Memphis Schools Launch Student Police Interaction Training

The city is piloting a new curriculum to help local high schoolers navigate encounters with law enforcement.

Updated on Oct. 16, 2026 in Secondary Education

Memphis Schools Launch Student Police Interaction Training

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The Memphis Police Department has launched an educational program for local high school students to improve police interactions. The initiative responds to requests from parents for guidance on proper conduct during encounters like traffic stops.

Why it matters

The program provides structured, practical advice for young people navigating police encounters. It aims to foster safer, more respectful interactions between students and law enforcement through collaborative community engagement.

The curriculum is a collaborative effort between the Memphis Police Department, Project Stand, and Memphis Shelby County Schools. It incorporates interactive roleplay exercises at Central High School and Overton High School.

The players

Memphis Police Department

The law enforcement agency serves the city of Memphis and led the development of the new student interaction curriculum.

Memphis Shelby County Schools

This public school district provides the educational infrastructure and classrooms for the new police interaction training program.

Project Stand

This community organization partnered with local authorities to develop the educational content for the student training.

Police Advisory and Review Committee

This oversight body monitors police conduct and helped initiate the educational collaboration between schools and the police.

The details

The program features interactive roleplay exercises designed to teach students how to remain calm and respectful during traffic stops. Initiated with support from the Police Advisory and Review Committee, the training equips students with specific strategies for navigating police interactions safely.

October 16, 2026: The initiative was formally documented.

Culture Shift

This program aligns with the national trend of implementing community-led education to bridge gaps between youth and law enforcement. It reflects a shift toward proactive, roleplay-based training over traditional, non-interactive awareness campaigns.

Parents and students at participating schools like Central and Overton should prepare for active participation in the scheduled roleplay workshops. These sessions require students to practice de-escalation techniques directly in the classroom environment.

The takeaway

Effective communication between citizens and police often starts with clear expectations for both parties. Students can improve their safety during encounters by focusing on maintaining a calm demeanor and following law enforcement instructions.