G.R.E.A.T.

Gang Resistance Education and Training (GREAT).  This is an 8 week program targeting the middle school age level. It covers more than gangs, but also cultural diversity, crime and punishment, juvenile rights, responsibility and goals. Students do role playing and complete workbooks. They are given certificates upon successful completion of the course. Students are given weekly incentives after each lesson


HISTORY
 Gang Resistance Education And Training (G.R.E.A.T) began when representatives from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) contacted various law enforcement agencies and educators in the Phoenix area; the goal being to design and implement an anti-violence and gang resistance program. 

The Phoenix Police Department and ATF joined with surrounding metropolitan agencies to develop the curriculum, based upon a goal of reducing gang involvement and youth violence. To date, 1108 officer from more than 457 agencies representing 45 states have been trained to present the core curriculum in elementary, junior high and middle school classrooms.
PHILOSOPHY
 The G.R.E.A.T. Program is designed to help children set goals for themselves, resist pressures, lean how to resolve conflicts without violence, and understand how gangs and youth violence impact the quality of their lives. G.R.E.A.T students discover for themselves the ramifications of gang and youth violence through structured exercises and interactive approaches to learning.

Through the combined efforts of law enforcement, the schools, and the community it is felt that all involved can make a difference in the lives of children across America by providing young people with the necessary skills and information to say "no" to gangs and acts of random violence.
CURRICULUM OVERVIEW
G.R.E.A.T. is another tool that can be used to enhance community policing efforts by combining classroom instruction with the talents and experience of Federal, State and local law enforcement personnel who address issues relating to violent crime and street gangs. The curriculum is taught by certified uniformed police officers and Federal agents to elementary, junior high and middle school children. The design and intent of the program is to decrease gang and youth violence across the nation.

Included within the G.R.E.A.T. curriculum are many optional and extended activities which reinforce classroom instruction. Both the police officer and teacher work together to reduce gang and youth violence in the school and the community.

The lessons are designed to be taught in nine one hour blocks for nine consecutive weeks:
LESSON 1: INTRODUCTION LESSON Students become acquainted with the program and the police officer.

LESSON 2: CRIME/VICTIMS AND YOUR RIGHTS Officers discuss the impact crime has on the victims and neighborhood.

LESSON 3: CULTURAL SENSITIVE/PREJUDICE Students examine their own cultural difference and how they impact the community. They also discuss the harmful behaviors resulting from prejudice.

LESSON 4 A: CONFLICT RESOLUTION (DISCUSSION) Students learn a six-step process enabling them to resolve conflicts without using violence.

LESSON 4 B: CONFLICT RESOLUTION (PRACTICAL EXERCISES) Students apply the six-step conflict resolution model to real life situations.

LESSON 5: MEETING BASIC NEEDS Students are taught to become better
equipped to meet their basic needs.

LESSON 6: DRUGS/NEIGHBORHOODS Students discover how drugs and gangs interfere with the peaceful co-existence of a neighborhood.

LESSON 7: RESPONSIBILITY Students learn the diverse responsibilities of
individuals within their community. Emphasis is placed on learning personal
responsibility for one's behavior.

LESSON 8: GOAL SETTING Through role playing and discussion, officers show students the importance of setting goals in life and making appropriate choices.
AGENCY COMMITMENT
 This is a formal and mutual commitment of law enforcement and education agencies to unite in a common goal to:

  • Provide children with accurate knowledge about gang involvement
  • Provide children with the skills necessary to combat the stresses that set the stage for gang involvement.
  • Provide children with the skills to resist negative peer pressure.
  • To provide children alternative to gang involvement.

The G.R.E.A.T. program will not replace the D.A.R.E. program already established in the Charleston area schools but will be used in conjunction with D.A.R.E. G.R.E.A.T. will be taught primarily in the middle schools to enhance the D.A.R.E. curriculum.

For more information on the G.R.E.A.T. program in the Charleston area, contact the Community Services Division, at (304) 348-6411.