Community Outreach Section

MISSION STATEMENT

The Community Outreach Section connects the Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Office with the community and inmates through innovative and collaborative programs and services.

VISION STATEMENT

The Community Outreach Section of Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Office aspires to meet the diverse needs of our community and inmates. The Community Outreach Section initiatives are aimed at making Gwinnett County a safer, stronger, and more united community.  Community Outreach is committed and designed to close the gap between the community and law enforcement by establishing positive relationships in a non-enforcement capacity. This section also provides numerous programs aimed at preparing inmates for the responsibilities of life outside the correctional facility. The Community Outreach section encourages change in the inmate's lifestyle in an effort to promote self-awareness, elevate morale, stimulate intellect, and prevent recidivism.

The Community Affairs Unit is the liaison unit between the Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Office and the community.  This unit attends various community events to close the gap between the community and law enforcement by establishing positive relationships in a non-enforcement capacity, promote peace and protect lives, and educate our Gwinnett County residents about crime prevention.

In 2011, Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Office partnered with the United Way of Metropolitan Atlanta to form the Gwinnett Re-entry Intervention Program (GRIP). This program strives to reduce recidivism by pairing individuals exiting incarceration with community resources to assist them in becoming self-sufficient. GRIP provides them access to resources such as shelter, drug treatment, job skills training, mental health treatment, employment and permanent housing.

The Gwinnett County Jail’s average daily population is approximately 2,100 inmates. Currently, GRIP has the capacity to serve up to 600 inmates a year and utilizes a network of 60+ partner organizations to provide services such as housing, transportation, drug relapse prevention and vocational training.  It also provides opportunities for mental health treatment and medical care.

The Gwinnett Re-entry Intervention Program Expansion would be a 12-month pilot program to supplement the work already being conducted by GRIP in Re-entry Services and Intervention Services.

Re-entry Services
Re-entry Services Section is made up of the programs and staff assigned to the Gwinnett County Jail. Their primary objective is to provide assistance to inmates while they are incarcerated and help prepare them to make the transition from the jail, to the community.

Intervention Services
Intervention Services Section is made up of the staff and programs assigned to take place outside of the jail and within Gwinnett County. The primary focus of the Intervention Services Section will be to keep individuals from coming to jail or being re-arrested.

For additional information:
Contact:  Jacob.Baird@gwinnettcounty.com
GRIP Hotline: 770.619.6900
GRIP Email: gcsogrip@gwinnettcounty.com

Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Office and local religious organizations collaborate to implement and administer effective outreach programs by sharing spiritual beliefs and spreading hope to inmates. This helps make the community safer and creates second-chance opportunities.

For additional information:
Contact: Algernon.Booker@gwinnettcounty.com

Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Office welcomes the opportunity for college students and adults to gain valuable work experience as a volunteer in the field of law enforcement. There are many volunteer opportunities to fit your skill set and schedule. Give back to Gwinnett County while sharpening your skills in planning, support, and operations.

Qualifications:

• Must be eligible to work in the United States
• Must be 18 years of age or older
• Must possess a high school diploma or G.E.D
• Must successfully pass a background check

For additional information:
Contact: Joey.Stafford@gwinnettcounty.com

The Second Chance Program was established in 2010 as a partnership between the Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Office and the Society of Humane Friends of Georgia. Male inmates are given the opportunity to provide foster care and obedience training to the homeless dogs of Gwinnett County.  Animal professionals visit the Gwinnett County Jail three times a week to teach inmates how to train and care for the dogs. In 2013, cats were added to the Jail Dogs Program with foster care provided by the female inmates. Currently, we proudly recognize the adoption of 1,001 dogs and 107 cats.  Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Office is thankful for the overwhelming support shown by the community for adopting our rescued dogs and cats.

This program offers both the inmates and rescue dogs and cats a second chance in life.

For additional information:
Contact:  Cody.Walker@gwinnettcounty.com
                 www.jaildogs.org

The Fresh Start Garden Program was created in 2016 to teach inmates valuable skills, reduce recidivism and a chance for inmates to taste their hard work. The program provide inmates a chance to gain hands-on landscaping experience and knowledge in the horticulture and gardening fields. Inmates also learn valuable life skills, including responsibility, discipline, mindfulness and how to effectively work in a group setting.

Currently, 73 participants are involved in the Therapeutic Community, including Love Elementary.

For additional information:
Contact: James.Wilson@gwinnettcounty.com

The Beat the Heat Program focuses on teaching young drivers about the dangers of street racing and alcohol and drug influenced driving. 

For additional information:
Contact: Craig.Ladner@gwinnettcounty.com

The Honor Guard’s primary mission is to represent the Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Office at all public and official ceremonies. The Honor Guard are sworn deputies assigned to attend state ceremonies and funerals.

For additional information:
Contact: Craig.Ladner@gwinnettcounty.com

The Gwinnett County Sheriff's Office Explorer Program provides area youth, ages 14 to 21 years old with an understanding of the role of law enforcement.  It encourages members to become active in the community through service projects. Committee members are full-time deputies volunteering their time to manage and mentor the explorers.

Currently, the Explorer Post 699 Program has 45 members and 6 advisors.

For additional information:
Contact: Craig.Ladner@gwinnettcounty.com