Youth speak out about crime in downtown Charleston

Tonight, a number of teenagers spoke out about their concerns with regard to teenagers involved in crime in downtown Charleston.  A number of community leaders were there to listen, and give advice.

The “Youth Speak Out” forum took place at Burke High School auditorium. Charleston Mayor Joe Riley, Police Chief Greg Mullen, Family Court Judge Jocelyn Cate and other community leaders took turns speaking, and listening to concerns of the teens.

Rev. Jimmy Gallant served as moderator of the forum.

The forum was put together after concerns were expressed about crime in the downtown area following the murder of 15 year old Jermel Brown this summer.  He was shot and killed.  His body was left under the I-26 overpass near Huger street.

His mother also spoke at Wednesday night’s forum.  She thanked those in attendance, and said something needs to be done to stop the next killing.

One topic that the teenagers brought up was giving tips to police.  Often the teens are scared of what could happen if they get caught giving police a tip.

Officers offered a suggestion that allows them to give a tip anytime, without being identified.

Anyone can send a tip to crimestoppers via text messaging.  Just send a text to the number 274637 (CRIMES.) Start your text with TIPS213, followed by a detailed tip. 

There is no way for law enforcement to identify who sends the tips in to that tipline.