Children are the future and must be protected from fear of gang violence at all costs.

That was the message of Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) gang expert Tony (Pac Man) Moreno to the community last night.

Mr. Moreno, a 30-year veteran with the LAPD, said: "The most important resource you have on your Island is your children, because that's going to determine your future. So you really need to pay attention to what they think and how they see things."

The father-of-four said he wanted to speak to the people of Bermuda after reading about the surge in gang violence and an article in Tuesday's The Royal Gazette, in which children expressed their fears about the shootings.

Mr. Moreno was invited to speak at Clearwater Middle School last night by gang intervention group CARTEL (Challenging and Reclaiming the True Essence of Life).

He will also address the community this evening at Somerset Cricket Club, between 7 p.m. and 9 p.m..

The former LAPD detective specialises in gang information and investigations, and the training of law enforcement professionals. This includes advising Police officers in Canada and Mexico.

It is anticipated he will speak to officers from the Bermuda Police Service today.

While serving in the LAPD Gang Detail from 1982-1986, Mr. Moreno was nicknamed 'Pacman' by gangbangers because of his yellow Plymouth Fury Police car.

The screenwriter for the 1988 movie 'Colors' subsequently based the character of officer Danny (Pac Man) McGavin played by Sean Penn, on Mr. Moreno's experiences, nickname and car.

The detective recently penned the book 'Lessons From A Gang Cop'. This publication focuses on the mental, emotional and physical challenges faced by law enforcement officers and front line professionals in dealing with gang violence.

Mr. Moreno, 57, retired from the LAPD two years ago. He spent his last 13 years of service as Field Supervisor for the force's Citywide Gang Unit and is considered one of the LAPD's most experienced gang officers.

He now dedicates his time to speaking to communities affected by the violence.

Mr. Moreno told The Royal Gazette:"Gangs are different wherever you go but a lot of the root causes, symptoms and results are the same.

"I want to educate people on the basic factors and ideas involving gangs, rather than the myths out there."

He said: "One thing I've learned over the years is that if you ignore the problem, it gets worse. At the moment the problem here in Bermuda is a manageable situation.

"The good thing here is you have good people who are trying to address the issue and solve the problems.

"Gangs are not a law enforcement problem but a people problem."

He said: "You also have to take care of your most important resource, your young children. You have to care about what they think and how they perceive things, and if they don't feel safe you must do something to make them feel safe.

"This is what my talk is about 'Small Victories', to encourage parents to empower their children to get over the fear. It's also educating people to understand the role they need to play in the community in combatting gang activity."

To contact Mr. Moreno email him via his website at: www.gangcop.com.

For more information on gangs or to seek advice and support, contact CARTEL on 734 7972.