G.R.E.A.T. Officer Training (GOT)

In order for a law enforcement professional to be certified to teach any of the G.R.E.A.T. curricula, successful completion of a G.R.E.A.T. Officer Training (GOT) is required. The training is a comprehensive course that focuses on the structure and content of the G.R.E.A.T. curricula and provides knowledge of gang trends, while building the skills necessary to teach in a classroom setting. The goal of the GOT is to educate and certify officers to successfully deliver the G.R.E.A.T. curricula in their respective communities.

Once a person successfully completes and passes the online training (approximately ten hours) and classroom portion (36 hours) of a GOT, he or she is certified to teach the middle school curriculum, the elementary curriculum, and the summer program. In order to teach the families component, an officer must attend and successfully complete a G.R.E.A.T. Families Training.

Candidates for a GOT must meet the following requirements:

  • Sworn criminal justice professionals, including:
    • Local, state, tribal, and federal law enforcement officers and agents with legal arrest authority
    • Military police or other personnel possessing official governmental law enforcement authority
    • Other sworn law enforcement personnel receiving written approval from the G.R.E.A.T. Program Office, which may include Probation officers, Corrections officers, and reserve, part-time, or retired officers
  • Minimum one year of full-time experience in one of the professions listed above
  • Commitment from the officer and his or her agency to teach the G.R.E.A.T. curricula to middle school and/or elementary students during the year following training

Officer Selection—Applicants for G.R.E.A.T. Officer Training should demonstrate the desired personal characteristics, background, skills, and commitment needed to be a successful G.R.E.A.T. instructor, as detailed here.

Recertification

A G.R.E.A.T. instructor who has not taught the G.R.E.A.T. curricula in six or more years, will need to attend a G.R.E.A.T. Officer Training. Instructors who have been inactive for less than six years are eligible for recertification. The G.R.E.A.T. Program Office (GPO) offers fee-based, virtual recertification options for instructors in the United States. Contact the GPO for more information.

Costs to Attend a GOT

United States: At this time, GOT training events are fee-based and arranged through a contract agreement with the G.R.E.A.T. Program Office. Costs cover training staff (reasonable travel expenses and onsite services), training materials, and logistical program coordination preparations. Final pricing will vary depending on geographical location, specific agency requests, and class size. Costs associated with the training facility and necessary audio-visual equipment are additional if not provided by the hosting agency. Participants are responsible for their lodging, travel, meals, and miscellaneous expenses. For more information contact the G.R.E.A.T. Program Office.

Central America: Funding for training is provided through the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL), U.S. Department of State, in cooperation with the national government of each participating country.

See the "Program Costs" section of this website for more information about Program implementation costs.

Applying to Attend a GOT

United States: At this time, all GOT events in the U.S. are scheduled directly with requesting agencies through a contractual arrangement. Applicants must be selected and invited to attend the training event by the contracting agency. Invited applicants must complete a G.R.E.A.T. Officer Training Application provided by the GPO. Once the applicant’s application submission is accepted, the applicant will have access to the pre-requisite online training course. This is required and will take approximately ten hours to complete. It must be completed no later than one week prior to attending the classroom training. Applicants will be notified six weeks prior to the start of their training to begin the online training. Failure to complete any of these tasks in a timely manner will inhibit your chances of attending the GOT.

Central America: Applicant selection is completed by local police agencies within each country, with vetting procedures completed by INL.