Crime Prevention Program For Men Over 21 Launched By Douglasville Police

DOUGLASVILLE, GA — After a 15-year-old boy was killed at a New Year's Eve party in Douglasville, Gary Sparks, chief of the Douglasville Police Department, said something had to be done to help the young boys and men from getting involved in crime.

Now, his department is launching a program in an effort to make that happen.

DPD created a program called The Foundational Transformation of Men Program "with the purpose of 'taking males and turning them into men,'" DPD officials said on Facebook, quoting a phrase coined by Municipal Court Judge Keith Rollins.

The program is designed for men over 21 years old and focuses on helping them "through their formative years to the greatness they're withholding inside of them," Sparks said.

"It is an enlightening program directed at unlocking their potential so that they can become productive men leading their families and taking care of their parental and various other responsibilities," Sparks said in a news release.

Related: 1 Wanted, 3 Arrested In Teen Death At Douglasville NYE Party

The program includes six weeks of training based on the principles and teachings of Myles Munroe, a religious leader, author and ordained minister, Sparks said. The program will cover conflict resolution, financial planning, secrets to success and the "purpose and power of men."

"We are trying to get young men to understand that they have purpose in their lives and that the decisions they make affect everyone," Sparks said in the release. "The goal is for them to become productive citizens through understanding their parental, family, civic and moral duties."

Classes for the program begin March 14, and will meet on Monday nights from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Douglasville Police Department. Light refreshments will be served.

A graduation will be held April 18 at the completion of the program. Participants are required to attend each week to graduate.

Anyone interested in attending is asked to contact Helen McCoy at 678-293-1781 or by email at mccoyh@douglasville.gov.