OTHELLO — A Gangs in Schools Task Force meeting is scheduled for Thursday from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Othello School District conference building.

The building is located at 1335 E. Ash St. in Othello.

“Over the last five years, we have seen resurgence in street gangs in our communities,” according to the state appointed task force. “Many of our students are affected by gang activity, even if they are not directly involved in gangs.”

Due to the activity, the task force has held meetings in Moses Lake and Spokane to determine gang-related issues and identify prevention resources.

“This task-force is intended to be “school-centric,” and we are seeking input from school staff, law enforcement, juvenile courts, community members and other concerned stakeholders,” according to the task force.

Once the task force gathers information from the community at the meeting, they will make recommendations to state lawmakers on ways to prevent new gangs from forming, eliminate current gangs, gather intelligence and share information about gang activities.

For more information, contact 509-363-4674.