POLICE, PUBLIC FORUM NEXT WEEK

A public forum to discuss illegal drugs and other criminal activity will
take place Thursday, Feb. 3 at the Community Center.

The event will begin at 6:30 p.m. and is scheduled to last several hours.

The forum between the police and the public is a result of several mothers
speaking out about Wickenburg's drug activity. Mayor Ron Badowski suggested
late last year that a forum of this nature take place.

Last week, mother and former Wickenburg Unified School Board member Laura
Bovee asked the mayor to stand by his words.

"I was real happy when you suggested a forum several months ago," Bovee
said during the last meeting of the Town Council. "I would like to see that
happen now."

Wickenburg Police Chief Tony Melendez will have an opportunity to speak to
the public regarding drug issues and what his department is doing to stop
local drug activity.

Melendez has also scheduled individuals from the Maricopa County Attorney's
Office to speak about drug prevention programs and about the process of
prosecuting drug offenders.

It is anticipated that members of other law enforcement agencies, such as
the Maricopa and Yavapai County Sheriff's Offices and the Arizona
Department of Public Safety, will be in attendance.

Several members of the public have also expressed hope that town, school
and church officials will be in attendance as well.

The forum is open to the public.