History of the G.R.E.A.T. Program

G.R.E.A.T. originated through a combined effort of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, and the Phoenix Police Department. The effort was congressionally supported as a part of ATF's Project Outreach.

The program originally began as an eight lesson middle-school curriculum. In early 1992 the first G.R.E.A.T. Officer Training was held, as well as the first Summer Component in Phoenix, Arizona. In 1993, due to its success, the program was expanded nationwide and a National Policy Board was developed to oversee the program. In 1998 the program added four additional law enforcement agencies as regional partners. Since its inception, G.R.E.A.T. has trained thousands of officers nationwide.

In 2000, the program underwent a curriculum review. This review was the result of a longitudinal study by the National Institute of Justice (NIJ). This review enhanced the original program to 13 interactive, facilitation style lessons. The new curriculum was piloted in 14 cities across the country with overwhelming success.

G.R.E.A.T. has developed partnerships with nationally recognized organizations such as the Boys and Girls Clubs of America, the National Association of Police Athletic Leagues and the Department of Justice, Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) Office. These partnerships encourage positive relationships between the community, parents, schools and law enforcement officers.

G.R.E.A.T. Middle School Curriculum

Uniformed Phoenix Police Officers, certified through an approved training program, teach the 13 week Middle School curriculum to students in their classrooms during the school year. G.R.E.A.T.’s violence prevention, life skills competency curriculum helps students avoid destructive behaviors.

For more information on the G.R.E.A.T. Middle School Curriculum click here.

G.R.E.A.T. Elementary School Curriculum

The newest of G.R.E.A.T.’s four components, the Elementary curriculum is a six week program for 4th and 5th grade students. The goal of the G.R.E.A.T. Elementary School Curriculum is to prevent violence while developing a positive bond between law enforcement and youth

For more information on the G.R.E.A.T. Elementary School Curriculum click here.

G.R.E.A.T. Summer Component

The summer education and recreation program continues to build on the G.R.E.A.T. Middle School program and reinforces the 13 week cognitive, social and self-esteem building lessons. Participants enjoy recreational games, outings and participation in community service projects.

For more information on the G.R.E.A.T. Summer Component click here.

G.R.E.A.T. Families Component

The G.R.E.A.T. program also offers a Family Component comprised of six family-child sessions. These sessions provide facilitator-guided, multilevel, relationship building opportunities. The sessions are life skills-based and promote social bonding, enhance decision-making skills and strengthen healthy behaviors within the family.

For more information on the G.R.E.A.T. Families Component click here.