Officers certified as G.R.E.A.T Instructors.
Fri, 2015-09-04
Assistant Commissioner of Police Antoine Daniels recently congratulated three members of the Bermuda Police Service who have recently and successfully completed an intensive eight day training course to become instructors in the G.R.E.A.T. (Gang Resistance Education and Training) Programme.
The programme a joint initiative between the Ministry of National Security and The Bermuda Police Service was reintroduced into the Islands schools in 2014, and since then has experienced tremendous success.
The three Officers PC's Dawnette Walker, Derek Simmons and Keegan Taylor travelled to West Hampton, New Jersey, and along with over 20 Officers from across the US took part in intensive training; focusing on teaching techniques, classroom management and cooperative and interactivelearning techniques. The training will enable the officers to join the ranks of the eight other Police Officers currently delivering the G.R.E.A.T curriculum to the Island's Primary and Middle Schools.
Premier and Minister of National Security, the Hon. Michael Dunkley - "I want to extend my congratulations to the three officers who recently completed their GREAT instructor training. We are about to embark on a new school year, and having the Gang Resistance Educational And Training programme in our schools has made an incredible impact in the lives of our young people. I want to thank the Bermuda Police Service for their continued dedication to GREAT and for teaching our young people about better alternatives to gang violence and anti-social behavior."
The three Officers meanwhile commented on what a "GREAT" experience it was to be able to mix with colleagues from other jurisdictions. They added that they learned a considerable amount and are very much looking forward to putting their newly acquired skills to good use helping to develop meaningful relationships between Police Officers and Bermuda's young people.the G.R.E.A.T Elementary School programme was re-introduced on 13 January 2014. In September 2014, the G.R.E.A.T. middle school programme which is designed for M1 students to provide students with the skills they need to avoid gang pressure and youth violence was launched. The programme consists of thirteen 30- to 45-minute lessons competency-based life skills curriculum to produce knowledge and attitudinal and behavioral changes through the use of facilitative teaching, positive behavior rehearsal, cooperative and interactive learning techniques, and extended teacher activities, while developing a positive bond between law enforcement and youth.
The G.R.E.A.T Elementary School programme was re-introduced on 13 January 2014. In September 2014, the G.R.E.A.T. middle school programme which is designed for M1 students to provide students with the skills they need to avoid gang pressure and youth violence was launched. The programme consists of thirteen 30- to 45-minute lessons competency-based life skills curriculum to produce knowledge and attitudinal and behavioral changes through the use of facilitative teaching, positive behavior rehearsal, cooperative and interactive learning techniques, and extended teacher activities, while developing a positive bond between law enforcement and youth.
The goal of the programme is to help youth avoid gang membership, prevent violence and criminal activity, and develop a positive relationship with law enforcement, resulting in safer communities. Each lesson is accompanied by a family letter that the student takes home explaining the lesson and encouraging parent/student interaction.
Another special feature of the programme is the use of scenarios that address bullying behaviors. Students are presented with a situation where they must make decisions about how they would respond. The activity focuses on empathy, taking personal responsibility, and knowing when to take action.
