Cyber crimes against children, synthetic drug use, and how parents can recognize if a child is involved in gang activity are the three main subject areas to be discussed during a community outreach event sponsored by the TN-ZERO Crime Task Force this week.

On Thursday from 2:30 – 4:30 p.m., parents, citizens, law enforcement officers, and elected officials will be on-hand during the educational symposium being held in the Board Room at the LaVergne City Hall, located at 5093 Murfreesboro Road.

FBI Agent Casper Cromwell will talk about online and digital crimes, including sex-texting, sex trafficking via the internet, identity theft, hacking, and other cyber crimes. Laura Cole, a scientist with the TBI, will educate attendees about the dangers of using synthetic drugs and signs and symptoms of which parents should be aware. Additionally, Sgt. Tommy London of the Rutherford County Corrections Work Center will describe the signs pointing to whether their children are involved in gang activities, as well as what the community needs to know to recognize and report gang activity and tagging.

“As a detective in Detroit, I have seen many tragic endings,” said Kathy Hines, chairwoman of the TN-ZERO Task Force. “I don’t want Tennessee to inherit the horrible chain of events I witnessed, where a one person becomes involved in an activity that causes great harm to the entire family. Remember a house divided can not stand.”

Bryan Barrett and State Representative Mike Sparks broadcast live Thursday from 3-4pm on Rutherford Issues from the lobby at LaVergne City Hall during the symposium. Sparks is sponsor of the TN-ZERO Task Force.

LaVergne Mayor Senna Mosley applauds his work, “We are serious about protecting our citizens. These highly qualified and informed community leaders are here to help the families in our city and county. I encourage people to take advantage of this opportunity to get educated about the issues.”