THE  G.R.E.A.T. PROGRAM

1. THE HISTORY OF GREAT

Gang Resistance Education and Training (G.R.E.A.T.) began in 1991 when representatives of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (A.T.F.) contacted various agencies in the Phoenix, Arizona area with the intent of fostering interest in designing and implementing a gang resistance program.

The Phoenix Police Department, in cooperation with surrounding Police Agencies, developed a curriculum based upon the goal of reducing gang involvement. 

To date, thousands of Officers representing jurisdictions from though out the United States have been trained to present the core curriculum in classrooms.

2. PHILOSOPHY

The program is designed to help students become responsible members of their communities by setting goals for themselves, resisting pressure, learning how to resolve conflicts, and understanding how gangs effect the quality of their lives. GREAT is a nine week program, culminating with a certificate of completion, representing a new philosophical outlook concerning gang activity and the intent to use the tools which were learned to resist gang pressure.

3. THE GREAT PROGRAM IN BROCKTON

Brockton started the GREAT Program in the spring of 1996. Officer Stephen Ferris initiated a pilot program during the last weeks of the school year, over 300 seventh grade students successfully completed the course. 

We currently have four officers trained through the GREAT Program. Two full time officers and our DARE Officers are cross trained as GREAT Officers. Officers Stephen Ferris and Jesse Drane are full time GREAT officers. These officers will be conducting the program in all four of our junior high schools at the seventh grade level during school year 96-97. They will have over one thousand students through the course of this year. Our DARE Officers Michael Mather and Thomas LaFratta are available on an as needed basis or back-up.

The officers enjoy city wide support, the school department has been enthusiastic and cooperative, the mayor, school committee, and city council all are behind the program. The Chief of Police Paul Studenski is committed to the program as evidenced by his willingness to implement the program in a department that is considerably short staffed and with limited resources.