by KYW's Karin Phillips

Law enforcement officials, civic and community activists are meeting to discuss what's being called "Philadelphia's stop snitching crisis."

The so-called "stop snitching" public forum by the United Way centers around a thesis by junior Stoneleigh Center fellow Samuel George, who says stop snitching is not new in Philadelphia or any urban environment.

"There's always been this kind of don't tattle tale principle. Whether it be, don't tell the landlord that I'm home, was an example somebody gave me. But what's happened is, especially through the 80's and 90's, with this inability to handle the drug crisis, that kind of don't tattletale idea has morphed to cover violent and criminal acts."

The forum is being held at the Civic Space on Arch Street between Arch and Race.