History of the G.R.E.A.T. Program
National History
In 1991, the G.R.E.A.T. Program was developed through a combined effort of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Phoenix Police Department.
The program began as an eight-lesson middle school curriculum. In early 1992, the first G.R.E.A.T. Officer Training was held, and in 1993, the program was expanded nationwide. In 1998, the program added four additional law enforcement agencies to assist in administering the program: La Crosse, Wisconsin, Police Department; Orange County, Florida, Sheriff's Office; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Police Department; and Portland, Oregon, Police Bureau.
In 1995, a five-year longitudinal evaluation was initiated which showed the following positive results for students who had completed the training: lower levels of victimization, more negative views about gangs, more favorable attitudes about police, reduction in risk-seeking behaviors, and increased association with peers involved in prosocial activities.
During 1999-2000, the program underwent an extensive program and curriculum review. The objective was to ensure program adherence to the latest scientifically supported data regarding prevention and educational research and theory. This review enhanced the original program to 13 lessons, placed more emphasis on active learning, and increased teacher involvement. The new curriculum was successfully piloted in 14 cities nationwide in 2001 and implemented nationally beginning in 2003. Currently, the G.R.E.A.T. Program consists of a 13-week middle school curriculum, an elementary curriculum, a summer program, and families training.
In 2004, Congress directed that overall program administration be transferred to the Office of Justice Programs, Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA). In October 2004, BJA contracted with the Institute for Intergovernmental Research® (IIR) to provide national training coordination services and related tasks.
Since its inception in 1991, over 7,000 law enforcement officers have been certified as G.R.E.A.T. instructors and nearly four million students have graduated from the G.R.E.A.T. Program.
Orange County History
The Orange County Sheriff's Office has been actively teaching since 1993, the G.R.E.A.T. program in our Orange County Public Schools. In 1998, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (A.T.F.) and the Phoenix Police Department determined that in order for the program to expand on a national level they would need representation from all regions of the United States. The A.T.F. and the Phoenix Police Department decided to include one large Sheriff’s Office and three other large Police Departments, to be members of the G.R.E.A.T. National Policy Board. The A.T.F. and the Phoenix Police Department contacted the National Sheriff’s Association for their input on which sheriff’s agency might be willing to participate on the G.R.E.A.T. National Policy Board. The National Sheriff’s Association made a recommendation for Sheriff Kevin Beary and the Orange County Sheriff's Office to be chosen as a regional partner and a board member.
A.T.F. and the Phoenix Police Department divided the G.R.E.A.T. National Program into four regions and selected the Orange County Sheriff's Office as the Regional Training Center (Site), for the G.R.E.A.T. Southeast Region. The A.T.F. and the Phoenix Police Department also included the Midwest Region, Lacrosse P.D. which is a smaller police department, allowing for a small town’s perspective, be part of the National G.R.E.A.T. National Board.
Regional Administrators
Each regional partner provides a Regional Administrator (RA) to supervise all training-related functions conducted in its region. The RA serves as the first point of contact for the region.
Midwest RegionSergeant Jason MelbyLa Crosse Police Department 400 La Crosse Street La Crosse, WI 54601 Phone: (608) 789-8202 or (877) 864-7328 Fax: (608) 789-8203 great1@cityoflacrosse.org |
Southeast RegionOrange County Sheriff's Office2500 West Colonial Drive Orlando, FL 32804 Phone: (800) 363-5569 or (407) 254-7369 Fax: (407) 254-7386 SERGreat@ocfl.net |
Southwest RegionSergeant Kevin BrycePhoenix Police Department 620 West Washington Street Phoenix, AZ 85003 Phone: (602) 495-0432 or (800) 244-7328 Fax: (602) 495-0438 Kevin.bryce@phoenix.gov |
Northeast RegionSergeant Steve NaughtonPhiladelphia Police Department 1328 Race Street Philadelphia, PA 19107 Phone: (215) 686-1477 Fax: (215) 686-3083 GOTatPhila@aol.com |
Western RegionLT Bob HeimbackPortland Police Bureau 449 Northeast Emerson Street Portland, OR 97211 Phone: (503) 823-2111 or (800) 823-7188 Fax: (503) 823-4162 Rheimbach@portlandpolice.org |
Federal Partners
- U.S. Department of Justice
Bureau of Justice Assistance - U.S. Department of Homeland Security
Federal Law Enforcement Training Center - U.S. Department of Justice
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives - Information on Grants and Funding
Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA)
Regional Staff
GREAT Southeast Regional Administrator
2500 W. Colonial Drive
Orlando, Florida 32804
Office: (407) 254-7369
Toll Free: (800) 363-5569
Fax: (407) 254-7386
SERGreat@ocfl.net
LaShaun Pullin
GREAT Southeast Regional Program Administrative Assistant2500 W. Colonial Drive
Orlando, Florida 32804
Office: (407) 254-7367
Toll Free: (800) 363-5569
Fax: (407) 254-7386
lashaun.braddock-pullin@ocfl.net
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U.S. Department of Justice Bureau of Justice Assistance -
U.S. Department of Homeland Security Federal Law Enforcement Training Center -
U.S. Department of Justice Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives -
Institute for Intergovernmental Research