BSU hosts gang awareness workshop

BEMIDJI — Mark Martin, a veteran Minneapolis police officer and instructor and curriculum developer for the National Gang Center, will present “Understanding Minnesota Gangs” from 8 a.m. to noon May 13 in Hagg-Sauer 100 on the Bemidji State campus.

The cost is $25 and registration is available at minnesotagangs.evenbrite.com. Peace Officer Standards and Training credits are available for licensed peace officers who participate in the workshop.

The workshop is designed for teachers; police, corrections and probation officers; social workers and others who work with children. Topics will include gang definitions and statutes in Minnesota, reasons why children join gangs, factors that pre-dispose children to gang membership and the varying levels of gang involvement.

Martin will provide a thorough overview of known gangs operating in Minnesota including Latino, White Supremacist and Native gangs.

For details, call (612) 290-3487.