With the school year quickly coming to an end, the Houston Independent School District Police Department is once again teaming up with local law enforcement agencies and religious leaders with its annual Project Safe Start event.

The citywide effort aims to help prevent crime and increase safety, ensuring students’ summer vacations begin on a positive note.

For almost 25 years, the nationally recognized program has provided additional security for students and staff across campuses and neighborhoods. The goal is to prevent students from attempting to settle scores with other classmates during the last few days of the school year.

This year, HISD PD is working alongside Ministers Against Crime, Houston Police Department, Harris County Sheriff’s Office, Metro Police Department and surrounding school districts.

“The immediate safety of our children and staff is vital, so we want to maintain providing a safe environment among our schools,” said HISD Chief of Police Robert Mock. “Project Safe Start has been successful with no major incidents because of the collaboration and mentorship of law enforcement agencies and ministers working together.”

Volunteers from Houston Ministers Against Crime, Hispanic Ministers Against Crime and Houston Police Department’s Police and Clergy Alliance will be on hand to patrol the halls inside schools throughout HISD, Aldine, Alief, Fort Bend, and Spring Branch school districts.

“We’re looking forward to another successful, safe and quiet end of school year for our students,” said Mock.