Gang Resistance Education and Training

Gang Resistance Education and Training, commonly referred to as G.R.E.A.T., is a gang prevention program provided to local schools by the City of Carbondale Police Department. The G.R.E.A.T. curriculum focuses on skills training, cooperative learning, discussion and role playing. The instruction covers a variety of topics which include: The students roles in their family, school and community; What factors to include when setting their short and long term life goals; How to make G.R.E.A.T. decisions; How to improve anger management and communication skills; Recognizing the need to have empathy for others; and How to effectively respond to peer pressure and resolve conflicts without the use of violence.

The goal of the G.R.E.A.T. curriculum focuses on helping young people avoid gang membership, prevent violence and criminal activity, as well as to develop a positive relationship with law enforcement. Skills learned in the program can be used immediately by the students and continued throughout their lives.

G.R.E.A.T. Program students complete a project titled “Making My School a G.R.E.A.T. Place.” The goal of the project is to allow students to review what they have learned and think about ways to make improvements to their school community.

The City of Carbondale Police Department has trained G.R.E.A.T. officers who provide the program at the fourth and sixth grades in Carbondale schools. G.R.E.A.T. is taught by a uniformed police officer in each class with the classroom teacher present. G.R.E.A.T. is supported by our local schools, and warmly received by students, teachers and school staff. The officers always look forward to teaching G.R.EA.T. and being able to have such positive contact with the youth of our community.

G.R.E.A.T. graduations are important events, which include City government and community member speakers, as well as diplomas and a reception following the event. Graduations are attended by police and school district representatives, City officials, as well as the families of the graduates. All graduating students are provided G.R.E.A.T. t-shirts, which are funded by the Carbondale Chapter of the Illinois Elks Association

The partnership between the Police Department and Carbondale Elementary School District #95, through the G.R.E.A.T. program, enables both agencies to expand their commitment to the youth of our community.

If you would like more information regarding this program please contact Community Resource Officer Randy Mathis at (618) 457-3200, ext. 428 or email: rmathis@ci.carbondale.il.us.

Related Links:

• G.R.E.A.T. Program Online