The Gwinnett Police Department has begun a new gun crime initiative to combat gun violence in the county.
The department formed the Gun Crimes Unit on Feb. 1. It is made up of two dedicated investigators who investigate gun-related incidents. According to a press release from the Gwinett County Police Department, the initiative will be data and intelligence-driven.
The agency has invested in the Integrated Ballistic Identification System which allows the analysis of shell casings collected at crime scenes. By working with the ATF they are able to upload the analysis to the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network to connect specific guns to specific casings and potentially to the person possessing those guns.
Through the department's analysis, in 83% of gun incidents reported, no one was hurt and there were very few or no investigative leads. Most investigative resources were being directed toward cases where someone was hurt or killed. The police department will also investigate gun crimes that don’t result in injury by connecting those weapons to specific suspects.
Uniform officers have recently received updated training regarding collecting shell casings from scenes of gun-related incidents. They will be working closely with the Gwinnett PD Gang Unit as they investigate gun thefts, illegal possession, and illegal sales.
The police department looked at how guns are being obtained by those who cannot lawfully possess them and learned that 91% of guns stolen in the county were stolen from vehicles. To combat this issue they are asking for the public’s help. The Community Affairs Section has begun offering firearm safety and security classes to Gwinnett residents. The Gwinnett Police Department is also offering free gun locks to all residents available at all precincts and at Headquarters.
As they work on this initiative, Gwinnett PD has engaged with various stakeholders such as the Gwinnett County District Attorney’s Office and Gwinnett County Public Schools to offer gun safety and security information where appropriate.
