Durham, N.C. – Community Intervention and Support Services (CISS) Director Krystal Harris began her term with North Carolina Governor Josh Stein’s Gang Prevention and Intervention Task Force at its first meeting on Tuesday, October 14, 2025. This task force focuses on reducing the presence and impact of gang activity in North Carolina, including keeping young people out of gangs.

“I’m excited for the opportunity to be a part of this task force,” said Harris. “I wholeheartedly believe that prevention is power, intervention is hope and together they save lives.”

Established in 2021, the Durham County’s CISS Department provides coordinated and programmatic support and systems-level strategies, in partnership with the community, to promote resident and community safety and prosperity. It houses Project BUILD, a multi-disciplinary gang prevention and intervention program.

The task force, created by Executive Order by Stein in August 2025, brings together law enforcement, education leaders, legal representatives, mental health and substance abuse organizations, and people who have successfully left gangs. The group will meet bi-monthly throughout 2026, with the next scheduled for January 27, 2026.

“From our innovative work here in Durham County, we know that addressing the root causes of gang violence is critical,” said Commissioner Wendy Jacobs. “This means early interventions like wrap around support services for families and children, combatting poverty, and providing behavioral health care. I am excited for Krystal Harris to share best practices from Durham County and bring back new ideas as a member of this important statewide task force.”

Two other members of the task force represent the Durham County community:

• David Johnson represents community groups as the Executive Director of Changing Faces 2 Change Lives nonprofit that focuses on community violence intervention and gang prevention; and
• Ontario Joyner, represents local government as the Program Manager of the City of Durham’s Office of Survivor Care, leading efforts to support individuals and families impacted by gun violence.

During the first meeting this month, the taskforce discussed the Gang Prevention Legislative Report recommendations that were submitted in March 2025.  The recommendations highlighted three main categories of priorities and needed improvements: Education & Training, Coordination & Communication, and Leadership. The task force will be structured in three subcommittees: prevention, intervention, and intelligence sharing and it is expected to deliver its first set of recommendations in six months.

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