Gang Resistance Education and Training (GREAT) Program
LAPD's Juvenile Division

The GREAT Program is a prevention educational program sponsored by the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF). The target group for this program is primarily middle school students. The GREAT Program is administered by the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA), a component of the Office of Justice Programs, United States Department of Justice. Through the federal-funded BJA Grant, the ATF allocated funds to approved municipalities that select police officers to be trained in the GREAT curriculum, after which the officers are certified as instructors in the GREAT curriculum. The Department has 40 officers who are certified to teach the GREAT curriculum. Six of the 40 officers are assigned to the Los Angeles Police Academy Magnet School Program, of which only one officer is currently teaching the GREAT curriculum. The other 34 officers are assigned to various non-teaching duties throughout the Department. For FY 2004/05, the BJA Grant only funded one police officer's salary and related program costs.

Program Goals

The goals of the GREAT Program are to teach life skills, reduce gang activity and teach the consequences of gang involvement to middle school students, primarily seventh graders. The curriculum consists of the following:

	Introduction to the GREAT Program;
	Crime, Victims and Your Rights;
	Cultural Sensitivity and Prejudice;
	Conflict Resolution;
	Meeting Basic Needs Without Gang Involvement;
	Drugs and Impact on Neighborhoods;
	Responsibilities of Involvement; and,
	Short and Long Term Goals.

Program Criteria

The GREAT Program emphasizes the negative aspects of gang participation for the youth and the community. Since the program's basic components are prevention and intervention, the focus is on middle school students, ages 12 through 14.

Program Outreach

Police Officer n Barbara Galicia, Serial No.32361, assigned to the Los Angeles Police Academy Magnet School Program, currently teaches the GREAT Program curriculum at Mulholland Middle School in Van Nuys Area. During the 2004/2005 school year, Officer Galicia will teach the GREAT curriculum to approximately 600 middle school students.

Program Funding

The GREAT Program is funded through the BJA Federal Grant. The grant allotment for FY 2004/05 is as follows:

	Total Grant Allotment -	$ 54,060
	....Officer/Instructor's Salary -	$ 37,842 (70%)
	....Training/Equipment/Awards -	$ 16,218 (30%)