The Torrance Police Department, in partnership with the Torrance Unified School District, is proud of their program for students attending the Torrance High Schools. The program, "Teens and Police" or T.A.P. will be offered to juniors and seniors on Tuesday nights. The program consists of a weekly class for 11 weeks held at the Torrance Police Department. Students will earn credits and the program will be offered once a semester.
The classes are taught by police officers assigned to different details within the department. Students will receive an inside look into law enforcement and experience hands-on exercises relating to the duties, service and responsibilities of policing. Students are also provided a forum for their questions to be answered by experienced field officers.
Through this new and exciting program "Teens and Police," students gain a better understanding of a service-oriented career, which they may choose to pursue. However, the program will cover other career options such as; the judicial system, lawyer, judge and fire fighter. Students will meet the Chief of Police and Mayor of Torrance, take a tour of the station, witness demonstrations from the S.W.A.T. team and the canine unit, hear from the D.U.I. team, gang detail, detectives and many more specialty units. There is also a tour of the Torrance Fire Department Station and their equipment.
The theme of attaining a personal career goal, furthering their education and always striving to do your best, are just a few of the themes woven into this program. Through interactions with the students during these classes, the relationship between students and the police will strengthen and build a partnership towards the future, as they become young adults.
"Partners In Policing" is a Community Awareness Program that educates the community through those who are currently the closest to us, our Neighborhood Watch Members along with community members and business organizations.
The Program allows for the community to "walk in the shoes of an officer," and experience hands-on exercises relating to the duties, services and responsibilities of policing. Participants will see a SWAT and Canine demonstration, meet officers from the Gang Detail, Crime Scene Investigation and interact with a variety of officers from the details within the department.
Through the Partners In Policing Program the community gains a better understanding of the policing function and The Police Department in turn receives valuable input regarding the community policing needs.
As of this date we have graduated 19 classes totaling approximately 570 community members. Classes with 25-30 participants are held twice a year. By graduation time the participants have gone through 11 sessions involving everything from the police academy to the apprehension and prosecution of criminals. They have learned why we do certain things and had the opportunity to actually experience certain training scenarios.
Through our interactions we have certainly strengthened our partnership and together have gained valuable insights. The Partners In Policing Program is offered to all community members and local organizations.
We currently offer two classes per year. For information on upcoming classes, please contact Officer Dave Crespin at (310) 618-5688
