Tattnall County Sheriff''s Office 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 Tattnall County Sheriff's Office will use the G.R.E.A.T. funds to provide support for the G.R.E.A.T. officer in the County Schools. Tattnall County believes that school academic achievement goals cannot be met with gang activity in the schools. The Tattnall County School system has a zero tolerance for weapons, drugs, and gang paraphernalia. Implementing the G.R.E.A.T. Program in the school system has educated the students on the dangers and risk of gang activity. Finally, having the G.R.E.A.T. officer in the school system as a resource on gangs has made the teachers aware of activities that may indicate gang involvement.

CA/NCF