THE Vancouver Police Department has teamed up with the Vancouver School Board and the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit of British Columbia (CFSEU- BC), to introduce the End Gang Life program into Vancouver schools.

“Information and awareness are key, especially at a young age, when you’re making decisions that could impact the rest of your life,” said VPD Superintendent Michelle Davey on Wednesday. “The End Gang Life program will now be one of many programs used by the VPD to connect with students and help build positive and trusting relationships with Vancouver’s youth.”

School-based presentations on the realities of gangs will be tailored to specifically appeal to Vancouver students and will be presented by members of the VPD’s School Liaison and Gang Crime units.

“There is no doubt that End Gang Life has saved lives and deterred people from getting involved in the gang lifestyle,” said CFSEU-BC Staff Sergeant Lindsey Houghton, creator of the End Gang Life initiative. “Having the Vancouver Police Department as another ambassador for End Gang Life, and relaying its important messages of prevention and education, is a critical piece that may empower youth and young adults to stand up to gangs and make positive choices.”

“Based on the program’s past success, we are pleased to be partnering with the Vancouver Police Department and the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit of British Columbia,” said Robert Schindel, Associate Superintendent of the Vancouver School District. “We strongly believe educating our students is one of the most effective ways of preventing gang involvement.”

Police encourage anyone wanting to leave gang life to use resources available through the CFSEU End Gang Life program. They can call the CFSEU Gang Exiting and Intervention helpline at 604-897-6023.