Gwinnett Law Enforcement Meets with Area Clergy

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The Gwinnett County Police Department and Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Office command staff hosted a meeting between law enforcement and community religious leaders at the Gwinnett County Police Training Center on March 7. More than 15 churches and religious organizations were represented at the meeting.

The purpose of the meeting was to improve communication between law enforcement and the community they serve.

GCPD Police Chief Butch Ayers and GCSO Chief Deputy Mike Boyd provided information about both the similarities and differences between the two departments, and their respective areas of responsibility.

In his opening comments, Chief Ayers told the attendees that “It is important that we in law enforcement understand the concerns of the community, and it is also important that the community understand the challenges facing law enforcement.”

Major Pat Cronin, the director of the Gwinnett County Police Academy, provided an overview of the curriculum and training standards which GCPD officers must successfully complete in order to become certified police officers.

Attendees then were given the opportunity to observe several different demonstrations provided by training center instructors. The demonstrations included judgmental training, vehicle pullovers, a “reactionary gap” simulator, TASER, and the FATS judgmental simulator. Throughout the demonstrations, clergy members were able to witness first-hand the split second decisions that officers have to make on a daily basis. They also learned how difficult those decisions can be, even in a controlled environment.

Ideas about future meetings, educational opportunities, and outreach opportunities were discussed. Strengthening relationships within the community will aid both departments with accomplishing the primary objective of protecting the lives and property of the citizens of Gwinnett County.

— Submitted by Gwinnett County Police Department

(Photos courtesy Gwinnett Police PIO)