|
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, and we're happy to be a resource and support.
As we celebrate Black History Month, we are honored to recognize and uplift the achievements and contributions of Black Americans and in this month’s newsletter, we’re spotlighting some of our very own officers. Also, Gwinnett Police fully supports our youth and offer several programs to help young people navigate life and prevent victimization. We recognize Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month and want to remind you that 1 in 10 high school students experience dating violence. If you or someone you know is struggling, know this: you are not alone! You are deserving of a healthy relationship! #RespectThat. Learn more at LoveIsRespect.org.
| |
Honoring Heroes: Officer London Coleman, Sgt. Roinell Lewis, and Sgt. Michael Pitts | |
|
Meet P.O. Senior London Coleman who joined Gwinnett Police in 2022 after earning a bachelor's degree in forensic investigation with a minor in emergency management from Jacksonville State University.
Inspired by her aunt, an attorney, and trailblazing police officer Georgia Ann Robinson, the first black policewoman in the United States — Coleman left her hometown of Birmingham, Alabama, and chose Gwinnett for its diversity. Coleman is proud of the 2024 Women in Law Enforcement recruitment video, which aims to encourage more women to consider policing as a rewarding career.
| |
|
Meet Sergeant Roinell Lewis who grew up in the College Park projects and was inspired to become a police officer after a Marta officer helped him find his way back to his mother as a child. After graduating from The Ohio State University, he joined the Gwinnett Police in 2012. Married with two sons, Lewis has patrolled multiple precincts and worked in the Special Victims Unit. Despite challenges like the Ferguson unrest, BLM protests, COVID-19 lockdowns, and the Minneapolis incident in 2020, Sgt. Lewis is proud of our department's reputation and unwavering community support.
| |
|
And finally, meet Sergeant Michael Pitts, who joined Gwinnett Police in 2014 after graduating from Georgia Tech. Influenced by public safety professionals in his family and black historical figures like Garrett Morgan, who invented the rudimentary version of our modern three-way traffic light, and Bessie Blount Griffin, an inventor who made strides in forensic sciences that aided police agencies, Pitts chose to police for its unique and varied nature. He has worked on patrol and in the Criminal Investigations Division, responsible for conducting follow-up investigations of reported crimes. Pitts values the Citizens Police Academy for providing residents with an in-person view of policing realities, good and bad alike.
| |
Exhibitors and cultural performers wanted for the annual Multicultural Festival! | |
|
Mark your calendars for the 11th annual Multicultural Festival and County Government Open House to take place on Saturday, May 17, at Gwinnett Place Mall located at 2100 Pleasant Hill Road in Duluth from 10:00am to 2:00pm.
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!
| |
Real-time crime center integrates local cameras to help solve crime | |
|
Did you know that the Gwinnett Police Department has a cutting-edge real-time crime center?
The Situational Awareness and Crime Response Center is revolutionizing the way we approach crime-solving with updated technology and programs. The Gwinnett Safe Communities program enables us to get important information faster by actively collaborating with local businesses, homeowner associations, and residents to create a shared network of cameras. The more cameras registered, the faster we can connect the dots to help solve crimes. This will help to create safer communities.
The program is designed for both residential and business camera systems.
Watch the residential video.
| |
Watch the business video. | |
|
By integrating your camera with the SACRC, you create a mutual agreement with Gwinnett Police. Rest assured, your camera will only be accessed for proactive monitoring of criminal activity, during a criminal incident, or in emergencies at or near your location. Stay safe and vigilant, Gwinnett!
Learn how you can register your camera with Gwinnett Safe Communities by visiting GwinnettSafeCommunities.com. For questions, please email SafeCommunities@GwinnettCounty.com.
| |
Drugs and Substance Abuse: A Conversation with Gwinnett Youth | |
|
Gwinnett Police is partnering with SEASUS, a local youth nonprofit organization, to host an important conversation with Gwinnett youth about an alarming rise in drugs and substance abuse. eveal a sobering reality: according to
Statistics reveal a sobering reality. According to recent surveys, nearly 12% of high school students have reported using illicit drugs, while about 30% admit to consuming alcohol. Vaping has also become a critical
concern, with many teenagers unaware of the harmful substances they inhale.
This conversation is tailored for teens and parents and will take place on Saturday, March 1 from 2:00pm to 4:00pm at the Lilburn Activity Building located at 788 Hillcrest Road NW in Lilburn. Register now to secure your seat. Refreshments will be served. Together, we can create an environment where young people feel supported, understood, and empowered to make choices that safeguard their health and futures.
| |
Badges and Youth Education: Register for Teen Driver Safety Class with local police | |
|
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 teen driver safety class that will take place on March 11 in Dacula. 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.
| |
Nominations are open for the Gwinnett Police Rising Star Award | |
|
The Gwinnett Police Department wants to recognize the youth in our community who are actively making good choices and a positive impact.
We are 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.
Our Community Affairs Section will review the nominations and recognize our Rising Stars in May 2025. 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?
| |
Apply for the Empower Gwinnett Internship Program | |
|
The Empower Gwinnett Internship Program is four-week paid program that offers Gwinnett’s youth ages 15 to 21 an opportunity to gain valuable experience, explore their passions, and develop leadership skills through workshops and on-the-job training.
Interns will gain an understanding of how their county government functions to provide services and programs to more than one million residents. Interns interested in working with Gwinnett Police must be 18 years of age.
To be considered for this program, apply online by Monday, March 7 at GwinnettCounty.com/EmpowerGwinnett. Please note that the number of positions available is limited and not all applicants can be guaranteed a spot so apply today! Watch the video below for a look at the program.
| | | | |
