Pennsylvania and local officials and law enforcement leaders met in Reading to coordinate strategies aimed at addressing violence in the city and across Berks County.
State Rep. Manuel Guzman Jr., a Democrat representing parts of Reading and Berks County, said he convened the public safety meeting Wednesday at his downtown office, 645 Penn St., to bring together agencies involved in crime prevention and enforcement efforts.
“The safety of our families requires coordinated action across every level of government,” he said in a statement. “We cannot normalize violence in Reading and across Berks County.”
Organizers said the meeting was in response to escalating violence in the city and county.
City police have said the escalation in violent crime is largely tied to after-hours clubs and illegal bars and event venues.
Recent incidents, including a shooting at an after-hours club, prompted City Council to strengthen nuisance abatement laws last month.
Reading targets after-hours clubs with tougher nuisance laws
Guzman said the meeting focused on aligning enforcement priorities and strengthening cooperation among agencies. Topics included prevention strategies, proactive police patrols, traffic enforcement, illegal alcohol sales and improving communication among agencies.
Participants included mayor Eddie Moran; Berks County District Attorney John T. Adams; Chief County Detective Mike Gombar; Maj. Robert Bailey, director of the Bureau of Liquor Control Enforcement; Capt. Chris Winesburg, commander of Pennsylvania State Police Troop L in Reading; and Chief Javier Ruiz and Deputy Chief Luz Shade of the Reading Police Department.
Moran said collaboration among government agencies and the community is essential to improving safety in Reading neighborhoods.
“Public safety requires a shared commitment to prevention, accountability and community trust,” the mayor said in a statement. “The city of Reading will continue working proactively to address violence, improve safety in our neighborhoods, and ensure our residents feel protected and supported.”
Guzman described the meeting as productive and said he plans to continue supporting public safety initiatives and legislation aimed at improving outcomes in Reading, which he said continues to face persistent violence challenges.
“I am grateful to all participating agencies and leaders for engaging in direct, solution-focused dialogue to help restore safety and stability for residents across Reading and Berks County,” Guzman said.