Broward County Sheriff's Office G.R.E.A.T. Project

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 Broward County Sheriff's Office (BSO) is applying for Level 11 Category Funding, which will fund implementation of elementary school, middle school, summer, and family components. The BSO G.R.E.A.T. Program will focus on providing life skills to students to deter delinquent behavior and the negative associations of gang membership. The program will utilize experienced officers who will provide positive role models in presenting alternatives to the lifestyle of gangs, in addition to teaching problem solving skills, learning to work well with others, making conscious decisions to avoid destructive behaviors, and choosing positive friends. BSO will accomplish these goals by incorporating the four components of the G.R.E.A.T. curriculum, with special attention towards the identification, recruitment, and participation of those youth at the highest risk. BSO anticipates reaching over 8,300 individuals with their program.

CA/NCF