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The Albany Police Department is hosting a “Gang Awareness Essay Contest” for students in the 6th -10th grade in Albany and Dougherty County.

Below are the official rules and regulations from the police department.

ELIGIBILITY:   The Albany Police Department’s AmeriCorps Cadets and the Albany Police Department Gang Awareness Essay Contest is open to legal residents of Albany and Dougherty County, Georgia who are in the sixth through tenth grades. Employees (and their immediate families) of the Albany Police Department and AmeriCorps are not eligible to participate in the Contest. Contest is subject to all applicable federal, state, local laws and regulations and is void where prohibited by law.

The Contest will begin at 8:00 a.m. on July 8, 2011 and will end on July 22, 2011 at 5:00 p.m. All entries must be in by the deadline in order to qualify. 

Essay Topic:  

1. What are the potential consequences of joining gangs? 
2. Who do you feel comfortable talking to about Gangs and why? 

The essay should include positive messages that pertain to the one of the above topics.  All entries should include the following information at the top of their Essay:

1. Title of Essay/Topic of Essay
2. Contestant’s first and last name, telephone number ,and the name of a parent or legal guardian
3. Grade level and school

Guidelines:

1. Double spaced
2. Essay should be 100-150 words
3. Handwritten should be legible
4. Typed should be at least 12 point  and in a readable font

Only one entry per person can be submitted for the contest.   Entries can be dropped off at the front desk at the Law Enforcement Center located at 201 West Oglethorpe Boulevard during regular business hours.

SELECTION OF PRIZE WINNER:  Entries will be judged by a panel made up of Law Enforcement representatives. Ten winners will be chosen and announced during “National Night Out” which will be held at the Albany Civic Center on August 2, 2011 starting at 6:00 p.m.   All winners will be contacted prior to the event.

PRIZES:   Winners will receive a book bag filled with school supplies authorized by the Dougherty County School System.  For more information or questions contact Public Relations at (229) 483-6298.