Earlier this week, the Woodland Police Department officers participated in some of the Gang Resistance Education and Training program (“G.R.E.A.T”) graduations.

“G.R.E.A.T” is a school-based, law enforcement officer-instructed program that prevents youth crime, violence and gang involvement through life skills lessons. According to a WPD Facebook post, law enforcement officers deliver a structured curriculum that teaches students life skills, such as conflict resolution, decision-making, and communication, to help them avoid delinquent behavior and violence.

According to the website, teaching children these skills at an earlier stage of development allows for a better transition into the middle school curriculum; as well as help with aggressive behavior in the elementary school years that are more likely to display antisocial and violent behavior as adolescents and young adults.

“The goal is to prevent youth violence while developing positive relationships between criminal justice professionals and youth during their early developmental years,” the website states.