VOLUNTEER INITIATIVES PROGRAM - P.A.C.T. - POLICE AND CLERGY TEAM
Mission: To deter crime in apartments by partnering local clergy teams with apartment owners and managers. To provide emotional and spiritual needs to victims of accidents and crime through a clergy ride-along program with police officers. This unique social outreach team will work with the Houston Police Department to help improve the safety and wellbeing of the apartment communities through the implementation of comprehensive faith-based programs in support of the citizens.
Goal: Improve and enrich the quality of life of families and youth living in apartment communities and the surrounding neighborhoods.
The Houston Police Department is proud to introduce this valuable community-policing resource utilizing the services of our city’s clergy. It is our hope that the Police And Clergy Teams are able to steer both youth and adults away from crime, using tough love and various positive support programs. The Houston Police Department will provide the necessary resources to facilitate the goal.
The positive support programs include, but are not limited to:
Counseling youth and adults regarding the consequences of committing criminal acts
After school tutoring and activities for children
Team sports for older youth
Parenting skills programs
Job skills and interviewing skills programs (Job Fairs will be held on a monthly basis, when possible)
Childcare options provided by the Clergy Team’s home base of worship (helping single parents so they can work)
P.A.C.T. Requirements
A background and fingerprint check will be conducted on all candidates and must not reflect convictions of any of the following offenses:
Offenses against children – Any offense against a child is unacceptable. There is no time limit on arrests or convictions.
Drugs – Selling within last 10 years.
Robbery – within last 15 years.
Theft - within last 10 years.
Murder – no time limit.
Assault with a Deadly Weapon – within last 10 years.
Drug use and/or Possession – within last 10 years.
