NCJ Number
171544
Date Published
Unknown
Length
0 pages
Annotation
This videotape indicates gangs hold communities and neighborhoods hostage with their indiscriminate violence and drug trafficking and describes the Gang Resistance Education and Training (GREAT) program in Phoenix that is designed to help young people avoid gang membership.
Abstract
The videotape notes the active number of gang members is increasing in every U.S. city. New York City has 5,000 gang members, Chicago has 12,500 gang members, and Los Angeles has 103,000 gang members. Gang membership crosses ethnic, racial, and geographic boundaries. Recognizing education is the key to gang prevention, the GREAT program involves a partnership between law enforcement and schools. The program teachers 7th and 8th grade students how and why they should avoid gangs and be responsible members of society. Police officers go to the schools and teach students goal setting and responsibility. The GREAT program during the school year is supplemented by summer recreation and education activities to reinforce positive attitudes toward authority. Parental involvement is also important in the program.