Riverside Police Department Press Release

The Cops and Clergy Network receives an award by
the California State Assembly’s office

 

Riverside, Ca-  On Wednesday, September 17, 2003, the Cops and Clergy Network received an award from the California State Assembly’s office for “California Crime Prevention Community Partner of the Year” for 2003. The award was presented at the California Crime Prevention Officer’s Association annual conference held in Garden Grove, California.

The Cops and Clergy Network was nominated for this award by the Riverside Police Department for their continued partnership since the program was established in May of 2001. Since then, both organizations have developed a collaborative relationship on issues relating to crime prevention and public safety. With a current membership of over 85 organizations, this network has the ability to interact and work together with hundreds of residents throughout the community. These organizations have the ability to mobilize and inform a large segment of the residents and embrace the universal desire to live together in a peaceful, safe and respectful community.

On Thursday, September 25, 2003, Pastor Eugene Rivers will be returning to Riverside to meet with local law enforcement and faith leaders at the California Citrus State Historic Park, located at the corner of Dufferin Avenue and Van Buren Boulevard. The luncheon will take place from 11:30 am - 1:30 pm and is being hosted by the Riverside Police Department, Cops and Clergy Network and the City of Riverside, Office of Neighborhoods.

Pastor Rivers is from Boston, Massachusetts and is known nationwide for his efforts to combat gang violence. Pastor Rivers was the main speaker at the "Faith & Justice Summit" held at the Riverside Convention Center in February of 2003 where he spoke to over 300 people in attendance. The theme for the luncheon will be "Waging Peace: Building a new comprehensive regional strategy for gang violence reduction."

Chief of Police Russ Leach will be the Master of Ceremonies for the event. For more information or to R.S.V.P., please contact Vicki Jackson at (909) 782-9529 or Eva Yakutis-McNiel from the City of Riverside Office of Neighborhoods at (909) 826-5191.