Manhattan District Attorney Robert M. Morgenthau, joined by New York Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly, will sponsor a community forum on “Gun Violence: A Community Issue, Part 3.” This is the third gun forum, in collaboration with Assistant Chief Raymond Diaz Commanding Officer Patrol Borough Manhattan North, in the past four years and will once again open up the dialogue between the community, the District Attorney’s Office, and the New York Police Department addressing this serious issue.

The forum will be held on Monday, April 21, 2008 at the Oberia Dempsey Center, 127 West 127th Street, Auditorium from 7:00pm­­–9:00 pm. Refreshments will be served at 6:00pm.

Mr. Morgenthau will give the opening remarks, followed by Police Commissioner Kelly, and a representative from the New York City Police Department. Then Assistant District Attorney Dan Rather, Unit Chief Firearms and Trafficking Unit (“FTU”), will give a short PowerPoint presentation covering the District Attorney's pioneering efforts against illegal firearms, the goal of his Unit, the sources and methods of illegal gun distribution, a brief overview of New York State and City gun law, and a summary of significant case work in Harlem and upper Manhattan. Following will be a question and answer period.

Mr. Morgenthau said, “This forum is intended to inform the community of the impact of illegal firearms, as well as the continuing efforts and successes of the District Attorney and the NYPD in the fight for public safety.”

During the forum, neighborhood residents will be given an opportunity to share their concerns on these relevant topics.
This forum is organized by the District Attorney's Community Affairs Unit. For additional information, please contact the Community Affairs Unit (212) 335-9082.

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