January 19, 2012 - In an effort to strengthen community-police relations within Houston's at-risk teen community, the Houston Police Department, the University of Houston-Clear Lake (UHCL), Texas Southern University and the Houston Independent School District's (HISD) Beechnut Academy today (Jan. 17) joined to announce the start of the Teen and Police Service Academy (T.A.P.S.). 

Funded by a federal grant from the United States Department of Justice-Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS), the goal of this innovative program is to increase trust in law enforcement with at-risk teens and provide a two-way better understanding of the challenges law enforcement and teens face every day.

HPD Chief Charles A. McClelland, Jr. and Assistant Chief Brian Lumpkin talk about the importance of this program and the benefits it provides to at-risk youth at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1hDrVicPaWU

T.A.P.S. Academy will be held at the Beechnut Academy at 7055 Beechnut Street.  Beechnut Academy is run by the Community Education Partners (CEP) and works in partnership with HISD to help students on the verge of dropping out get back on track towards high school graduation.



VHS/JFC  1-19-12