City of Austin
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASERelease Date:
Contact: Contact: Public Information Office 512-974-5017 Email
The Austin Police Department (APD) and Police Activities League of Austin (PAL), in conjunction with Strategies for Youth (SFY), are presenting the Juvenile Justice Jeopardy (JJJeopardy) games for Austin-area youth. An interactive game derived from the TV show, JJJeopardy teaches youth how to navigate interactions with peers and police on the streets and school, and to be aware of the short and long-term implications of arrest and court involvement on their future educational and employment opportunities.
On Tuesday, February 4, at the Boys and Girls Club of Austin Area and Wednesday, February 5, at the Gustavo “Gus” L. Garcia Recreation Center, game leaders, will learn how to play JJJeopardy. Each day at 4:30 p.m., a pilot game will take place with game leaders and youth from the above locations. Game leaders will consist of Austin Police Officers and officers from surrounding agencies.
Pilot Game #1
Tuesday, February 4, 2020
4:30 p.m.
Boys and Girls Club of Austin Area
6648 Ed Bluestein Blvd.
Pilot Game #2
Wednesday, February 5, 2020
4:30 p.m.
Gustave “Gus” L. Garcia Recreation Center
1201 E. Rundberg Ln.
"Our department has always valued the importance of positive interactions between youth and law enforcement. This game will be a fun spin on our attempts to keep kids out of the system and on a path for a successful life,” said Officer Jeremy Bohannon.
“JJJeopardy is a very interactive, lively way to engage youth in conversations with law enforcement and other members of the community about risk-taking with peers, about the implications of their conduct, and helps relieve young people’s anxiety about how to interact with law enforcement,” said Lisa Thurau, Executive Director of Strategies for Youth, the organization that created the game currently used in 19 states across the country. “It is more important than ever to provide youth with accurate information about the juvenile justice system and the implications of interactions with peers and police.”
For more information about the game, or to observe it being played with youth, please contact Officer Jeremy Bohannon 737-228-6362.