Operation: Outreach 2009

Operation: Outreach, also known as the Clergy/Police Ride-a-Long Program was developed to provide Community Support to the cities' youth, specifically ages 9-17. The Mission of Operation: Outreach is to assist in the emotional and social well being of “At-Risk” Youth, [Pre-Teens (9-12) and Teens (13-17)]. This is accomplished by meeting with the youth, and their parents, in the comfort of their own homes, in the early evening hours. The purpose of these visits is to provide support alternatives to the youth and/or their parents and give the family an opportunity to talk with both Clergy and the Police, in a setting conducive to all. Click on the Page below to read the Program Overview!            To Join the Program: CLICK HERE!

The Ride-a-Long Program officially began April 7, 2009 with Father Lenny Nelson and Officer Steve Turner visiting a family with a Pre-teen in Crisis. Each week, one of the Community Chaplains rides on patrol with a Community Police Officer, for a couple hours, visiting families and talking with youth in various parts of the city. The program focuses on helping "At-Risk" Youth and is a collaboration between the Taunton School District, the Taunton Police Department and the New England Association of Community Chaplains. A number of Civic and State Agencies have also come aboard including: Health & Human Services, DCF, AHS, United Way, Boys & Girls Club, YMCA & Others. We've also gained support from several City Committees such as the Strategic Neighbor Initiative (SNI), Voices Against Violence (SEMA-VAV, and many others. 

During each month, various Chaplains, from around the city, will team with Community Police Officers (CPOs) to visit the homes of the identified children and their families. By talking with the Youth, the families and providing services available, not only from the City but also from the area Church, the we hope to reduce the level of violence in the city as well as keep Gang proliferation to a minimum.

Taunton Community Policing

Below is a listing of the Taunton Community Police Officers and the areas they serve. The Anonymous Tip Line is also listed. Just click on the page to expand and print.

Gang Intelligence Task Force

The development of the Silver City Teen Center and the implementation of Operation: Outreach are designed to provide help for the Cities' "At-Rick" youth. With the proliferation of Gang Activity in Taunton, one of our most important functions is to keep the youth away from Gangs. But to do that, we have to be able to identify gang members, which can sometimes be done by observation alone. Below are (4) files containing information on recognizing Gang markings, tatoos and jesters. Courtesy of the New Bedford PD!

    If there are any Area Clergy or Churches who would like to join the program or other agencies who would like to assist in this program or help provide funding, please contact me.

Additionally, if you are aware of any of the Cities' Youth, in need of Assistance or Intervention, Please contact me or Sgt. Kevin Medas of the Taunton Police Department. ***** All referrals will be kept STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL *****

We welcome any comments or suggestions anyone may have on how to improve the program.

Please send all emails to: unusdeus@comcast.net