Dr. Everette B. Penn: TAPS Co-founder and Professor of Criminology at University of Houston - Clear Lake

As a criminologist, Dr. Penn has numerous publications and international presentations on youth, crime prevention, race and crime. He is the co-author of the book Race and Juvenile Justice and author of Texas Juvenile Justice. He brings the academic rigor and practical community crime prevention experience to lead TAPS Academy as Founder and Principle Investigator.

Assistant Chief Brian Lumpkin (Ret.): TAPS Co-founder, East Patrol Command, Houston Police Department

A 30-year veteran of the Houston Police department, Assistant Chief Brian Lumpkin (Ret.) was assigned to East Patrol Command, which oversees the patrol operations at four patrol stations. His career and leadership is vital in managing the law enforcement mentors of TAPS Academy-Houston, including personnel and participation. Chief Lumpkin’s leadership has been instrumental in launching the TAPS Academy program.

Chief Vicki King (Ret.): Director of Advancement and Development

As a veteran police commander, Chief Vicki King (Ret.) developed and deployed effective police response to combat crime and criminality in the city of Houston. She helps guide TAPS Academy towards further advancing its goal, which includes enhancing police effectiveness through increased awareness of the risk factors and thought processes of at-risk youth.

Dr. Chenelle A. Jones: Director of Research

Dr. Chenelle A. Jones is Assistant Professor of Criminology and Criminal Justice at Ohio Dominican University. Dr. Jones has spoken at national conferences on issues of policing, disproportionate minority contact (DMC), and comparative issues in criminal justice. Dr. Jones uses her knowledge and research interests in policing, race and crime, and juvenile delinquency to ensure TAPS is tackling important and relevant issues that affect today’s at-risk youth.

Lieutenant Jason Giuffre: Police Liaison, TAPS Houston

Lieutenant Jason Giuffre is the day shift commander of patrol operations for the Houston Police Department’s Clear Lake Division. There he oversees twenty-five police officers and five sergeants. As the Officer in Charge of the TAPS Academy, Lt. Giuffre coordinates the police mentors and is the administrative liaison between the Houston Police Department and the University of Houston – Clear Lake.

Reyna Rodriguez: Club Coordinator

Kelsey Lagus: Development Coordinator