Gang Resistance Education and Training (G.R.E.A.T.)

The goal of Gang Resistance Education and Training (G.R.E.A.T.) is to help youth avoid gangs, prevent violence and criminal activity, and develop a positive relationship with law enforcement.

The G.R.E.A.T. middle school program consists of 13 lessons designed to produce knowledge and attitudinal and behavioral changes through the use of facilitative teaching, positive behavior rehearsal, cooperative and interactive learning techniques, and extended teacher activities. The curriculum has integrated National Learning English Language Arts (ELA) standards and National Health standards and is based on effective research practices.

G.R.E.A.T. is taught by a Middletown City Police Officer to seventh grade middle school students. The use of law enforcement officers provides G.R.E.A.T. with several advantages, such as: officers have a wide range of experience and knowledge of criminal behavior, including juvenile delinquent behavior, officers are equipped with referral knowledge, and most importantly they can be positive role models to students.

There is increasing evidence that mentoring children can improve students' resiliency and help kids learn ways of coping with adversity through the modeling of positive behaviors, availability, and support. Having law enforcement officers serve as mentors is favorable for both the children and the officers. The officers have the chance to work in prevention activities, and give back to the school community, while the children have a chance to see officers as role models outside of their traditional responsibility as enforcers of the law.

Every officer who delivers G.R.E.A.T. to students has gone through extensive training in the program and is certified to teach the curriculum. In order to become a certified G.R.E.A.T. officer, the officer must attend G.R.E.A.T. Officer training classes.  In these training classes, officers gain the knowledge, skills, and practice necessary to implement G.R.E.A.T. with a high degree of commitment through effective teaching methods of facilitating and coaching.

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