The Verizon Foundation has awarded $33,000 to the Tennessee Association of Chiefs of Police (TACP) to aid technology based training to chief law enforcement officials and in training officers and educating children, parents, and law enforcement partner agencies on Internet and cell phone safety. The funds will in part support the association’s Delete Online Predators project, a public education and awareness campaign to promote safe and proper use of technology.
“Technology is a powerful tool and an excellent educational resource when used correctly andsafely,” said Jerry Fountain, president for Verizon Wireless’ Carolinas/Tennessee region. “Verizon understands the importance of proactively educating students, parents, educators and law enforcement on the safe use of the Internet and cell phones so young people can maximize the opportunitiesprovided by these valuable resources.”
The Verizon grant will contribute more than $23,000 for Internet safety education and $10,000 to aid in law enforcement technology training. TACP will continue to take its Delete Online Predators program to schools, churches, community events and conferences to speak on safe practices for using the Internet and chat rooms, while also emphasizing the proper use and safety of cell phone technology. To extend its efforts throughout the state, the association partners with organizations such as the Tennessee Chapter of Children’s Advocacy Centers, the FBI, the U.S. Attorney’s office, the Tennessee Attorney General, the Tennessee Office of Criminal Justice Programs, Internet Crimes Against Children Task Forces statewide, and various education systems.
“We are extremely proud of the partnership between Verizon and the TACP. Their commitment to law enforcement and the community is evident in awarding these grants to the TACP to assist in providing necessary training tools to educate citizens and investigate Internet crimes to provide a safer community,” stated TACP President Joe Garner, Union City Police Chief.
The grant is a part of the Verizon Foundation’s commitment to impacting the state of Tennessee while achieving its mission to help people live healthy, safe and independent lives by addressing disparities in education, health care and sustainability. Since 2000, the Verizon Foundation has invested more than half a billion dollars to improve the communities where Verizon employees work and live, and Verizon employees have logged more than 6.2 million hours of service to make a positive difference in their communities. For more information, visit www.verizonfoundation.org.