Bradley, Illinois 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 Bradley Police Department plans to implement the elementary school, middle school, family, and summer G.R.E.A.T. components. The goal of the program is to prevent violence while developing a positive bond between law enforcement and youth during their early developmental years. The department has 3 certified G.R.E.A.T. officers who will teach the middle school curriculum to approximately 250 students in the 6th grade and the elementary school curriculum to approximately 235 students in the 4th grade. The department expects to serve 80 youth in the summer program and 25 families in the family training program.

CA/NCF