Empowering Change: Gwinnett County DA Patsy Austin-Gatson Bridges Gap Between Youth and Law Enforcement
Patsy Austin-Gatson, the district attorney of Gwinnett County, emphasizes the importance of teaching young people how to interact with law enforcement to prevent police encounters and promote accountability. Through various youth programs, including the Junior District Attorney and Investigator Mentorship Program and Rehabilitation Enables Dreams, she aims to provide alternatives to crime and foster a positive relationship between the community and the legal system. Austin-Gatson, who made history as the first woman and first African American to hold the DA position, has focused on inclusivity and second chances within the justice system, achieving a 94% conviction rate while addressing issues like the fentanyl epidemic and backlog from the pandemic.
