Stacie D. Marshall/Special to The Gazette Sgt. Mark Lyers of the county police department, District 3, discusses anger management Saturday as part of a Safe Night party held at the Colmar Manor Community Center.

On Saturday, the College Park Community Center and the Prince George's County 4-H Teen Council hosted Safe Night USA, a national youth violence and substance abuse prevention program where three rules are enforced: no weapons, no drugs or alcohol, and no arguments.

"We are all trying to make the community safer," said Denise Streeter, 4-H adult volunteer leader.

The College Park event, held at the community center, featured a party-like atmosphere with more than two-dozen county youths that included a cook-out and peace talks with County Councilman Thomas R. Hendershot (D-Dist. 3) of New Carrollton and County School Board Chairman James E. Henderson. Students also had the opportunity to try fatal vision glasses, which simulate the effects of drugs and alcohol on performing everyday tasks.

An interactive presentation called "Trading Places," was part of the event. The students exchanged roles and clothes with county police officers at that event, to learn how officers handle different situations involving gun violence and other crimes.

During one role reversal, two students posing as police officers, tried to trespass on property without back-up protection. The "officers" entered a mock party involving 10 students, and the situation got out of control.

"You have to get control right away," Sgt. Mark Lyers told the students. "If you don't have control, anything can happen."

The need for the role reversal was generated by last year's Safe Night event, which was held as a rap session. During the event, students asked questions about the role of law enforcement officials and those concerning the apprehension of youth for different crimes, Streeter said.

In another room at the community center, Hendershot and Henderson sat face-to-face with 13 area youth, sharing thoughts about gun violence and the reasons for its occurrence.

"These people are your friends," Hendershot told the students, while pointing to a group of county officers in the back of the room.

Henderson said the role between the police and the community needs to change. "Policemen are there to help," he said.

"You need to open your hearts and your ears to each other," said Hendershot, stressing the importance of communication.

Hendershot also told the students a portion of gun violence takes place in the home, and that most problems occur due to lack of communication.

"The first step is to listen and try and understand each other," he said. "If we can accomplish that, we will prevent much of the violence in society."

A student interviewed at the event agreed working with law enforcement is important.

"It's good to be cooperative with the police," said Beltsville resident Aiesha Gillespie, 18.

"I thought [the event] was a good cause to help kids and teach them about gun violence in the community," Hyattsville resident Tony Ayeni, 18, said. "I think certain schools need events like these."