Explanation
BACKGROUND:
The purpose of this ordinance is to authorize the appropriation of $70,000.00 to add to an existing $20,000.00 resulting in the authorizing of an expenditure of $90,000.00 in the general fund by the Department of Public Safety, on behalf of the Columbus Division of Police, for the Teens and Police Service Partners (TAPS) Academy mentorship program
The TAPS program was initially established in 2013 with funds from the FY12 Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Grant, through the Franklin County Commissioners. This program serves at-risk juveniles at four middle and high schools between ages 13 to 17 years old. These youths will receive intensive mentoring by Police Officers trained in the TAPS Academy curriculum developed by the Houston Police Department. The Academy will provide a structured environment that is geared to mentor through an academic and humanitarian approach, with strong emphasis on interaction and conversation. The academic approach will stress an established curriculum designed to address topics such as Anger Management, Bullying, Avoiding Gang Life, Avoiding Narcotics, Conflict Management/Resolution, Team Building, Truancy, How to Respond to an Active Shooter, Safe Driving, Combating Alcohol and Drug abuse, etc.
This $90,000.00 total for TAPS will allow for funding ongoing expenses for the program to allow the Division of Police to continue offering these services.
FISCAL IMPACT: Total appropriation is $90,000.00 and is available in the 2023 budget.
EMERGENCY DESIGNATION: Emergency action is requested in order to fund ongoing expenses to avoid any interruption in the summer program.
Title
To authorize the appropriation of $70,000.00 in the general fund to the Department of Public Safety, on behalf of the Columbus Division of Police, for the Teens and Police Service (TAPS) Academy mentorship program; to authorize an expenditure for the performance of the TAPS program; and to declare an emergency. ...
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