G.R.E.A.T Middle and Elementary School Components

The Gang Resistance Education And Training (G.R.E.A.T.) program is a life-skills competency program designed to provide students with the skills they need to avoid gang pressure and youth violence. G.R.E.A.T.'s violence prevention curriculum helps students develop values and practice behaviors that will assist them to avoid destructive activities. The G.R.E.A.T. program coordinates with federal, regional, state and local agencies, as well as individuals from community and civic groups. The goal of the G.R.E.A.T. program is to train law enforcement officers in a school-based curriculum in which the officers provide instruction to school-aged children in life skill competencies, gang awareness, and anti-violence techniques. Training in the core G.R.E.A.T. program is provided to officers from any state or local law enforcement agency.

The Dwight Police Department has one G.R.E.A.T. officer who will continue to teach the middle and elementary school curricula to seventh and fourth grade students. Approximately 160 youth will be served. The department will coordinate the program with the Livingston County Pro-Active Gang Unit, comprised of representatives from the Dwight, Fairbury, and Pontiac police departments, Livingston County Sheriff's Office, and State's Attorney Offices. The major collaborator is the Dwight Grade School District and the program is supported by local businesses, the Masonic Lodge, and local girl scout, boy scout, and cub scout troops.

CA/NCF