LMPD looks to expand anti-violence program into more elementary, middle schools

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- With violence in recent years targeting more of Louisville's youth, LMPD is looking to expand its G.R.E.A.T program to more JCPS schools.

The G.R.E.A.T. (Gang Resistance Education and Training) program began in 2014 with Sergeant Tony Sacra as the very first officer.

Nine years later, Sacra overseas over 20 officers involved at several JCPS elementary and middle schools. He said having the program in schools is even more crucial nowadays without SROs.

"I know as a former SRO, once you get inside the school, you're building a stronger relationship that is daily. It is something where they see you and it is not in a bad situation but it's a good environment," Sacra said.

LMPD Chief Jaquelyn Gwinn-Villaroel agreed, stating, "Targeting these individuals at this particular age group is critical because we don't want our young people to be lost to violent crime."

The program teaches students to stay away from gun violence, gang activity and drugs.

"They're taking these skills they're learning here and taking them back to their community so this is a valuable program," said Gwinn-Villaroel. "We want to make sure that whatever we are doing, that it's valuable, that it's not cookie cutter and it's actually being delivered to students at a quality level."

On Thursday, Detective Edward Johnson III congratulated 25 students from Indian Trail Elementary as they were presented with program certificates for graduating.

"I'm very proud of them due to the fact that they're implementing some of these coping skills and some of the behaviors we want them to do in the school and in their environment," Johnson said. "We teach them how to identify when they're angry, their body language, reading facial expressions, how to act instead of react."

Johnson and Sacra said a large part of the program is encouraging students to incorporate what they learn at home and to encourage parents to be involved.

"Every week, we send home a letter about what information they've learned. So we keep the parents informed and that way we work together as a team," Sacra said.

Students and officers gather for LMPD G.R.E.A.T program graduation — Students graduate LMPD G.R.E.A.T program at Indian Trail Elementary School. (WDRB Image)

"They all bought into it. I had the support from their parents so it was a smooth transition form day 1 until now," Johnson added when speaking about the parents of Thursday's graduating class.

For each class, LMPD opens up the training to 100 students. Sacra said most of the courses he teaches fill up.

"I've done probably around 14 or 15 schools, elementary and middle, and I've graduated over 1,500 students," he said. "Just last year while at Valley High School, I had a cheerleader come up to me and say, 'Hey, remember me? You were my grade instructor.' So that shows you that it really works. The kids remember you and they know what they learn."

On Friday, LMPD will mark its eighth graduation with JCPS students so far this school year.

Related Stories:

LMPD looks to expand anti-violence program into more elementary, middle schools