Houston Police Department launches academy for at-risk teens

The Houston Police Department announced the start of the Teen and Police Service Academy (T.A.P.S.).  

T.A.P.S. is a joint effort between Houston police and the University of Houston-Clear Lake, Texas Southern University and Houston Independent School District's Beechnut Academy to strengthen relations with at-risk teens in the community.

The crime-prevention program was made possible through a federal grant from the U.S. Department of Justice, intended to fund unique programs to increase trust in law enforcement among youth in their communities.

The T.A.P.S Academy is a 15-week program during which 50 teens will interact with law enforcement officials twice a week, including community service. The program will be held at the Beechnut Academy, located at 7055 Beechnut St. in Houston.

For more information, visit www.houstonpolice.org.