Memphis, TN — On October 24, 2024, a forum titled “Protecting Places of Worship” will take place in Memphis, Tennessee. This event, organized by the U.S. Department of Justice’s Community Relations Service (CRS) and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Tennessee, aims to address the increasing issue of hate crimes targeting places of worship.
The forum will occur at the FedEx Event Center at Shelby Farms Park, located at 415 Great View Dr. E. in Cordova, TN, from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM Central Time. It provides an opportunity for faith-based leaders, security personnel, and community members to receive guidance on federal and state hate crime laws and acquire tools for assessing safety and preventing violence.
Latest TN News
Key components of the event include an overview of hate crime laws, preparation for emergency situations through active shooter training, and exploration of best practices for safeguarding congregations. Sessions will be led by experts from several agencies, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Shelby County Sheriff’s Department, Memphis Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI). The forum also has backing from the Governor’s Office, the City of Memphis, and community organizations like the Memphis Baptist Ministerial Alliance and the National Black Prosecutors Association.
Participation is free, but registration is mandatory. Interested individuals can register by visiting the registration link. For additional information, Cherri Green from the U.S. Attorney’s Office can be contacted via email at Cherri.Green@usdoj.gov.
This forum serves as a critical platform to enhance the security of faith communities and ensure that places of worship remain safe and inclusive environments.
Source: Read Original Release
Domestic Violence Awareness Efforts in Tennessee
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Tennessee is participating in efforts to raise awareness about domestic violence. Acting U.S. Attorney Reagan Fondren emphasizes the importance of community engagement and assures that federal prosecutors are committed to using available tools to protect victims. The observance aims to highlight the widespread issue of domestic violence, its varied forms, and its impact on diverse populations, while promoting events like Purple Thursday to encourage public discussion and support for safe communities.