G.R.E.A.T. Middle School 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 Village of Lansing Police Department has two certified G.R.E.A.T. officers who will continue to provide the middle school component to approximately 600 students in the 6th and 7th grades. Scheduling will be coordinated with the schools and classes will be conducted primarily in the spring and fall. The department will continue to sponsor a G.R.E.A.T. girl's softball team that teaches participants physical fitness, teamwork, sportsmanship, social interaction skills, goal setting, and self-worth. The police department plans to continue its active support of and participation in community events (e.g., Good Neighbor Day Parade, National Night Out Against Crime). G.R.E.A.T. will continue to be coordinated with the schools, civic groups, volunteer organizations, and other community partners.

CA/NCF