Houston, like many other cities throughout the nation, has experienced an increase in crime, to include violent crime during the post-COVID era.  To facilitate a solution-focused discussion, the Texas Southern University (TSU) Center for Justice Research and 21st Century Research & Evaluations, Inc. will be hosting an invitation-only Community Safety and Engagement Symposium on Friday, February 21, 2025, from 4:30– 6:30 PM at the Toyota Center, the home of the Houston Rockets.

Following the event, participants will receive discounted game tickets to the Houston Rockets game against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

The symposium will feature an interactive panel discussion with local stakeholders and representatives from faith, business, education, mental health, civic, media, and social service fields, as well as TSU and Prairie View A&M students.  The solution-focused discussion is purposed to examine strategies to increase community safety and strengthen the relationship between law enforcement and the community in this effort. 

Following the panel discussion, participants will engage in various police use-of-force situational scenarios using a virtual simulator and be required to make quick and complex decisions during these encounters. The simulator, gifted by Ti Training to TSU in 2024 and is currently being used  to develop the next generation of law enforcement leaders and expose Houston residents and stakeholders to the complex situations and circumstances law enforcement professionals face.