JUNEAU -- Lawmakers, prosecutors and law enforcement officers from around Alaska have gathered for the start of a two-day summit that aims to identify cost-effective ways to fight crime and improve public safety in cities and villages.

Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Hollis French and the committee's four other members started the summit Tuesday with a presentation from Annie Pennucci, a researcher for Washington state. Pennucci told lawmakers that a summary of 66 studies completed for Washington showed a direct correlation between preschool for low-income children and lower crime rates.

Keith Mallard, director of the Alaska State Troopers and police chiefs Mark Mew of Anchorage and Lance Ketterling of Palmer are among the remaining speakers.