Explanation
BACKGROUND:
The purpose of this ordinance is to appropriate $225,000.00 within the Reimagine Safety subfund to the Department of Public Safety, on behalf of the Division of Police, in order to continue a program by the Division known as the Teens and Police Service Partners (TAPS) Academy, to authorize a transfer to the general fund, as well as an expenditure of $225,000.00 from the general fund.
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 legislation allows the program to continue to improve relationships between community youth and law enforcement.
FISCAL IMPACT: Total appropriation is $225,000.00 and is available in the 2021 budget within the Reimagine Safety subfund, Fund 1000-100019.
EMERGENCY DESIGNATION: Emergency action is requested in order to receive the funds to continue running the program.
Title
To authorize the appropriation of $225,000.00 in the Reimagine Safety subfund to the Department of Public Safety, on behalf of the Columbus Division of Police, for the Teens and Police Service Partners (TAPS) Academy mentorship program; to authorize a transfer and appropriatio...
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