Pomona Police G.R.E.A.T Grant Project

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 Pomona Police Department will use its grant award to implement all four components of the G.R.E.A.T. program: the elementary, middle school, summer, and families programs. Each component will be used as a continuing educational program to raise community awareness and foster a greater sense of trust between law enforcement and the community. Community involvement is critical in applying the necessary steps in eliminating youth and gang violence and to ensure youths are safe while on school campuses. The G.R.E.A.T. program will serve approximately 7,200 youth.

CA/NCF