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"Debra Gardner attends the Organized Retail Crime Roundtable Legislative Luncheon, discussing strategies to combat retail theft with legislators, law enforcement, and merchants." "Debra Gardner tours Riverside Regional Jail with legislative colleagues to gain insights into correctional operations and rehabilitation programs."

Debra Gardner Addresses Retail Crime and Tours Riverside Regional Jail

August 30, 20242 min read

Debra Gardner continues to demonstrate her commitment to community safety and crime prevention by actively engaging in important discussions and field visits. Recently, she attended the Attorney General’s Organized Retail Crime Roundtable Legislative Luncheon and toured Riverside Regional Jail alongside legislative colleagues.

Organized Retail Crime Roundtable Legislative Luncheon

On Thursday, Debra Gardner attended the inaugural Organized Retail Crime Roundtable Legislative Luncheon hosted by the Office of the Attorney General. This crucial meeting brought together legislators, Commonwealth’s Attorneys, law enforcement, and retail merchants to address the growing issue of organized retail crime in Virginia.

The purpose of the roundtable was to discuss collaborative efforts between the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) and key stakeholders to tackle retail theft and organized crime rings that affect businesses across the Commonwealth. Debra emphasized the importance of working together to develop solutions that not only protect businesses but also ensure safer communities for all Virginians.

"This is a serious issue that impacts both businesses and the overall safety of our communities," said Debra Gardner. "We need to continue building partnerships to address organized retail crime at its root and provide stronger protections for businesses."

Tour of Riverside Regional Jail

In addition to participating in policy discussions, Debra Gardner took the time to visit Riverside Regional Jail. Joined by fellow legislators, Debra toured the facility to gain a deeper understanding of the operations and challenges faced by correctional institutions in Virginia.

The tour provided insight into the rehabilitation and reintegration programs offered at Riverside Regional Jail, as well as the day-to-day responsibilities of the staff. Debra’s visit underscored her commitment to not only crime prevention but also the fair treatment and rehabilitation of individuals within the criminal justice system.

"It was an eye-opening experience to see firsthand how Riverside Regional Jail operates and the efforts being made to help individuals reenter society," Debra noted. "Understanding the full scope of our correctional system is essential to creating policies that balance public safety with rehabilitation."

A Commitment to Safer Communities

Debra Gardner’s involvement in the Organized Retail Crime Roundtable and her tour of Riverside Regional Jail demonstrate her unwavering dedication to improving public safety and addressing crime in Virginia. By collaborating with law enforcement, policymakers, and the business community, Debra continues to work toward creating safer and more supportive environments for everyone.

Stay tuned for more updates on Debra Gardner’s ongoing initiatives to enhance safety and justice in the Commonwealth of Virginia.


Debra GardnerOrganized Retail CrimeRiverside Regional JailCrime preventionVirginia law enforcementRetail crime solutionsCorrectional facility tourPublic safetyRehabilitation programsVirginia legislation
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