Press Release

On Saturday, May 7, 2005, at the Century Sheriff’s Station - Kenneth Hahn Auditorium in Lynwood, Captain Kevin Goran awarded diplomas to at-risk teenagers who completed the Vital Intervention and Directional Alternatives (V.I.D.A.) program. In awarding diplomas to 20 young men and women, Captain Goran stated, “I am extremely proud of these young men and women for displaying the dedication it takes to complete this training program.” Captain Goran also presented two $750 scholarship checks and the Bishop Weeks Award to the top graduates in the V.I.D.A. program.

The V.I.D.A. graduates are from Industry Sheriff’s Station and Hawthorne, Huntington Park, Long Beach, and South Gate Police Departments.

The V.I.D.A. program is specifically designed for at-risk youth by utilizing proactive, innovative techniques for positive redirection. Overseen by law enforcement personnel, the program offers treatment, prevention and punitive components to alter negative behavior. The most typical scenario involves referrals to the Sheriff’s Department and requests from parents to have their children admitted to the program. Once admittance has been approved, the minor is directed to the program’s available components, including anger management, family counseling, mentoring, educational assistance, health training and physical fitness, career guidance, tattoo removal, and community services, including graffiti removal and weed and trash abatement.

“It’s about building a strong working partnership among law enforcement, community-based organizations, schools, and families so that these kids can have a second chance. It’s about intervention in an effort to break a cycle that has no future,” added Captain Goran.