Columbus Police Department GREAT 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 Columbus Police Department is knowledgeable of at least five known gangs that recruit members and are actively participating in criminal activities, which range from threats, intimidation, assaults, thefts, vandalism, and possession and distribution of controlled substances. FY 2006 Gang Resistance Education And Training (GREAT) funds will assist in maintaining a partnership with educational institutions in an effort to modify the behavior and educate at-risk youth from engaging in criminal, violent, and anti-social activities.

The Columbus Police Department's GREAT Program is a tiered level program targeting elementary and middle school children by providing lessons on self-esteem, decision-making, peer pressure, and consequences for inappropriate actions. The GREAT Families component is offered to the parents of GREAT students in the evening and focuses on improving parenting skills, communication skills, and improving decision-making skills, which are related to teenagers and the role of the family. These funds will also continue the summer component, which is offered to students of all ages, emphasizing team concepts and social skills, communication, conflict resolution, and respect.

CA/NCF