The metropolitan community of Chattanooga, Tennessee is currently experiencing increased gang activity. However, until recently the problem had not been recognized as a threat to the community, but street gangs such as the Bloods and the Crips posed a threat to Hamilton County, particularly the inner-city neighborhoods of Alton Park , Avondale, East Chattanooga and Westside. for years. Reports from Hamilton County Schools suggest gang activity is spreading outside of these neighborhoods. The Chattanooga Police Department's failure to address the growing problem has allowed gangs to enter schools where over seven hundred students now self-identify as active gang members. Students recognize that gangs are a “culture,” indicating fear and strong concerns about personal vulnerability. As community officials have neglected the problem, residents have lost trust in local law enforcement, in part due to the lack of improvements in these neighborhoods over the past decade. To date, there is no system-wide initiative to combat youth gang involvement in Chattanooga. Therefore, its essential careful consideration and planning is used when implementing the GREAT program in Hamilton County schools and communities. Research shows that the majority of youth gang activity in Chattanooga is reported by secondary education employees, with more than 74% reporting known gang members. Conveying the Gang Resistance Education and Training or (GREAT) program would benefit HCS more by focusing on elementary and middle school education. In particular the middle schools which feed the most "at risk" high schools. Addressing adolescents aged nine to fourteen, helping them develop life skills that will help them recognize and avoid gangs among... middle of paper... among those who are "at risk" with teachers, pastors and police officers law. Bond building is essential. The fact that neighborhood youth understand that their teachers, their principles, and law enforcement officials have their best interests at heart allows these individuals to recognize that they can achieve any goal they set. Once a foundation is created between schools, city officials can address other areas of concern in these neighborhoods. For example, establishing a “community development plan” with local residents to earn income by demolishing abandoned buildings within these communities. Provide building land for these neighborhoods. Every step is necessary, but without a solid foundation that places an emphasis on youth and education, areas such as these will continue to witness large amounts of crime and the impoverishment of their communities..