Officers, Students and Community Join the T.E.A.M.

The T.E.A.M program was developed and launched in 1998, with the goal of developing citizenship and positive character traits in youth. Sgt. Martin Miller of the Michigan State Police Grants and Community Services Division oversees the T.E.A.M. program. Miller notes that T.E.A.M. has "been a great program during all of the ups and downs. Kids know they can turn to us and feel connected to us. When we meet their parents, they say, 'my child talks about you all the time,' and they (the parents) feel connected to use too. It's a way to build a relationship with the whole community." To be certified as a T.E.A.M. instructor, officers participate in a 4-day training session that prepares them to teach the curriculum. Whatever the topic, a key characteristic of T.E.A.M. instruction is the use of interactive scenarios in which students lead the discussion. The scenarios discussed rely on students' experiences and perceived problems. Elementary school lessons last 30 minutes, and middle and high school sessions last 45 minutes, or longer if the school requests it.