comprehend the perception of police encounters by our citizens we serve," Chief Ruben Garcia said. "Communication and Understanding are great preventive steps to reduce conflict in any situation."

The department has partnered with National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE) as one of the primary speakers at the event. Founded in 1976, NOBLE is comprised of 59 chapters across the United States with members in Canada, the Caribbean, United Kingdom, and several countries in Africa. Along with community outreach and scholarship programs, they provide nationally recognized, hands-on interactive training programs to strengthen community relations between law enforcement and young people.

The event is scheduled Friday, July 30, from 9 a.m. until noon. Registration begins at 8 a.m. at the Lake Mirror Auditorium, 121 South Lake Ave., Lakeland.

Participants will be provided a light lunch after the event. Parents, educators and those who work with youth are also invited to attend. For additional information on the Peace Teen Summit, visit www.lakelandpd.com.