BENSON POLICE DEPARTMENT
303 EAST CHURCH STREET
BENSON, NC 27504
TELEPHONE 919-894-3616 FAX 919-207-1993
- - -PRESS RELEASE- - -
July 25, 2006
On Friday, June 30th, Master/Sergeant Gary Whitman graduated from a Gang Resistance Education and Training class, or "G.R.E.A.T. that was held in Harnett County, NC. The class met for 80 hours over a two week period, and at its conclusion, M/Sgt. Whitman was certified to instruct the G.R.E.A.T. program in Benson's elementary and middle school.
One of the goals of the G.R.E.A.T. program is to prevent violence in the schools, while developing a positive bond between law enforcement and youth during their early developmental years. Another goal of the program is to prevent crimes committed by youth, violence among youth, and also gang involvement, while developing a positive relationship among law enforcement, families, and young people.
M/Sgt. Whitman hopes to implement this program at Benson Elementary School, and also Benson Middle School, starting this fall, with the approval of both the Johnston County School Board, and the Town of Benson Board of Commissioners.
For any additional information regarding the G.R.E.A.T. program, visit their website at http://www.great-online.org, or contact Master/Sergeant Gary Whitman at 919-894-2091, or by email at gwhitman@bensonpd.org.