2005-045-RES APPROVING APPLICATION FOR A GANG RESISTANCE EDUCATION AND TRAINING (G.R.E.A.T) PROGRAM GRANT

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G.R.E.A.T Grant application Narrative The Paris Police Department implemented the GREAT program in 1996. Since that time we have added additional GREAT Officers. With the help of the grant money supplied by federal funding, we have been able to expand our program to another school district. We have previously included activities in our program such as the Summer Component including Parental Involvement. This would not have been possible without the GREAT grants we have received. The Paris Police Department currently provides DARE Officers to the local school districts for their school-based DARE programs. The DARE core curriculum is taught at the 5th grade level, with the DARE Officers teaching shorter lessons to the lower grades. The Police Athletic League provides positive activities for the youth of our community. They provide a game room, karate classes, boxing classes, and a spring basketball league. The Police Athletic League also offers an opportunity for the students to do their homework on-site. A local teacher is on hand to give assistance if needed. GREAT Officers volunteer at the Police Athletic League to interact with students. "111e Police Athletic League is open year round with expanded hours during the summer. We have in the past conducted a Summer program for students consisting of two sessions each lasting two weeks. The Summer program was offered to 7'h and 8th grade students. Short lessons were given reinforcing life skills taught in the core curriculum. Students also enjoyed outings to amusement parks, baseball games, and other field trips. The Summer program was staffed by GREAT and DARE Officers that provided for positive interaction between the Officers and students. Due to local budget constraints were are unable to provide this program this year. It is our hope that we can do the Summer program in the future iflocal funds become available to assist in the program. The Paris Police Department has been conducting a Parent program for the last six years. The GREAT Officers are available to provide parent programs to the local Parent- Teacher Organizations as well as other groups. The Paris Police Department has two GREAT Officers that are certified to facilitate the GREAT Family Component. The Paris P0lice Department will continue to work with the local schoo! districts to continue our commitment to the youth of our community and therefore to the GREAT Program.