Gang Resistance Training and Education 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 City of Buffalo will use $21,600 in funding to dedicate two school resource officers from the Buffalo Police Department to teach the G.R.E.A.T. anti-gang curriculum. The resource officers will teach the classes to approximately 300 sixth grade students in the following four inner City schools: Harvey Austin, School 79, School 18, and West Hertel. During the summer months, the resource officers will present an anti-gang and anti-violence summer program in two designated "safe havens" located in Buffalo's Weed and Seed Program areas on the East and West Sides of Buffalo.

CA/NCF