‘Jeopardy’ Targets At-Risk Youths

If keeping a teen-ager out of trouble for the summer is the goal, the Los Angeles Police Department’s Jeopardy Program offers a recreational program that is also designed to counteract peer pressure.

Spaces are available for boys and girls, ages 13 to 16, in the valleywide gang-intervention program that aims to “get kids motivated and not let them fall by the wayside--to not let them get too much time on their hands and get into mischief,” said Officer Michael Piceno, who helps run the program.

Teen-agers accepted into the program are offered an array of twice-weekly classes and field trips, including hiking trips. Classes include weightlifting and swimming taught at the YMCA at 18810 Vanowen St.; karate, taught in a Canoga Park studio, and art and theater classes.

Jeopardy members are also eligible for a summer job placement program in cooperation with Valley businesses. Jeopardy is supported by contributions. All its programs are free.

Piceno said the department seeks “at-risk” teen-agers--not those with felony records, but those who may be in danger of joining gangs or being caught up in crime. Officers interview school officials and family members before deciding to accept youths for Jeopardy. Once in the program, officers track the youths’ progress in school throughout the year.

Jeopardy, LAPD West Valley Division, 19020 Vanowen St., Reseda, 91335. For more information, call Piceno at (818) 908-4057.