State agency recertifies Newport News as a Certified Crime Prevention Community; youth advisory board highlights expanded enrollment

The Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) presented the Newport News Police Department with a recertification under the Certified Crime Prevention Communities program at the Feb. 25 City Council meeting.

Tina Sumter of DCJS provided a brief history of the program and said communities must meet multiple core and optional safety elements to qualify for recertification. Harvey Powers, DCJS’ law enforcement division director, told council there are about 400 criminal justice agencies in the Commonwealth and only 12 have achieved Certified Crime Prevention Community status. Powers said the designation recognizes sustained partnership between law enforcement, nonprofits, faith groups and residents and also can help jurisdictions compete for state grants.

Chief Drew and department staff joined DCJS on the dais to accept the certificate. Powers and Sumter pointed to the Newport News Neighborhood Watch Coalition and other collaborative efforts as highlights of the city’s application.

Also on the agenda, students from the Young Adult Police Commission — including co-presidents Massimiliano Arellano and Samaya Tate and students such as Tyler McNally — spoke about the group’s growth to 47 participants this year, its weekly meetings with police officers and its activities such as community service events and guest appearances at police graduations. Students said the program gives youth a voice to discuss policing, build social and career skills, and strengthen relationships between officers and neighborhoods.

No formal action was required; the presentation and student remarks were part of the meeting’s ceremonial and public-engagement items.