Gwinnett County Launches Community Service Aide Program to Boost Public Safety and Career Opportunities

     Gwinnett County has officially launched its new Community Service Aide (CSA) program, an innovative initiative designed to support the Gwinnett Police Department by deploying non-sworn personnel to handle non-emergency tasks. This program aims to enhance public safety, improve police efficiency, and create a clear pathway for individuals interested in pursuing careers in law enforcement.

     Announced in early 2025, the CSA program responds to the need for more effective resource allocation within the Gwinnett Police Department. By assigning community service aides to manage duties such as traffic control, road closures, handling abandoned vehicles, and assisting with missing person searches, sworn officers can focus their time and expertise on urgent calls and complex incidents.

     Police Chief J.D. McClure emphasized the dual goals of the program: “This is not just about efficiency; it is also about building a pipeline for future officers. It’s a great opportunity to get young people in the door, introduce them to our culture here at Gwinnett Police, and potentially have them come on as police officers later.” The department began with six CSA positions, with plans to expand to 20 as the program grows.

     The CSA role is a non-sworn position offering a starting salary of $44,447 annually, along with full Gwinnett County benefits including health insurance, tuition reimbursement, and paid time off. Applicants must be at least 18 years old, possess a high school diploma or GED, and have at least one year of experience in customer service, community relations, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

     Duties include assisting motorists, directing traffic at incidents, canvassing for video and witnesses, taking reports for nonviolent property crimes, providing basic first aid, and supporting searches for missing persons. This hands-on experience provides valuable exposure to law enforcement work for those considering a career in public safety.

     The CSA program is part of Gwinnett County’s broader strategy to enhance community engagement and public safety through innovative solutions. In her 2025 State of the County address, Chairwoman Nicole Love Hendrickson highlighted the program as a key initiative to make the community “safer and smarter” by improving response times and building a workforce pipeline.

     The 2025 county budget supports this initiative by funding the addition of six employees, vehicles, and equipment for the program, reflecting Gwinnett’s commitment to strengthening its police force and community ties.

     Gwinnett County has seen a 20 percent drop in both property and violent crime, and the CSA program is expected to further enhance public safety by freeing officers from lower-priority calls. The program also aligns with a national trend of deploying civilian personnel to handle non-emergency police duties, with successful models in places like Marietta and Duluth serving as examples.

     Applications for the initial CSA positions were accepted through March 2025, with the program launching later in the year. As it expands, the Community Service Aide program promises to be a valuable asset for Gwinnett County, improving police efficiency, community safety, and offering meaningful career opportunities for residents.

     This initiative underscores Gwinnett County’s proactive approach to modern public safety challenges, combining workforce development with community-centered governance to build a safer, stronger future for all residents