The Teaching, Education And Mentoring (TEAM) program began as a pilot program in the fall of 2001 at four Canton elementary schools and at one middle school. The program, which was created by the Michigan State Police in conjunction with Central Michigan University, focuses on safety skills for school-age children.

The T.E.A.M. program strives to make schools and communities safer, promote an understanding of relevant laws, explore the consequences of unlawful behavior, and become aware of citizen responsibilities.

The TEAM program is taught by Canton Police officers and one of the greatest strengths of the program is its flexibility. Instructors are empowered to adapt lessons to fit the needs of the students. Officers and teachers collaborate to develop lesson plans that are geared specifically to Canton children. Relevance and current issues are stressed in 45-minute lessons. The program runs five to eight weeks each semester and reaches students at the elementary and middle school levels. Lesson plans include using the 911 system, gun safety, drug abuse issues, and personal safety.

The program also strives to make schools and communities safer and to promote understanding of relevant laws, consequences of unlawful behavior and citizen responsibilities. Students learn the necessity of laws in maintaining an orderly society and the roles police and the courts play in that process.

For more information regarding the T.E.A.M. program, contact the Canton Police Patrol Division at 734-394-5401.