Local

Parents attend seminar on disciplining children to prevent crime

BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. — Law enforcement officials held a seminar Saturday calling on parents to discipline their children.

Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey organized the seminars, which focus on disciplining children to prevent them from committing crimes.

"For us it's not just about juvenile crime. It's about laying a foundation so that as adults these individuals aren't committing crimes," Ivey said.

Saturday morning's seminar was held at a Titusville church. Dozens of parents attended the event, where convicted inmates talked about what led to them committing crimes.

The seminars involve several law enforcement agencies across central Florida. Authorities said an increase in juvenile crime prompted Ivey to plan the seminars.

"We want our parents to be the chief law enforcement officer in their child's life," Ivey said.

Officials said the second seminar for parents will be held in January.