An anti-gang program in Palm Beach County is building stronger relationships between kids and law enforcement.
This morning, students from JFK Middle School packed the cafeteria for the First Annual International Gang Awareness Day.
Every student is participating in a program that teaches kids the dangers of gangs. It’s called G.R.E.A.T, which stands for Gang Resistance Education and Training.
The classes are taught by police and school resource officers.
“I've seen a lot of changes, positive changes because they interact with us a lot more,” said Officer Walter Terrell, with the Riviera Beach Police Department. “Now they're not scared to open up or if they have a problem they talk to us, so it's a very positive change.”
The program is at all elementary and middle schools in Riviera Beach and at many others throughout Palm Beach County.
Most recently, JFK Middle School graduated more from students from the GREAT program than any other Palm Beach County School.