Continuation of 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.

While Brevard County has not experienced widespread gang related activity, it has discovered graffiti that appears to be from individuals role playing as gang members. The Brevard County Sheriff's Office continues to strive to prevent the formulation of structured gangs and youth from considering gang participation. The FY 2006 G.R.E.A.T. funds will be used to expand their G.R.E.A.T. curriculum to include a family component. With this year's funding it is estimated that over 2,000 youth throughout Brevard County will be recipients of the G.R.E.A.T. curriculum incorporating 15 families in the Family Component, by 14 certified instructors.

CA/NCF