Clarksville (TN) 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 Clarksville will implement Middle School, Elementary School, and Summer Program components with its Fiscal Year 2007 GREAT funds. Some of the goals will be to: conduct a fourth grade program during 2007 in two elementary schools; enhance social skills and give structure as an alternative to gang activity; and pursue additional partnerships to strengthen gang and delinquency prevention programs. The project will be supervised by a CPD Lieutenant and supported by three trained G.R.E.A.T. officers. This funding will also be used to support a fourth G.R.E.A.T. officer who was hired in January 2007.

CA/NCF