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The Gang Resistance Education and Training (GREAT) Program, sponsored and designed by the
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF), and the Phoenix, Arizona Police Department
is making remarkable headway in steering young children away from gangs.
Research has shown that 12 and 13 year-olds are most at risk to commit their first
criminal activity. Therefore, the G.R.E.A.T. curriculum is aimed at elementary and
middle school students. The course consists of nine-week, anti-gang program that is
taught by uniformed police officers. It exposes students to a broad range of topics,
including conflict resolution, building social skills, and setting lifetime goals.
Most importantly the G.R.E.A.T. program gives students opportunity to find out for
themselves about the perils of gang activity.
To date, more that 3,355 officers from 1,454 agencies representing 50 states, the
District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Canada and military personnel from overseas bases
have been certified to teach the G.R.E.A.T. program.
Since the programs’ inception in 1992, more than 2 million children have received
G.R.E.A.T. instruction. By directing a strong anti-gang message to elementary school
students, officers can make children aware of the true dangers of gangs before they are
pressured to join one.
Reducing youth violence and gang activity is a challenge and complex problem.
There is no silver bullet in the fight against gangs. Neither schools nor law
enforcement alone can break the cycle of gang violence that currently plagues
many urban, suburban and rural communities across the nation. Ultimately, families,
communities, public and private organizations and government must work together to
stop gang violence and protect our youth.
Currently Tigard Police Department has 3 officers certified to teach G.R.E.A.T.
and is teaching at the two middle schools in Tigard. For more information about
the G.R.E.A.T. program contact Sheryl Huiras, Youth
Services Officer at 503-718-2578.
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