Memphis High Schools Launch Police Interaction Training
The new program helps local students learn how to safely and respectfully navigate police encounters during traffic stops.
Updated on Oct. 16, 2026 in Secondary Education
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The Memphis Police Department is launching a new training program designed to teach high school students how to navigate interactions with law enforcement. The curriculum includes interactive roleplay exercises and is being implemented in partnership with Memphis Shelby County Schools.
Why it matters
Parents in Memphis requested this guidance to help their children feel better prepared for encounters with officers. This program aims to provide clear, actionable advice on how to maintain safety and decorum during routine traffic stops.
The curriculum is a collaborative effort between the Memphis Police Department, Project Stand, and Memphis Shelby County Schools. While the program is currently active at schools including Central High School and Overton High School, the scale of the rollout remains to be fully defined.
The players
Memphis Police Department
The municipal law enforcement agency responsible for public safety and the development of the new student interaction curriculum.
Memphis Shelby County Schools
The local public school district facilitating the delivery of the police interaction training to students.
Project Stand
A collaborative partner involved in the development and oversight of the new high school educational outreach program.
Police Advisory and Review Committee
The local oversight body that helped initiate the development of the training curriculum for students.
The details
The program centers on interactive roleplay exercises that allow students to practice their behavior in a controlled environment. Instructors specifically focus on practical steps for traffic stops, emphasizing the importance of remaining calm and respectful when communicating with officers.
Timeline
October 16, 2026: The training program is active.
The Home Front
This program aligns with the operational priorities established by the Police Advisory and Review Committee to improve community-police relations. It reflects a broader shift toward proactive, school-based engagement initiatives within the city's secondary education landscape.
Parents of students at participating schools should discuss the importance of remaining calm and keeping hands visible during potential traffic stops. Families can contact their child's school administration to ask if their specific campus is scheduled for upcoming training sessions.
The takeaway
The new training provides a structured, safe environment for students to learn how to de-escalate potential stress during police encounters. Families should open a dialogue with their teens about these best practices to ensure they feel prepared for real-world scenarios.
Further reading
For more information on local classroom initiatives, visit the Secondary Education section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by News Channel 3 WREG-TV Memphis.
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