GPAC call-in set for Tuesday
By Ethan Smith
Published in News on June 27, 2016 1:46 PM
The Goldsboro Partners Against Crime initiative will notify 13 violent criminals of the consequences of committing another crime during its second call-in of 2016 at 6 p.m. Tuesday at Goldsboro City Hall.
The GPAC notification is their last warning and an indication that should they be found guilty of another crime the maximum punishment will be pursued.
To date, since the program began in 2012, 205 offenders have been notified by the GPAC program.
And this year comes with a new twist.
"Crime Stoppers has agreed to pay extra money this year for information on repeat offenders," Capt. Chiero said.
The 13 offenders in attendance Tuesday night who will receive a two-part message -- one from law enforcement and one from the community.
"The message is for them to stop the violence," said GPAC coordinator Capt. Theresa Chiero.
"It is up to them to make the change. I can't make them do it."
Capt. Chiero said there will be community members and former offenders at the call-in to share stories about how to leave a life of violent crime and begin working a regular job.
There are community assistance programs available to help offenders turn their backs on a life of crime and find employment.
"The message is if you mess up again, the consequences are severe," Capt. Chiero said. "But we also let them know there is help out there for them before they reoffend."
There will be one more GPAC call-in later this year, Capt. Chiero said.
The Goldsboro police chief, the Wayne County sheriff, top officials form the U.S. Attorney's Office, the district attorney, as well as members of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau Federal Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms and probation and parole officers will be on hand to deliver stern messages to offenders.
Of the 205 offenders who have been notified since the program's inception, 42 have reoffended. Following Tuesday night's call-in, 228 offenders will have been notified.
GPAC is an anti-violent crime initiative based on a national program called Project Safe Neighborhoods, and was tailored for Goldsboro after a similar program was used in High Point.
The public is invited to attend the call-in Tuesday evening.