Washington, D.C. -- U.S. Rep. Frank Pallone (D-NJ) today announced the U.S. Department of Justice Bureau of Justice Assistance has awarded a $38,566 federal grant to the New Brunswick Police Department to provide anti-gang prevention training programs to local schools.

Pallone said that today's grant was awarded through the Gang Resistance Education and Training (GREAT) program and will train New Brunswick officers to provide local school-aged children with the skills they need to avoid gang pressure and youth violence. GREAT's violence prevention curriculum provides instruction in life skill competencies, gang awareness and anti-violence techniques.

"This grant will help New Brunswick officers reach out to local schools and provide young people with the skills they need to avoid destructive behavior found in gangs," Pallone said.