PHILIPSBURG:--- On Friday 19th October CPO Josepha has started the TAPS program at the St. Maarten Academy. TAPS is an abbreviation for Teens and Police Service Academy. TAPS is an 11-week US program curriculum, which was adjusted to fit St.Maarten juvenile needs.
TAPS cover specific topic areas associated with Children and Youth Safety
such as :
• violence,
• Physical and sexual abuse,
• stalking,
• sexual exploitation
• Bullying
The training at the St. Maarten Academy will also cover law enforcement-related subject areas that are important to youth. Subject matter experts guide the youth and police officers through these topics weekly. TAPS Academy is designed to help youth:
Change behavior, learn responsible decision making skills, participate in crime prevention projects and reduce the social distance between themselves and Law Enforcement.
KPSM Press Release