TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — It's no secret that it's been a violent year here in Tallahassee.
Gun violence is top of mind for many in the city, especially when it comes to our teenagers.
Dr. Kimball Thomas runs the TEMPO program.
He's hoping to see even more connection between the program and the police department.
TEMPO works with people 16 to 24 years old, most have already had run-ins with police. The same age group connected to many of the recent shootings in the city.
When incoming Chief Lawrence Revell talked about the future of TPD, he said that he wants to build a stronger relationship with police and the community.
Thomas says a crucial part of that plan involves teenagers and young adults. He says TEMPO serves as a great initiative for TPD to get into their lives.
"It would certainly give TPD now an engagement piece, and outreach piece for a part of our community that would not have otherwise had that opportunity," said Dr. Thomas. "Now with officers about to do more community policing and connecting with the youth, it just expands the program. Makes what we do so much more important. And it also brings connectivity between the police department and also disconnected youth in our community."
Since TEMPO launched in 2017, Thomas says no one the group has worked with has had repeated issues with police.
Revell says he plans to host monthly community meetings starting in January.
His first official day as chief is Jan. 4.
