South Gwinnett News

The Gwinnett County Police Department Behavioral Health Unit is set to expand from two to 12 employees by the end of the year, aiming to have more coverage to respond to mental health calls.

According to a recent report by FOX 5 Atlanta, Gwinnett County Police Corporal Tracy Reed, who leads the department’s new Behavioral Health Unit, said it is great to have someone immediately out there to help provide de-escalation strategies. By partnering with clinicians and social workers, she said it is beneficial to those in crisis to see that they are not just surrounded by police. 

"I've worked on some amazing units, and I've done some really wonderful stuff as a police officer and I have to say this last year has been probably the most rewarding," Cpl. Reed told FOX 5 Atlanta.

According to the report, Reed, who boasts more than a decade of police experience, partners not with another police officer, but rather with a licensed clinical social worker.

Since the unit was created last year, the team has responded to hundreds of calls, including the March Interstate 85 Greyhound bus standoff that was resolved peacefully by the unit, the report stated.

In addition to helping with "in the moment" issues, the unit also devotes a lot of time to following up with patients to ensure they are receiving the necessary support, FOX 5 reported.