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 City of Columbus will utilize their FY 2007 grant to provide middle and elementary schools students with a prevention education program to encourage a reduction in delinquency, youth violence, and gang membership. Some of the goals will be to prevent youth crime, violence, and gang involvement among school-aged youth in all communities by reducing the precursor attitudes and behaviors associated with these behaviors; create safer schools and communities by building positive relationships among law enforcement, families, and young people; increase the number of school-aged children who have the opportunity to gain a positive perception of law enforcement; and strengthen families through engaging parents and youth between the ages of 10 and 14 in cooperative lessons designed to facilitate better communication among family members and enhance family decision-making skills.

CA/NCF