|
Welcome to Neighbors in Uniform, a monthly newsletter that provides information about Gwinnett County Police events, programs, initiatives, and important topics. We are proud to have earned the respect and trust of the residents we serve and protect.
The Gwinnett County Police Department is committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment where women can thrive. As we celebrate Women's History Month, let us take a moment to appreciate the hard work and dedication of all the women who serve our community. Their legacy is not only in the roles they fulfill but in the path they pave for future generations of women leaders.
| | Women on the Rise: Sworn women with more than 20 years of service at Gwinnett Police | | |
In celebration of Women's History Month, we’re grateful for the dedication and exceptional contributions of the 308 women, both sworn and professional staff, within our department. Their courage, commitment, and professionalism have had a significant impact on public safety, and their strength and determination have inspired countless individuals.
Meet Sergeant Jennifer Richter, a seasoned detective who not only fell in love with a career in policing but fell in love with her husband while working at Gwinnett Police. Together, they are proud parents to a nine-year-old son.
After growing up in Gwinnett County and attending Duluth High School, Richter pursued a Criminal Justice degree at the University of North Georgia. During her junior year, she interned at a local North Georgia police department, which solidified her interest in law enforcement. She applied to several local police academies, but Gwinnett Police was the first to respond and get her through the application process with ease. She was one of four women in her academy class in 2003.
With 22 years of service, Richter has held various roles within the department, including supervisor of the Special Victims Unit, community relations officer, public information officer, and general crimes investigator in the Criminal Investigations Division. She takes immense pride in the department's integrity and its commitment to embracing diverse perspectives. "We have a culture of honesty and professionalism, always looking to serve residents better," said Richter. She believes that women play a crucial role in building community trust, de-escalating conflict, and improving public safety outcomes making them critical to the mission of Gwinnett Police.
Thank you, Sergeant Richter, for your hard work, sacrifice, and for making Gwinnett County a safer and better place to live. Your efforts do not go unnoticed, and we deeply appreciate everything you do.
| |
Meet Master Police Officer Ryann Voss, a New York native and devoted mother of four who always envisioned herself as a teacher. However, after receiving a calling from God, she realized that policing was her true ministry. Voss joined the Gwinnett Police in the summer of 2004 and was the only woman to graduate from her academy. With her associate degree in hand, Voss took full advantage of Gwinnett County's tuition reimbursement program. She earned her bachelor's degree in business administration and is just months away from completing her master's degree in addiction counseling from Grand Canyon University.
Currently assigned to the Behavioral Health Unit, Officer Voss has served in numerous capacities over her 20-year tenure, including code enforcement, field training officer, community relations officer, community response team, and special victim's unit investigator. "I truly enjoy connecting with residents, and I am blessed with supportive supervision and peers," said Voss.
Thank you, Officer Voss, for serving as a peace officer with strength, courage, and resilience. Your dedication and hard work are deeply appreciated.
We also want to give a special thanks to five other incredible sworn women of Gwinnett Police, each with more than 20 years of service, who’ve paved the way for the next generation of rising women leaders:
-
Major Amanda Cain serves as the Precinct Commander at North Precinct (26 years of service)
-
Sergeant Selena Francis leads the Crime Prevention Officers team in Community Affairs (24 years of service)
-
Lieutenant Michele Pihera supervises a team of officers at East Precinct (23 years of service)
-
Major Michelle Anglin serves as Office of Professional Standards Commander and led the production of our Women in Law Enforcement video (21 years of service)
-
Lieutenant Kathleen Adams supervises a team of officers at West Precinct (20 years of service)
Your leadership, commitment, and trailblazing spirit continue to inspire young women striving to make their mark in law enforcement!
| | Build Your Career with Gwinnett Police: Register to attend our hiring event | | |
Gwinnett Police offers you the chance to build your career, your skills, your future, and much more! As one of the premiere law enforcement agencies in the country and the second-largest police agency in Georgia, we’re uniquely positioned to offer specialized training and job opportunities you won’t find anywhere else.
We’re seeking dedicated individuals who hold our values of integrity, courtesy, pride, and professional growth to join our team. We have a state-of-the-art training facility, offer competitive pay, and provide ample opportunities to advance your career by joining specialty teams like SWAT, K-9, and Motors Unit.
Ready to take the next steps to build your career with Gwinnett Police? Visit GwinnettPoliceJobs.com to apply and consider registering to attend our local hiring event this Saturday, March 22 from 8:00am to 3:00pm at the Gwinnett Police Training Center located at 854 Winder Highway in Lawrenceville. Conditional job offers may be given during this event.
Salary and Incentives: $53,772 plus $5,300 new hire incentive
Minimum Qualifications:
- High School Diploma, or GED
- Must be a U.S. citizen to be eligible for Georgia P.O.S.T. certification
- Valid driver's license from state of residency
- Must be 21 years of age, 20 years old at time of application
- Must successfully complete a comprehensive background investigation including criminal, controlled substance, driving, work history, and physical agility testing
Contact Investigator Valle with any questions at 770.513.5513 or by emailing PDRecruiter@GwinnettCounty.com.
| | Join us at College Campus Connect | | |
Are you interested in a criminal justice or law enforcement career? Do you teach related courses and want to provide your students with an unforgettable field trip? Join us for an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the Gwinnett County Police Department with College Campus Connect!
This department open house is a unique opportunity to learn more about a rewarding career in policing and how you can make a difference in your community. The event will showcase the people and sections that make us such a dynamic organization.
Event Highlights
-
Interactive tours: Explore various sections of the department, including Detectives, SWAT, K9, Motors, Aviation, Training, and 911 Communications.
-
Expert Q&A: Engage with professionals and ask questions.
-
Live demonstrations: Watch demonstrations from different units and more.
-
Door prizes: Opportunity to win door prizes.
-
Food: Enjoy delicious food while supplies last.
Join us on Tuesday, April 22 from 6:30pm to 9:00pm at the Gwinnett County Police Training Center located at 854 Winder Highway in Lawrenceville.
Register here for the opportunity to connect, interact, and learn from one of the country’s premiere police departments. For more information, please contact us at PDRrecruiter@GwinnettCounty.com.
| | Exhibitors and cultural performers wanted for the annual Multicultural Festival! | | |
Mark your calendars for the 11th annual Multicultural Festival and County Government Open House Saturday, May 17 from 10:00am to 2:00pm at Gwinnett Place Mall, located at 2100 Pleasant Hill Road in Duluth.
The festival is a platform for unity, learning, and appreciation, celebrating Gwinnett’s diverse community and showcasing live performances of traditional music, dance, instruments and other performing arts.
If you’re a talented performing artist and interested in contributing to the vibrant mosaic that makes Gwinnett special, please fill out a talent application form. The deadline to apply is Friday, March 28.
The open house is a great opportunity to meet the people who work in the County departments and discover what each department does to serve the community.
Applications are also being accepted for event exhibitors who would like to display traditional clothing, crafts, artifacts, or instruments that represent your culture while sharing information about language, customs, and cultural practices. Exhibitor applications will be accepted until Friday, April 18.
We look forward to the opportunity to proudly share your heritage, traditions, and artistic expressions!
| | Nominations are open for the Gwinnett Police Rising Star Award | | |
We want to recognize the youth in our community who are actively making good choices and a positive impact.
We're accepting nominations for the Rising Star Award until Monday, March 31. The Rising Star Award recognizes Gwinnett youth who are active volunteers in the community and are proactive in improving the lives of others.
We will review the nominations and recognize our Rising Stars in May. Award recipients will receive a Rising Star Award, a chief of police coin, VIP tour of the Gwinnett Police Training Center, and other prizes. Review the criteria and nomination guidelines to nominate a Rising Star today!
Take a look to see how we surprised a few Gwinnett students in 2024. Will your nominee be next?
| | Badges and Youth Education: Register for Teen Firearm Safety and Financial Fraud Class | | |
We’re pleased to offer a once-a-month program giving youth, grades 9 through 12, the opportunity to connect with police officers.
The interactive sessions will focus on a variety of safety and security topics that will teach youth how to safely navigate different scenarios. Each class will run from 6:00pm to 8:00pm at our Training Center and police precincts across Gwinnett County. Registration is required, and seating is limited. Classes are for youth only.
Register here for the firearm safety and financial fraud session that will take place on April 15 in Lilburn. Don't miss out on this valuable opportunity to learn, grow, and connect with local police officers.
For more information about the Badges and Youth Education Program, please email PDCommunityAffairs@GwinnettCounty.com.
| | Community Service Aides to respond to resident needs | | |
By leveraging innovative policing strategies and advanced technology, Gwinnett County has effectively maintained low crime rates across all categories. Notably, Gwinnett County is safer than 88 percent of counties nationwide when compared to the national average for crime rates.
To further enhance support for residents, Gwinnett Police is introducing Community Service Aides. Their responsibilities will include:
- Managing private property accidents and hit-and-runs
- Taking nonviolent property crime reports
- Canvassing for video footage and witnesses
- Assisting motorists and directing traffic
- Aiding in the search for missing persons
- Providing basic first aid
Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners Chairwoman Nicole Love Hendrickson highlights other successes and shares her vision for the county's future in her fifth State of the County address. Watch the 2025 State of the County address to learn how the county is bound together as One Gwinnett.
| | | | |
