On Sunday, August 14th 2016, several colleagues of the KPSM attended a workshop on TAPS, provided by Dr. E. Penn co- founder of TAPS Academy in Houston Texas, while visiting Sint Maarten with his family on a cruise. After the workshop an invitation was extended by Dr. Penn to the KPSM to follow the TAPS Academy program in Texas.
TAPS Academy is an 11-week program primarily designed for “at-risk youth” where students’ partner with mentor officers to discuss issues-including bullying, anger management, avoidance or hallway life, drug usage and conflict management, as well as other youth and law enforcement- focused topics.
On Thursday February 23rd four colleagues who have been appointed by the Police Management of the KPSM travelled to Miami to attend the TAPS training. The training commenced on Friday February 24th and will end on Thursday March 2nd. The colleagues attending the training are Inspector Ethelwoldus Josepha and Officers Angelo Blijden, Angelina Henson and Jeward Martis. After the completion of the training and their return to Sint Maarten it is the intention for this group to immediately start the process in having this program implemented later this year on St. Maarten.
The Police Management Team whishes these four officers much success.
For more information regarding this program visit the website: http://www.tapsacademy.org/