FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 27, 2010

Portland Community Chamber Announces Need for Restoration of Police-Youth Intervention Programs

PORTLAND, Maine - Today, the Portland Community Chamber (PCC) announced its support for the restoration of police-youth development programs in the City of Portland, Maine.

In 2009, Eileen Skinner, CEO and President of Mercy Hospital - and a board member of the PCC - chaired the Task Force on Crime Trends on behalf of the Portland Chamber and the City of Portland.  The task force had multiple goals, but its most important was to understand how crime had impacted the "livability" of the city of Portland.  Based upon its research, the task force came back with multiple findings - in particular, the need for support in developing police-oriented youth programs.  These police-youth intervention programs, the task force believes, are essential in developing positive mentoring relationships between Portland's police and its youth.

"Our aha! moment was discovering that crime is complex," said Skinner, of the task force's research.  "It's not about the police arresting offenders, but programs that promote the development of a positive life path and impact the foundation of a healthy community."

Based upon a document entitled "Crime Trends Task Force: Recommendations for the PCC Board," the PCC voted to designate $5,000 to the efforts outlined in the submitted document.  The first contribution of $1,000 has already been made to youth initiative programs overseen by Officer Raymond Ruby, Portland Police's Youth Services Officer. Others will follow as details of the various programs are unveiled.

"The business community's support of our youth initiatives is critical for their success, and I have been continually impressed by the Portland Chamber's willingness to collaborate and cooperate with the Police Department to enhance public safety," stated Police Chief James Craig. "We need all hands on deck for the city to successfully reduce crime and live up to the community's promise to our youth for a bright future."

Appointed to Youth Services Officer in October 2009, Officer Ruby's youth initiative program will include such efforts as the Police Athletic/Activity League and Explorer program, designed to enhance and improve the department's relationship with Portland's youth.  Ruby has been with the department since 2005 and is known both for his natural athletic ability and his commitment to kids.  In addition to his off-duty pursuits - most recently, swimming in the Peaks to Portland race - he has been most actively involved with coordinating the Police Athletic/Activity League. He also created the Shop with Cops program, which paired children and officers together to shop for families during the holiday season.  In addition, he volunteers at local schools, with the Big Brothers, Big Sisters program and the Portland Boys and Girls Club.

"The creation of the department's youth athletic league and Explorer Post mark just the beginning of our efforts to develop long lasting supportive relationships between police officers and the city's youth," remarked Officer Ray Ruby. "Whether it's kicking a ball back and forth or teaching the fundamentals of crime prevention, we, the officers, have found that we have a lot to share and learn from each other and that's only going to make the department's job easier."