G.R.E.A.T. Unit

Overview of the programGREAT: Gang Resistance Education and Training

The Bexar County Constable’s Office Precinct 1 is now participating in the Gang Resistance Education And Training (G.R.E.A.T.) Program. Bexar County Precinct 1 began this program in an effort to help combat "gang activity" and increase "bullying awareness." Sgt. Medina, Deputy Chavez, Deputy Valdez and Deputy Alvarez are presently the only certified instructors to teach the G.R.E.A.T. Program at Precinct 1. The G.R.E.A.T. Program requires that selected Peace Officers in the United States successfully complete an 80 hour G.R.E.A.T. instructor’s course for each individual officer. All five deputies have successfully completed the requirements needed to instruct the course. In addition, they have over 560 hours of combined crime prevention instructing training, far exceeding the required standard. And, Sgt. G. Medina has several years of previous correctional officer experience with two of those years being spent as a Classification Gang Intelligence Officer. These deputies bring a wealth of knowledge to the program.

The elementary curriculum Precinct 1 teaches is delivered to fourth and fifth grade students. The elementary curriculum includes one lesson per week, for six consecutive weeks. The program requires that a certified teacher be present and help supplement classroom activities. A wide range of teaching techniques are used to include, but not limited to; questions and answers, group discussion, role-playing, and workbook exercises. Upon completion of the six week program, a graduation is held for the participating students to show a sense of accomplishment for their hard work.

Any school located in Bexar County Precinct 1 who is interested in obtaining more information about the G.R.E.A.T. Program, may contact Sgt. Gabriel R. Medina by phone at (210) 335-4593.


Meet Your G.R.E.A.T Instructors

Sergeant Gabriel R. Medina

Sergeant Gabriel R. Medina joined the Bexar County Constable’s Office Precinct 1 in May of 2005 with five years of previous Correctional Management Experience as a Corrections Officer, Intake Supervisor, and Classification Gang Intelligence Officer. During his time in corrections, he was selected to be part of an elite team who worked overseas on a special operation as a custody officer at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.

Since joining Precinct 1, Sergeant Medina has served in several divisions; he has served in the Bike Patrol Unit, A.S.A.P. Unit, Civil Division, and Warrant Division. Sergeant Medina is presently assigned as the supervisor of Youth Outreach Programs, Community Relations, Pct.1 Fleet, and Court Security. In addition to this, he is a certified G.R.E.A.T. Families Lead-Facilitator, D.A.R.E. Instructor, Field Training Officer (F.T.O), and Crime Free Program Trainer.

Sergeant Medina is a strong believer in the philosophy by an unknown author, "Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day; teach a man to fish and you feed him for life." In other words, to understand and benefit from anything, it’s imperative that we participate in it with hands on. Sergeant Medina is truly confident the G.R.E.A.T Program far exceeds this criteria to help guide our youth in the right direction and keep them away from the gang life.

Corporal Alex Chavez

Deputy Alex Chavez has been a full-time Deputy for Bexar County Precinct 1 since Oct 2005. Prior to his employment with Bexar County Precinct 1, he was a full-time Police Officer for St Mary’s University Police Department and a Reserve Deputy for Bexar County Precinct 5.

During his years in Law Enforcement, he has worked with delinquents and volatile situations throughout the county. He has an extensive knowledge of the County and the dynamics of the communities involved. He has also been assigned to the following areas; D.A.R.E. Unit, Bike Patrol, Traffic Unit, A.S.A.P Unit, and Civil Division. Presently, Deputy Chavez is assigned to the Warrants Division and the G.R.E.A.T. Unit. He holds a Master Peace Officer Certificate from the State of Texas.

Corporal Laura Alvarez

Deputy Laura Alvarez is assigned to the Civil Section of the Constable’s Office Precinct 1 where she serves judicial documents from a variety of court systems. Deputy Garcia received her G.R.E.A.T. Instructor Training in Austin, Texas in 2016. As part of Deputy Alvarez’s secondary duties, she will be teaching the G.R.E.A.T. Program at elementary and middle schools throughout Bexar County. She is excited to teach the G.R.E.A.T. Program this coming school year.

Deputy Edward Valdez

Deputy Edward Valdez joined the Bexar County Constable’s Office Precinct 1 in 2010 as a reserve deputy and eventually a full-time deputy in 2012. He has three years of previous corrections officer experience as an D.T.O. Additionally, he is a proud veteran of the United States Marine Corps. Deputy Valdez is a well-rounded deputy having formerly been assigned to the civil division and presently assigned as a warrant officer for Precinct 1. Deputy Valdez obtained his G.R.E.A.T. Instructors certificate in Austin, Texas in 2013 and has been actively teaching the program to the schools within Precinct 1.