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.

Jessica E. Middleton, M.A.: Director of Operations - Houston

Jessica E. Middleton joined the TAPS Team in June 2015 and now serves as the Director of Operations. Jessica earned her Master of Arts in Criminology from the University of Houston-Clear Lake in 2013. Prior to that, she received her Bachelor's of Science in Organizational Leadership & Management from Regent University (Virginia Beach, VA). In April 2015, she was presented with the Pathfinder Award during the Texas Governor’s Criminal Justice Volunteer Service Award Ceremony in Austin, TX for her ongoing work with TDCJ since 2006. Jessica has been teaching various Criminology & Criminal Justice courses at UH-Clear Lake & Lone Star College since 2013. She also serves on the Board of Directors for ChildBuilders and is an Executive Volunteer with Prison Entrepreneurship Program.

Officer Jason Roy, TAPS Evaluator

Rebecca Cansler, TAPS Evaluator

Brittany Cuba, Club Coordinator

Reyna Rodriguez, Club Coordinator

Kristina Necessary, Community Relations Specialist