Cox 11's Plugged-In Focuses on the Issue of Gangs in Hampton Roads

CHESAPEAKE, Va., June 22 /PRNewswire/ -- In a provocative, informative, and sometimes shocking discussion, Cox 11's award-winning show, Plugged-In, gives viewers a closer look at the impact and effects of gang activity in Hampton Roads. This episode of Plugged-In will premiere on Cox 11 Sunday, June 27 at 8 p.m. There will be additional airings of this show throughout the month of July.

Leigh Woisard, Cox Vice President of Public Affairs said, "It is very startling to think that our idyllic communities could harbor factions of the nation's largest gangs. Our goal with this Plugged-In episode is to bring to light this important issue and to arm both teens and parents with tools to combat it."

Guests on the show include:

• Detective K.L. Gavin, Portsmouth Police Department Gang Suppression Unit
• Detective C.A. Carroll, Virginia Beach Police Department Special Investigations
• The Honorable Cliff Hayes, Chesapeake City Council
• Detective Corey Sales, Hampton Police Department
• Sabrina Jones, Manager, Partnership on Youth Violence Prevention
• Mrs. Edna Smith, Mother of an ex-gang member
• Mike Kuhns, President, Peninsula Crime Line, Vice Present Business Development and Government Affairs, Virginia Peninsula Chamber of Commerce
• Nick Taylor, Host, Radio Personality Z104
• Student Audiences: From area Boys and Girls Clubs and Access College

The U.S. Justice Department believes 25,000 gangs are operating across the country, in more than 3,000 jurisdictions, with more than 750,000 members.  Woisard adds, "Despite the apparent scope of the issue, many do not recognize how pervasive the gang issue is in Hampton Roads."

A March 2009 local newspaper article notes that there are approximately 116 gangs and 6,000 total gang members in Hampton Roads.  

According to a Virginia Gang Investigators Association's 2004 survey of law enforcement, investigators have identified several gangs in the Hampton Roads region as follows:

Live On-Line Community Chat Session

On Wednesday, June 30, from 7 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Cox will also conduct a LIVE CHAT session on gangs in Hampton Roads. Studio guests from this plugged in show will be part of the web-based discussion to continue the dialogue and offer more in-depth guidance to those struggling with gang issues in their families. "This live session will offer students outside of the studio audience, parents impacted by the gang issue, businesses impacted, and others the opportunity to share their thoughts either via text or via web posts regarding their thoughts, attitudes and feelings on the gang issue in Hampton Roads. They can be sure that their comments will be treated with confidentiality and privacy," notes Woisard.

For more information, contact Felicia Blow at (757) 222-8432 or [email protected].

About Cox Communications:

Cox Communications is a broadband communications and entertainment company, providing advanced digital video, Internet, telephone and wireless services over its own nationwide IP network. The third-largest U.S. cable TV company, Cox serves more than 6 million residences and businesses. Cox Business is a facilities-based provider of voice, video and data solutions for commercial customers, and Cox Media is a full-service provider of national and local cable spot and new media advertising. Cox is known for its pioneering efforts in cable telephone and commercial services, industry-leading customer care and its outstanding workplaces. For seven years, Cox has been recognized as the top operator for women by Women in Cable Telecommunications; for five years, Cox has ranked among DiversityInc's Top 50 Companies for Diversity, and the company holds a perfect score in the Human Rights Campaign's Corporate Equality Index. More information about Cox Communications, a wholly owned subsidiary of Cox Enterprises, is available at www.cox.com and www.coxmedia.com.

About Plugged-In:

Plugged-In is an award-winning teen forum program produced by Cox Hampton Roads that addresses issues that matter to young people in our community.  Plugged-In is designed to present perspectives from our youth in a way that gives them a voice and offers insights, advice, and resources to young viewers on ways they can navigate through topical issues in order to achieve a positive result.  The program also provides parents and community decision-makers with relevant information that can affect future programs and initiatives.  

SOURCE Cox Communications