G.R.E.A.T. Program

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 Dougherty County Sheriff's Office will use the G.R.E.A.T. funds to support the four week G.R.E.A.T. summer program. The summer program is usually held in the month of June and approximately 130-160 students are expected to attend. One of the most important lessons taught deals with health issues that affect their lives. These issues are addressed by providing class sessions from health professionals, law enforcement, government officials, and educators who have open forum sessions on health issues such as personal hygiene, first aid, goal setting, conflict resolution, reading and writing.

CA/NCF