UHCL strengthens community through TAPS

In 2012, the University of Houston-Clear Lake Criminology Department partnered with the Houston Police Department to create the Teen and Police Service (TAPS) Academy.

TAPS is a nonprofit organization designed to “reduce the social distance between at-risk youth and law enforcement… through learning, interaction, and discussion,” as stated on their website.

During the 11-week program, students work with officers to focus on positive learning aspects, such as conflict resolution, team building skills and how to avoid negative habits.

Since it’s inception, TAPS has not only provided guidance and direction for the “at-risk youth” involved, it has also created various opportunities for UHCL students and alumni.

“We’re trying to allow [UHCL] students to have as many opportunities as possible through internships, service learning and volunteering,” said Everette Penn, TAPS co-founder and professor of criminology at UHCL. “In a field like criminology, there is a difference between what occurs in the real world and what occurs in the books. We’re trying to bring that together.”

TAPS is utilizing UHCL students as employees of a working business to give them more “real-world” experience.

“You see a company here; it’s allowing our students to see how a larger nonprofit or government agency will function,” Penn said.

While the college students serve as volunteers for the nonprofit organization, they are learning skills which they are finding applicable for their post-graduation endeavors.

“I already had an interest in corrections, so this was a great opportunity for me,” said Rebecca Consler, TAPS student evaluator. “Doing the research is something that I can put on my resume… especially the statistical software.”

“I started out wanting to go into law enforcement,” chimed in Kristina Necessary, TAPS events and social media coordinator. “Once I got into TAPS, I realized I wanted to help kids and be that person between officers and kids trying to mend that relationship.”

UHCL students play a variety of roles within the TAPS organization, including grant-writing, social media, research and mentoring.

“Our students and interns are just fantastic,” said Jessica Middleton, TAPS Academy and Camps Operations Manager and UHCL alumna. “They are here every day, all with positive attitudes. They serve as personal assistants, counselors, you name it. It’s hugely beneficial.”

Brittany Cuba, TAPS club coordinator and lead counselor at the 2015 summer camps, explained how TAPs has benefited her.

“I joined TAPS to familiarize myself with the organization,” Cuba said. “I did an internship for a grade and ended up deciding that this is what I want to do.”

Cuba also noted the changes she has seen during her time with TAPS.

“We’re talking to these young people that still have the opportunity to turn their lives around,” Cuba said. “Initially, they didn’t want to be in the room with an officer, but by the end they were hugging them and asking for contact information.”

For more information or to contact TAPS Academy, visit www.tapsacademy.org.

To read more of The Signal’s coverage of TAPS Academy, visit the special topics page.