The Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Office is exploring options to either build a new jail or significantly renovate its existing facility, which has been in use for over 30 years. During a recent budget review, Chief Deputy Cleo Atwater highlighted the growing challenges of the aging jail as the county’s population nears one million. A modernized facility would allow the Sheriff’s Office to adopt a hybrid model of inmate supervision, addressing current recruitment and retention issues, while providing a safer environment for staff, inmates, and visitors.
Atwater emphasized the need for future renovations to meet the county’s increasing demand for space and services. The Sheriff’s Office has requested a $175.9 million budget for 2025, reflecting an $11.7 million increase from 2024. Although no new staff positions are being requested, key initiatives include expanding the Gwinnett Re-Entry Intervention Program and improving jail perimeter security by installing additional cameras. Atwater also noted that increased costs have arisen from two new state laws—one requiring jails to verify inmates’ immigration statuses and the other affecting bail reform—which have added pressure on staffing and daily operations.
One of the most significant future considerations is the possibility of constructing a new jail or undergoing major renovations. Atwater acknowledged that “nonconventional” methods are currently being used to manage overcrowding, but they are not sustainable for long-term solutions. A hybrid supervision model, blending both direct and indirect supervision, is now necessary to address staffing shortages. This comes as the Sheriff’s Office, like many law enforcement agencies, continues to face recruitment and retention challenges, exacerbated by a competitive job market and the rising costs of maintaining an efficient workforce.
Gwinnett County citizens and voters should be particularly concerned about these potential changes. The cost of constructing a new jail or heavily renovating the current facility could be significant. Fulton County, for example, recently explored building a new jail with a price tag of up to $2 billion before opting for a less expensive refurbishment. Gwinnett residents may face similar budgetary impacts if a large-scale project is approved, potentially leading to higher taxes or reallocated public spending.
Additionally, the county’s rapidly growing population is putting more strain on existing facilities, and an outdated jail can create safety risks for both staff and inmates. Poor conditions may lead to overcrowding, increase the risk of legal liabilities, and disrupt the efficient operation of the criminal justice system. These issues directly affect public safety, especially if recruitment challenges continue to result in inadequate staffing.
Ultimately, Gwinnett County voters should pay close attention to the Sheriff’s Office’s plans. The direction the county chooses—whether constructing a new facility or heavily renovating the existing jail—will have far-reaching implications for community safety, resource allocation, and taxes. Voters need to stay informed and engaged in the process to ensure that decisions are made with transparency and fiscal responsibility.
