Nebraska State Patrol 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.

The Nebraska State Patrol will use FY 2006 G.R.E.A.T. funds to continue the program aimed at high-risk youth within the elementary and middle school population. The G.R.E.A.T. summer component has been an important program offered to selected youth with the majority being graduates of the middle school program. Middle school administrators, teachers and counselors collaborate with the G.R.E.A.T. Officer to identify students who would benefit from the interaction with police and other public service providers as well as benefit from engaging in a pro-social activity with peers. These components provide numerous opportunities to reinforce the G.R.E.A.T. curriculum such as cultural awareness, career explorations, communication skills, safety education, and conflict resolution.

CA/NCF