Anti-Gang Program Kicks off in Bridgeport Schools
(Bridgeport, CT – Nov. 5, 2013) – The Police Department will introduce a gang reduction program in five city schools aimed at giving children the tools to resist the lure of gangs.
The GREAT program will launch in January at Wilbur L. Cross School, Curiale School, Dunbar School, Roosevelt School and Luis Munoz Marin School. The GREAT program, short for Gang Resistance Education And Training, will focus on 6th and 7th graders.
“The goal is to reach young children before they get involved with these groups,” said Police Chief Joseph L. Gaudett Jr. “We know kids are exposed to them in some neighborhoods. We know peer pressure can be a powerful force. We need to work hard to give these young people the tools to say ‘no’.”
The program describes itself as an “immunization against delinquency, youth violence, and gang membership for children in the years immediately before the prime ages for introduction into gangs and delinquent behavior.”
GREAT in Bridgeport will be funded through a $67,000 state grant. Sessions are taught by city police officers. Several officers are currently completing recertification, and the department will send additional officers to the next training session.
“It’s great news that this program is returning to Bridgeport schools,” said Mayor Bill Finch. “There is no single solution to reducing violence. Children deal with so many influences. This program empowers kids through positive influence and a positive message.”
Mayor Finch thanked State Rep. Ezequiel Santiago for his assistance in securing the grant.
Superintendant of Schools Paul G. Vallas welcomed the program into the schools.
“This is really important work for our community and kids,” he said. “Providing young people with convincing alternatives to bad influences and violent lifestyles empowers them, reinforces positive values, and shows that gangs offer only a life of fear and failure.”
Capt. Roderick Porter, who heads the Community Services Division, said the ultimate goal is to expand the program to an additional five schools. The first five schools were selected in conjunction with the Board of Education, looking at areas where an anti-gang message is most needed.
The program will include the anti-gang message of GREAT, the anti-drug message of DARE and will include an anti-bullying component.
There will also be a component for parents. GREAT instructors will work to identify the children at greatest risk and engage their families, Porter said.
“We need to support the families as well, tell them the signs to look for and how they can influence their children to make good decisions,” Porter said.
Bill Kaempffer
Public Safety Spokesman
Bridgeport Police Department
Bridgeport Fire Department