Gang Resistance Education and Training (G.R.E.A.T.) is a partnership with local educators, law enforcement, and community leaders to create an innovative and comprehensive anti-gang and violence prevention program. Supported by the U. S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center, and Precinct Four, G.R.E.A.T. provides for our youth with the necessary skills and information to say no to gangs and become responsible members of society.

Specially trained police officers and special agents teach G.R.E.A.T. to 7th and 8th grade students in nine classroom sessions as well as four lessons to the 4th grade students during the school year.

The purpose of the curriculum is to discuss the impact crime has on victims and neighborhoods. Students examine their own cultures, learn to appreciate cultural differences and how they impact the community. Conflict resolution and taking responsibility for your behavior are other topics modeled and discussed. The final activity assists students in setting attainable goals in their lives.

Research states that prosecution and incarceration can not begin to cope with the nation's growing gang problem. The answer lies in prevention. The G.R.E.A.T. program shows children the harmful effects of gangs and points them in positive directions so that gangs lose their allure and following.

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