Gang Resistance Education and Training

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 Lee County Sheriff's Department will continue to use funds to implement the G.R.E.A.T. program's elementary and family components, and add two summer camp components. With the use of the summer component they will be able to target high-risk youth during the summer months when school is out of session and children are most likely to get in trouble. The G.R.E.A.T. family component will be taught to parents separately or alongside their children to educate them and the community on the dangers of gangs.

CA/NCF