WEST ROXBURY PROBATION AND BOSTON POLICE MEET WITH COMMUNITY TO PREPARE FOR SAFE SUMMER

More than 200 teenagers and their parents and guardians turned out for a "Safe Summer Initiative" forum co-sponsored by the Probation Department of the Boston Municipal Court-West Roxbury Division and the Boston Police Department, Area E-5 & Special Units, to address local concerns about teenage misbehavior and ways to keep young people busy and out of trouble this summer.

West Roxbury First Assistant Chief Mark Prisco and Probation Officer Bill Joyce represented probation at the meeting held at the West Roxbury Community Center. Also in attendance were District Attorney Dan Conley, Boston Police Department Deputy Superintendent Darren Greeley, BPD Lieutenant Gary French, and BPD Safety Officer Ken Jamieson. Members of the BPD Gang Unit and Brian Eacabacci, an alcohol counselor at Bay State Community Service were also on hand.

"We are working with the Boston Police Department to create an atmosphere where all young people will have a nice, safe summer," Prisco said.

Among the issues of community concern are teenage drinking, loitering, fighting and alleged gang-related activity, according to Prisco. The group talked about forming flag football and basketball leagues and offering programs at the YMCA to keep young people occupied during the hot days of summer.

Prisco informed the teens and their parents and guardians of the role of probation.

"I wanted them to understand what we do in probation and the restrictions placed on someone who is on probation. I explained the long-term ramifications of getting a record," said Prisco.