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Key position filled in city's crime fight
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Published: November 1, 2009
One of the most vital cogs in a new initiative to fight crime is now in place.
The community coordinator position was deemed the key to making the Statesville-Iredell Gang Initiative (SIGI) viable.
Iredell County native Victoria Harris was recently hired as the SIGI community coordinator.
SIGI is based on a model started by the High Point Police Department to combat crime in that community.
The initiative targets criminals and gives them a choice to seek job training, education or other community resources to become productive citizens or face the full wrath of law enforcement from the local to the federal level.
Those targeted by the initiative will be called in for a community meeting in which law enforcement, resource providers and community leaders will read them the riot act.
They will be told about available help and be given the opportunity to seek it. The other alternative will be to subject them to the full force of law enforcement.
The community coordinator will be the liaison between the people being targeted by the initiative, law enforcement and various resource providers.
Sgt. Dan Miglin of the Statesville Police Department put together the proposal that led to nearly $1 million in grant funds over the next two years to fund SIGI.
He said Harris was the clear choice out of the more than 30 people who sought the job.
"She was hands-down the best," he said. "She gave the most effective presentation. She clearly understood the concept. She was prepared and very articulate."
Miglin and SPD Chief Tom Anderson said the process of selecting the community coordinator was an exhaustive one.
Some 33 people submitted applications, and that was narrowed down to a dozen, Miglin said.
Those 12 were interviewed, and from that pool, three were chosen to do presentations and come back for a second interview.
Anderson agreed with Miglin's assessment of Harris.
And since she was hired a few weeks ago, he said, he has seen first-hand her enthusiasm and passion for the role.
"I've watched her and seen how she relates to people. It was very important that we have the right person for the job, and I believe we do," he said.
Harris, who has a background in media campaigns from working for a production company and has also dealt with offenders, said she believes the position is a perfect fit for her.
Harris said she was attracted to the job because of her work as an employee and later a contractor with Appropriate Placement Options.
Prior to working with APO, Harris said, she worked in jail ministry and saw first-hand the need for resources, but didn't know where to send people.
She started doing research and found APO and began working there.
In her position as community coordinator, Harris will deal with those called in for one last chat about their criminal activities, and will help connect the offender with the necessary service.
She said she's a firm believer in the initiative. "We're not going to tolerate violence and crime among us any longer," she said.
Harris said she plans to be in the community selling the program, and invites any group that would like to hear more about SIGI to give her a call.
"I saw this initiative first-hand and I know it works. I am excited about the opportunity."
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