WASHINGTON, DC - In an effort to reduce gang violence and prevent children from joining gangs, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) today announced that the City of Pawtucket will receive $122,951 for the Gang Resistance Education and Training (G.R.E.A.T.) program, a life-skills competency program designed to provide students with the tools they need to resist gang pressure and avoid youth violence. The goal of the G.R.E.A.T. program is to train law enforcement officers in a school-based curriculum so they can educate school-aged children about gang awareness and anti-violence techniques.

"I am pleased Pawtucket will receive this federal funding for its G.R.E.A.T. program. We must do everything we can to prevent kids from joining gangs and turning to a life of crime," stated Reed. "Police officers can serve as powerful role models for kids. By training them to teach children about the destructive effects of gangs, we can help keep more of our young people on the right path and reduce youth violence. This money will enable Pawtucket police officers provide more children with positive alternatives to gang activity and enhance the quality of life in our neighborhoods by stopping violence before it starts."

Pawtucket's Police Department is seeking to implement a community-wide, collaborative approach to reducing gang violence. This federal grant will support the implementation of the G.R.E.A.T. program in the city's three middle schools and eight elementary schools during the 2007 academic year. After-school programs and a summer program will also be offered in collaboration with the Boys and Girls Club. The Police Department currently has two certified G.R.E.A.T. officers. This grant will allow them to add another certified G.R.E.A.T. officer.

"The Pawtucket Police Department is working hard to proactively engage schoolchildren and teach them about the dangers of gangs. These funds will allow Pawtucket to reach out to more youngsters before it is too late and certify another G.R.E.A.T. police officer," concluded Reed.