Sheriff’s SROs are certified to teach G.R.E.A.T., Gang Resistance Education And Training. Developed through the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, this curriculum is designed for students in their last year at middle school. Deputies provide a wide range of structured community-based activities and classroom instruction. The goal is for students to gain a sense of competency, usefulness and personal empowerment in order to avoid involvement in youth violence, gangs and criminal activity.

G.R.E.A.T. - Youth Violence Prevention
Personal Empowerment
Developing Life Skills
Building Positive Relationships with Law Enforcement Officers

A national evaluation of G.R.E.A.T. shows that the program:
1. Lowers the rate of delinquency.
2. Lowers the rate of gang affiliation.
3. Lowers the likelihood of acting impulsively.
4. Increases positive attitudes toward police.
5. Increases the commitment to peers promoting pro-social behavior.
6. Increases commitment to school.
7. Increases communication with parents about their children’s activities.

Sheriff’s SROs provide summer programming through G.R.E.A.T. Summers! With four one-hour lessons focusing on decision making and positive life skills, deputies offer summer programs to Boys and Girls Clubs, Girls, Inc., the YMCA in Bessemer and for some Jefferson County summer school classes.

Coming soon: G.R.E.A.T. Families! This strengths-based lesson series will be offered starting in Fall, 2003 through Jefferson County schools. For more information call Lt. Mike Ozley at 379-2009. Also check www.atf.treas.gov/great