Sen. Nick Miller (D-Lehigh/Northampton) recently hosted a community roundtable on public safety in Allentown.
“The goal of this discussion was to bring together partners in the Lehigh Valley who focus on safety and preventing crime and violence within our community,” Miller said. We need to work together to encourage proactive programs that will keep our communities safe. Our focus is on programs and funding that support data-driven, measurable goals for prevention of violence.”
Miller discussed state budget items allocated to public safety. This includes a $2.5 million increase for domestic violence services, $5.6 million to protect residents from hate crimes, $11.5 million to create the Building Opportunity program, $16 million for four additional cadet classes for the Pennsylvania State Police, and $45 million in community-based programs to reduce violence.
Allentown Chief of Police Charles Roca and Whitehall Chief of Police Mike Marks spoke about the continuing problem of dangerous ATVs and dirt bike usage on roadways in urban areas as well as making mental health a priority.
Braley Veras, Turning Point of Lehigh Valley Children’s advocacy director, spoke about how there are more domestic violence victims than resources and stressed proactive practices.
Aaron Gorodzinsky, Jewish Community Center of Allentown director of campaign & security planning, spoke about hiring more security.