| August 11, 2005 School officers get anti-gang training By KATHY JEFCOATS The Atlanta Journal-Constitution Riverdale, hit hard by gang activity in the past year, recently sent police officers through a training course designed to teach students how to avoid becoming victims — or members — of gangs. Twenty-one school resource officers and training personnel completed the two-week Gang Resistance Education and Training course at Roberts Middle School in Jonesboro. Riverdale police Sgt. Terry Harget, who teaches a Citizens Police Academy at Riverdale High School, said the course is a proven way of fighting gangs. "This one will be effective," Harget said. "We can empower the children with the knowledge to stay away from violence." Burglaries, thefts and drug activity by gangs escalated to murder in summer 2004 when Trevon Wilson, 4, was killed in a drive-by shooting while playing in a Riverdale park with his grandmother. The park was renamed in his memory. District Attorney Jewel Scott said 18 suspected gang members have been indicted in the case. Since last summer, local law enforcement agencies have formed a joint gang task force for a more visible presence in hot spots. Riverdale police Chief Thetus Knox said the GREAT program is just part of what officers have been doing. Funded by the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs and Bureau of Justice Assistance, the course was taught by instructors from Wisconsin, Philadelphia, Chicago and Georgia. School resource officers will take what they learned and present a 13-week course to Clayton County students. Harget will work the class into the high school academy. The program also will target fifth- and seventh-graders. Clayton police Capt. Greg Porter said he hopes the program will bridge the gap between youth and police. http://www.ajc.com/metro/content/metro/clayton/0805/11gangs.html |