GREAT Program Enhancements

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 City of Tualatin Police Department will use $15,618 of Fiscal Year (FY) 2007 Gang Resistance Education And Training (G.R.E.A.T.) funding to suppress, intervene, and prevent gang pressure and youth violence for students attending Hazelbrook Middle and Tigard-Tualatin School Districts. Funding will also be used to help the department be a positive force in bridging gaps and in building relationships between police and students. Currently, the program supports activities for 320 elementary school students during the fall and an additional 150 students during summer months.

CA/NCF