FY 2008 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 curricula help students develop values and practice behaviors that will help them avoid destructive activities. G.R.E.A.T. program staff coordinate project activities with federal, regional, state, and local agencies, as well as individuals from community and civic groups. The goal of the program is to train criminal justice professionals to deliver a school-based curriculum that teaches life-skills competencies, gang awareness, and violence-avoidance techniques.

The Tigard Police Department will use its fiscal year 2008 G.R.E.A.T. award to implement the middle school, elementary school, summer, and families components in an effort to combat the growth of juvenile crime in the community. Within the past two years, there has been an increase of 48-percent in juvenile crimes per capita, as well as a significant increase in methamphetamine and violent crimes committed among gangs. Through the G.R.E.A.T. program, the police department anticipates reaching more than 4,000 students during the project period. In addition, it is estimated that approximately 20 families will participate. Family members will be required to attend the component if their child receives several gang related disciplinary actions. This approach provides families with the resources needed to help meet their needs and work towards stopping their child's involvement with gangs. Partnerships with multiple local and federal entities have been developed in an effort to continue the development and support of programs related to youth violence and gang prevention.

CA/NCF