Outreach Programs

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Gwinnett County Police's outreach programs are designed to enhance transparency, foster trust, and strengthen the bond between law enforcement and the residents of Gwinnett County. Through initiatives like the Citizens Police Academy, Youth Police Academy, Explorer Post 1808 and the Badges & Youth Education Program, the department opens its doors to provide education about policing, engage young people in civic life, and offer meaningful opportunities to understand the role of police in the community.

The Citizens Police Academy is designed to educate citizens of Gwinnett about their police department and how officers enforce local and state laws. The goal of the Citizens Police Academy is to create and develop a growing nucleus of responsible, well informed citizens, who have the potential to influence public opinion concerning police practices and the delivery of services.

Participants in the Citizens Police Academy come from all walks of life – recent college graduates to senior citizens, novelists to IRS investigators to computer analysts. The Citizens Police Academy is open to all Gwinnett County residents, 18 years of age or older, who successfully pass the application process and a driver's and criminal history check.

The Citizens Police Academy consists of eight weeks of both classroom and practical application.

More info coming soon.

The Badges and Youth Education Program is a free, monthly initiative for students in grades 9–12, designed to build relationships between youth and law enforcement. Each two‑hour session (6:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m.) takes place once a month at various precincts across the county and focuses on different topics related to law enforcement, safety, and the laws behind the badge. The program will resume in February 2026. Registration will open with each class listing location and topic details.

Explorer Post 1808 introduces youth to the world of law enforcement while building leadership, teamwork, and confidence. Sponsored by Learning for Life and supported by the Gwinnett County Police Department’s Community Affairs Section, the program offers practical experience for those interested in policing careers.

Meetings are held three Mondays each month from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Police Training Center in Lawrenceville. Participants receive hands-on and classroom training in areas such as traffic stops, investigations, crime-scene processing, and defensive tactics. Explorers also represent Gwinnett County in state and national competitions and assist with community events like Relay for Life and the Memorial Day Parade.

Applicants must be 14 to 21 years old, have completed the eighth grade, and maintain a clean record. A one-time $60 registration fee and interview are required.

For details, contact Cpl. Tebin Clack at 770-513-5116 or Tebin.Clack@GwinnettCounty.com, or visit the Community Affairs Section at 3125 Satellite Boulevard, Duluth, GA 30096.

The festival and open house showcases Gwinnett's rich diversity through music, dance, health and wellness, safety, and educational opportunities.  Attendees enjoy live performances representing cultures from around the world, free henna tattoos, bounce houses, touch-a-trucks, and opportunities to engage with county divisions, while children participated in games, face painting, and hands-on activities.

This event is free for all ages. For more information, regarding this event contact Gwinnett Police Community Affairs Section at 678.442.6520 or email PDCommunityAffairs@GwinnettCounty.com.

Link to Full Event Page

This free, family-friendly event gave the community a chance to connect with local first responders, explore interactive public safety displays, and enjoy engaging activities for all ages — from kids to kids-at-heart.

With touch-a-trucks, hands-on safety exhibits, delicious food, fun giveaways, and exciting demonstrations, there was something for everyone. Whether attendees came for the thrills, the insights, or simply a memorable day out with loved ones, the event celebrated the heroes who keep our community safe.

Link to a full event page.

Gwinnett County Police participates in Project Lifesaver, a program designed to quickly locate individuals with cognitive disorders who may wander, including those with Alzheimer’s, dementia, or autism. Participants wear a lightweight, waterproof tracking device that emits a silent signal. If someone goes missing, specially trained officers can use the device to locate them quickly, often within minutes, reducing the risk of injury or harm.

Project Lifesaver cannot prevent wandering, but it greatly improves the chances of a safe and timely return. Families or caregivers interested in enrolling a loved one in the program can contact the Gwinnett County Police Community Affairs unit for more information and assistance.

To learn more or enroll a loved one, contact the Gwinnett County Police Community Affairs unit at PDCommunityAffairs@GwinnettCounty.com.

The Gwinnett County Police Youth Police Academy is a free, week-long program for students entering grades 7–12 who live in Gwinnett County. The academy offers hands-on learning and classroom instruction to give participants an inside look at law enforcement. Activities include CPR and AED training, defensive tactics, K9 demonstrations, crime scene investigations, DUI and gang awareness, SWAT/EOD exposure, and emergency vehicle operations.

The program runs Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., with separate tracks for middle school (rising 7th–8th grade) and high school (rising 9th–12th grade). Applications open in early 2026. For more information, contact the Gwinnett Justice & Administration Center at 75 Langley Drive, Lawrenceville, GA 30046, or call 770‑822‑8000.