The U.S. Pretrial Services and Probation Office in the Northern District of Ohio has launched a public service project aimed at educating individuals about federal drug statutes and penalties. Project Penalty Awareness is the Northern District of Ohio’s federal drug prevention program. Its purpose is to educate the public about federal drug trafficking offenses and penalties. The target audience includes juveniles that may be predisposed to engage in criminal activities. In the past, our district has partnered with numerous agencies including the Ohio Department of Youth Services and the Cleveland Municipal School District. The Akron, Toledo and Youngstown offices also make presentations throughout their service areas. In addition, the district continues to make presentations at local drug rehabilitation centers. With the success of the program, the district has expanded the program to incorporate firearm offenses and penalties and has recently added an interactive component for students. Presenters of this program hail not only from the U.S. Pretrial Services and Probation Office, but also include U.S. Magistrate Judges, U.S. District Judges, chambers staff, U.S. Clerk of Court employees and local attorneys.

If you are interested in our members presenting to your organization, please contact Deputy Chief Paul Skarupa at 216.357.7300.