COLUMBUS, Ohio — It is the second year of the Teens and Police Service, or T.A.P.S, program in Columbus. The goal of the program is to connect teens and police officers.

“The first time I did it, I was scared because it’s the police,” said Jaida Anderson, and eighth-grade student at Mifflin Middle School.

Columbus police officer Cailtin Prange said the 11-week program works to connect teens with law enforcement. She said they also tackle scenarios middle or high schoolers may face. 

“We talk about guns and gang violence, we talk about conflict resolution, we talk about truancy, have a financial class, we talk about teen impairment,” said Prange.

Friday was the T.A.P.S graduation at the Columbus Division of Police Training Academy.

Prange said the program is a collaborative effort between the city, the division of police and school district.

“It’s just a lot of fun to have that relationship and to see them grow,” said Prange.

Anderson said it was another successful year of T.A.P.S.

“Just understanding the progress and the programs they go through to become a police officer really changed my perspective,” said Anderson.

The plan is to continue T.A.P.S. next year.