Maine Township Trustee Laura Morask, a veteran prosecutor, has fought to protect our communities from the scourge of gang violence that has been highlighted in the news with the recent onslaught of gang shootings in the city. The weekend of violence in the city was analyzed by WGN Morning News as they asked expert gang prosecutor Laura Morask to appear on their April 21st broadcast in a compelling segment after an unparallelled weekend of gang crimes. Laura spoke about recent statistics and trends as well as offered tips to parents, educators, and community members as to how best to best protect our children. Laura's appearance was the third time she has been featured as an expert by WGN and/or FOX News.

WGN also promoted the second annual Maine Township Gang Awareness Seminar which was given by Laura on Wednesday, April 23, 2008 at the Maine Township Hall. This marked the second year that Laura has taught this continuing education series. This year's seminar featured a two hour presentation of tips, strategies, and education of gang signs, colors and tatoos to watch out for in our youth, our communities, and our schools. Over fifty people crowded the town hall including representatives or chiefs from all the surrounding police departments; Park Ridge, Des Plaines, Niles, as well as the Cook County Sherriff's Police. Our local schools were particularly well represented. Administrators and teachers from all the Maine High Schools as well as many of the schools in District 63/64 were eager to learn gang prevention strategies. Park Ridge Chief Tom Swoboda also spoke, echoing Laura's call to promote education of this topic so as to prevent gangs from gaining a presence in our communities. Laura also prepared a fifty page take-home manual for attendees listing major gang indicators, colors, insignia, and graffitti. The manual was so well received, a second printing had to be ordered. Laura was also requested by numerous schools to come speak to their individual communities of students.

You can view photo highlights from Laura's Gang Awareness presentation at the Maine Township Town Hall on April 23, 2008.