July 30, 2004

MIDLAND, MICH. Today, 36 police officers from 18 agencies were certified to teach personal safety lessons in schools across Michigan. The officers are graduates of the Teaching, Educating and Mentoring (TEAM) School Liaison Project developed by the Michigan State Police Prevention Services Section.

TEAM is a proactive effort to make schools and communities safer by promoting an understanding of social rules, the consequences of unlawful behavior and students' responsibilities as good citizens. The State Police introduced TEAM in 1998.

TEAM training allows officers to teach at any of the three levels of education – elementary, middle or high school – at schools across Michigan.

The elementary school curriculum teaches students basic safety rules such as bicycle and pedestrian safety, safe use of the Internet and the proper use of 911.

The middle school curriculum is designed to improve the citizenship skills of students and provide an understanding of rules and laws in society. It also teaches teens how to recognize and be more aware of personal safety issues. A new module on "Safety in Cyberspace" was developed to help students learn the Internet can be fun and educational, but also very dangerous. This curriculum exposes students to the cause and effect of violence and teaches them how to constructively handle conflict.

The high school curriculum provides a realistic picture of the roles and responsibilities of law enforcement officers. It also educates students in the practical application of constitutional law and creates awareness regarding personal safety issues including sexual harassment, bias-motivated violence (hate crimes) and responsible Internet usage. The high school curriculum looks at what causes young people to become angry and then provides them with the skills necessary to resolve conflicts using problem solving rather than violence. In addition, a new module was created regarding the extent, causes and solutions of domestic and dating violence.

"It is exciting to see the dedication and commitment these officers bring to delivering the important safety messages of TEAM," said F/Lt. Jim Shaw, commander of the Prevention Services Section, Michigan State Police. "Through continued partnerships with schools, parents, communities and law enforcement agencies we can help promote safety for our children."

TEAM is being actively presented in approximately 250 Michigan school districts. By the fall of 2004, the total number of officers teaching TEAM is expected to reach 300.

Officers completing training today are:

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:F/Lt. Jim Shaw, Prevention Services Section, Michigan State Police, (517) 333-4016.