Memphis Police Department G.R.E.A.T. Families Training
By: Officer Ron Polk
In 2005, the Memphis Police Department G.R.E.A.T. Unit embraced the concept that
the family plays a critical role in our society and in the training of the generation
to come. Annually, officers assigned to the G.R.E.A.T. unit commit to a 6 week family
strengthening program known as G.R.E.A.T. Families Training.
Our programmatic thrust is to strengthen communities by strengthening families through
engaging parents and youth in cooperative lessons geared toward better communication
among family members and enhancing family decision making skills.
We realize that the family is of vital importance and has priority over society
and the state. Every social model that intends to serve the good of man must not
overlook the social responsibility of the family. Pope John Paul II once stated
“as the family goes, so goes the nation and so goes the whole world in which we
live”. The family should be a community of persons where moral values are taught
and the positive attributes of society are passed on. The Memphis Police Department
has taken a proactive approach in dealing with issues critical to accomplishing
just that. During our 6 week training, our families are educated on topics including
but not limited to:
- Truth and Myths About Gangs
- Overcoming Communication Barriers
- Active Listening Skills
- Effective Discipline
- Family Priorities
- Family action Plan
- Internet Safety
Quality family relationships are increasingly important in our society. With pressures
and issues like drugs, sex, and gangs, which children are facing today, the need
for open communication and positive family relationships is vital. Today’s children
face dangers not known in the past. Children are being taught not to blindly obey
an adult’s requests if it could be a safety risk. As a result, adults are no longer
perceived by children as infallible. The upshot is that children are encouraged
to think and decide for themselves and to be more assertive (and often more aggressive)
than children in previous generations. These new standards may hinder the development
of a healthy relationship between and among family members.
Most parents want their children to feel free to talk to them, yet don’t always
know how they can foster this type of relationship. The Memphis Police Department
G.R.E.A.T. Families Training provides the parents with communication strategies
involving both talking and listening to the child. There is a direct connection
between how children feel and how they behave. If a child feels he/she can communicate
with a parent or care giver, they are less inclined to make uninformed and risky
decisions. Since the family remains the core of American society, it is paramount
that we engage parents and children in learning experiences which will fortify that
institution.
Since the inception of the Memphis Police Department G.R.E.A.T. Families Training,
several Memphis families have successfully completed our program. We take great
pride in providing our families with information and training that will ultimately
contribute to success of a wholesome respectable community.