Gang Resistance Education and Training 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 Sisseton Police Department will implement the Fiscal Year 2007 G.R.E.A.T. program, including the Middle School, Elementary School, Families, and Summer components. The Sisseton-Wahpeton Sioux Tribe is a member of the Sissitowan Division of the Great Sioux Nation. There are over 10,000 members in the Sisseton-Wahpeton Sioux Tribe. The need for the G.R.E.A.T. program is urgent in this area as gang presence has been documented and incidents of crime committed by gang members are on the rise. The goal of the G.R.E.A.T. program will be to provide education to youth and family members about how to recognize gang behavior, apparel, and recruiting techniques; to develop resistance skills; and to develop and enhance mutual respect for law enforcement, parents, teachers, and youth. G.R.E.A.T. will provide youth and their families with the skills and resources they need to thrive and to avoid behavior that puts them at risk. The Elementary School curriculum will be taught to an estimated 110 fourth and fifth grade students and the Middle School component will involve approximately 110 sixth and seventh grade students. Approximately 35 youth will participate in the Summer program and an estimated 15 families will be involved in the Families component.

CA/NCF