Gang Resistance Education And Training

DESCRIPTION OF PROGRAM
6TH GRADE

Purpose:The G.R.E.A.T. program provides a school-based, Officer-instructed program that includes classroom instruction and various learning activities. The use of Law Enforcement Officers provides several advantages. Officers have a wide range of experience in criminal behavior, have the ability to recognize members, and are equipped with referral knowledge, and most importantly can be positive role models to students.

The instruction of life skills acts as the foundation of the program. Since delinquency often serves as a precursor to gang involvement, G.R.E.A.T. instruction focuses on providing life skills to students to help them avoid delinquent behavior and resorting to violence to solve problems. Communities do not need to have a gang problem in order to benefit from G.R.E.A.T. The program’s primary objective is prevention and is intended as an immunization against delinquency, youth violence, and gang membership.

Program:

Some of the skills that are taught include: Goal Setting, Decision Making, Anger Management, Refusal Skills, Peer Pressure, Problem Solving, Communication Skills, Conflict Resolution, Social Responsibility, Empathy and Perspective Talking. The program is organized into 13 lessons and is instructed by a uniformed police officer.