The G.R.E.A.T. program is sponsored by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF) and the Department of the Treasury. This curriculum was produced by the Phoenix Police Department in cooperation with the Glendale Police Department, Tempe Police Department, and Mesa Police Department.

This program is designed to help middle school students become responsible members of their communities, by setting goals for themselves, resisting pressures, learning how to resolve conflicts, and clearly understanding how gangs impact their quality of life.

G.R.E.A.T. has been taught by police officers in Glendale Heights since September of 1996. All 7th graders at Marquardt Middle, Glenside Middle, and St. Matthew Schools are now receiving the training.

The Goal of G.R.E.A.T. is to help youths avoid gang membership, prevent violence and criminal activity, and develop a positive relationship with law enforcement. This is accomplished by using a skill-based approach that addresses three domains of learning: cognitive, behavioral, and affective. The G.R.E.A.T. Program produces attitude and behavioral change through a unique combination of skills training, cooperative learning, discussion , and role playing. Students are provided with many opportunities to model and practice relevant life skills. Once students have rehearsed these skills, they will be more likely to use them in real life situations.

G.R.E.A.T. Families

The Glendale Heights Police Department is again offering a G.R.E.A.T. Families Component. G.R.E.A.T. Families is an extension of the Gang Resistance Education and Training (G.R.E.A.T.) program currently taught by Glendale Heights School Resource Officers to all of the 6th graders in Glendale Heights. The family component works on strengthening family relationships. The program is divided into six sessions. These sessions use group interactions, activities, and skill practice to engage parents and children, ages 10-14, with the goal of fostering positive family functions. Both the parents and the child(ren) must attend the sessions.

The six sessions will cover a variety of general family issues using the tips, techniques and skills practice to:

• Build communication skills
• Create positive family relationships
• Help parents become better role models
• Develop a plan of action for change
• Create a foundation for growth as a family
• Raise awareness about the influences of the media and the Internet

The G.R.E.A.T. Families component is available free of charge. The sessions are limited to ten families in order to receive the maximum benefit.

Classes will be held on Thursday evenings from 6:00- 8:30PM. The sessions will begin February 4th and end on March 11th.   

For further information about this program please contact Officer Scott Grulke at 1.630.909.5466 or Officer Michelle Cahill at 1.630.909.5463.

G.R.E.A.T. Junior Police Academy was held in June 2009. Click here to view the photo gallery.