G.R.E.A.T. ''06

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 Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department will use its grant award to maintain current core middle school classes, participate in two summer programs, and expand into new target areas. Additionally, the LASD will seek to implement the elementary school component of G.R.E.A.T. and partner with other exciting youth programs. The LASD will increase the number of G.R.E.A.T. deputies involved in teaching classes with a 50 percent increase in certified G.R.E.A.T. officers. They will also increase the number of school partnerships to reach more students with the G.R.E.A.T. Program by implementing programs at Lynwood and Compton Middle schools. The LASD plans to serve over 1,060 youth.

CA/NCF