OCPO/STRPD PARTNER TO BRING G.R,E.A.T. LIFE LESSONS TO SOUTH TOMS RIVER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL STUDENTS

Ocean County Prosecutor Joseph D. Coronato and South Toms River Police Chief Andrew Izatt today announced that STRPD is among the newest departments to collaborate with the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office in order to bring the G.R.E.A.T. (Gang Resistance Education and Training) Program to South Toms River Elementary School for the 2016/2017 school year.

Ptl. Anthony Giacinti and Ptl. Michael Schneidt of the South Toms River Police Department, pictured next page, are smiling ear to ear in fulfilling their new school outreach assignment. This week the two Officers began teaching the G.R.E.A.T. program at South Toms River Elementary School.  The Officer’s will be teaching a six week course to all STRE fifth grade students.

The program focuses on teaching children life skills which include: decision making, communication skills, anger management, anti-bullying and respect. The program is taught by Officer’s trained and certified by OCPO, allowing local Law Enforcement to work collaboratively with the School District and the community.  To date the program has imparted life skills/lessons to over 1100 students throughout Ocean County who have completed the school-based, law enforcement officer-instructed classroom curriculum.

One final fun fact – I’m proud to say the attached photo was taken on day one of the program in Mrs. Diane Della Fave’s STRE fifth grade class, where her students are already well on their way to an amazing future thanks to her love of teaching.

The Gang Resistance Education And Training (G.R.E.A.T.) Program is an evidence-based, national and international gang and violence prevention program that has been building trust between law enforcement and communities for almost 30 years.  G.R.E.A.T. is intended as an immunization against delinquency, youth violence, and gang membership.  It is designed for children in the years immediately before the prime ages for introduction into gangs and delinquent behavior.  The program is built around school-based, law enforcement officer-instructed classroom curricula.

OCPO brought the program to Ocean County Schools in 2011 and have been continuously working cooperatively with other Ocean County law enforcement agencies to expand the program locally in an effort to reach as many children as possible.  Those wishing more Information about the G.R.E.A.T. program can go to: www.great-online.org.

Picture left to right: South Toms River PD Ptl. Anthony Giacinti and Ptl. Michael Schneidt begin their six week character building / police outreach journey with Mrs. Diane Della Fave’s STRE fifth grade class.

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