Louis Tomasetti, a detective on the Asheville Police Department's Gang Unit, will discuss the department's gang suppression efforts and the impacts of local street gangs on the Asheville community at 3:45 p.m. Wednesday, April 30, at UNC Asheville's Laurel Forum, Karpen Hall. The event is free and open to the public.

The Asheville Police Department Gang Suppression Unit is composed of two detectives assigned to the Criminal Investigations Division. These detectives are involved in investigating gang-related crimes throughout the City of Asheville. Detectives are also tasked with gaining intelligence and suppressing and cataloguing gang activity. Detectives actively participate in prevention efforts, including diversion programs. At-risk youth are referred to these programs to help them escape the gang culture and pressures.

For more information, contact UNC Asheville's Office of Professional Education Programs at 828/250-2353 or nwilliam@unca.edu.