Lancaster County District Attorney Craig Stedman wants to be proactive with crime-prevention and awareness efforts in area schools.
He’s hired an outreach coordinator, Sarah Fritz, to get the plan up and running.
Too often in the past, Stedman says, his office works with schools in reaction to a criminal incident or event in that district.
Fritz, who started with the DA’s office in early June, is contacting every district in the county to start those conversations ahead of time.
The school initiative is one of the initial projects Fritz will take on. There are also plans to build stronger relationships with area churches, retirement homes, non-profit groups, and other agencies.
The timing is perfect for the school initiative, with administrators now planning for the 2016-17 school year during the summer break.
Stedman’s office will solicit specific needs from each district and mold programs with that information.
Heroin and prescription drug abuse, bullying, and internet safety are just a few topics that will be explored.
Fritz’s professional background includes work with Children & Youth services and, most recently, her assistance in the development of a Community Homeless Assessment and Referral Team at Tabor Community Services.
She grew up in Indiana, but has family and friends in Lancaster, where she has lived for several years.
“I’m very happy to be here and to be working in this community that I now call my home,” Fritz said.
Sarah Fritz can be reached at 717-390-7789 or sfritz@co.lancaster.pa.us.