May 7, 2012 - Houston Police Chief Charles A. McClelland, Jr., Chief Bernard Melekian, director of the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS), representatives from University of Houston-Clear Lake (UHCL), Texas Southern University and the Houston Independent School District (HISD)  on Thursday (May 3) recognized 37 students who successfully completed the HPD Teens and Police Service Academy (TAPS).

Photos of the graduation ceremony are attached to this news release.

With collaboration from HPD, UHCL, Texas Southern University and HISD, the TAPS Academy launched on January 17 in an effort to strengthen community-police relations, within Houston's at-risk teen community. 

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 decrease the social distance between at-risk youth and police officers, and provide a two-way, better understanding of the challenges law enforcement and teens face every day.

Chief McClelland talks about what the significance of the program for the students is at https://youtu.be/KZJzbZTBm20.

Chief Melekian also lauded the TAPS program and its results, saying,”The Justice Department is committed to continuing this program.  It is incredibly significant that each student went through these 15 weeks and cared enough to finish it.  Thank you to some of Houston’s finest, who cared a great deal to be here,” added Chief Melekian.

The T.A.P.S. Academy was held at HISD's Beechnut Academy, which is run by the Community Education Partners and works in partnership with HISD to help students on the verge of dropping out to get back on track toward high school graduation. 

VHS/JFC/BJL  5-8-12