Haverhill 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 G.R.E.A.T. components currently implemented by the Haverhill Police Department include the middle school and summer programs. With the FY 07 G.R.E.A.T. funds, the police department will implement an elementary component. The middle school component will be taught to 730 students in grade 6; the summer program will be taught to 80 students; and the elementary component will be taught to approximately 590 students in grade 5. The Haverhill Police Department has dedicated a full-time officer whose sole job is the implementation of the G.R.E.A.T. Program. The police department will continue to build upon preventing crime, violence, and gang involvement while developing a positive relationship among law enforcement, families, and youth to create a safer community.

CA/NCF