In a bid to improve the quality of care provided to the chronically ill and mental health inmate population, the Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Office, under the leadership of Sheriff Keybo Taylor, has embarked on a massive reconstruction overhaul. With approximately 2,250 inmates currently housed in the facility, it has become imperative to address the specialized needs of a quarter of the population who require long-term medical attention, ambulatory limitations, and advanced care for mental health conditions.
Mental health concerns in prison settings are not unique to Gwinnett County but are, in fact, a nationwide issue. According to recent studies, approximately 35-40 percent of inmates in Georgia prisons have diagnosed mental health disorders, ranging from depression and anxiety to bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.
Sheriff Keybo Taylor, a champion for enhancing the standard of care for inmates, has recognized the growing percentage of individuals requiring specialized treatment. With a commitment to providing optimal environments that promote well-being and rehabilitation, Sheriff Taylor has spearheaded the effort to refurbish and modernize several areas of the facility.
To cater to the increasing demands of specialized care, extensive refurbishment and modernization efforts are underway at the Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Office. Under the leadership of Sheriff Keybo Taylor, these efforts aim to consolidate inmates with specific needs near the in-house hospital, improving access to specialty care. As part of this undertaking, the area currently housing the successful Jail Dogs Program, a collaboration with the Society of Humane Friends, will be repurposed. While this decision has received some backlash from a few Gwinnett County residents, it has also garnered an alarming amount of positive reactions.
Screenshot From Gwinnett County Sheriff Department Facebook
Screenshot From Gwinnett County Sheriff Department Facebook
Screenshot From Gwinnett County Sheriff Department Facebook
Established in 2010, the Jail Dogs Program garnered significant success in facilitating the adoption of approximately 1,500 cats and dogs from shelters. In addition to providing animals with loving homes, the program has equipped numerous inmates with vocational skills that can be utilized post-release. Sheriff Taylor expressed deep gratitude for the tireless efforts of the dedicated volunteers, employees, and citizens who have supported this initiative for over a decade.
While the temporary suspension of the Jail Dogs Program may not be ideal, it is a necessary step to ensure an optimal environment for all inmates during the reconstruction period. Nevertheless, the commitment to therapeutic programs remains steadfast within the Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Office. Recognizing the invaluable benefits these programs offer in terms of rehabilitation and mental well-being, Sheriff Taylor and his team are determined to continue investing in such initiatives.
Efforts are currently underway to find suitable adoptive homes for the remaining dogs involved in the Jail Dogs Program – Kaiser, Nala, Rocky, and Tien. The Society of Humane Friends, in collaboration with the Sheriff’s Office, is facilitating the adoption process through their website, www.sohfga.com. By extending the positive impact beyond the correctional facility’s walls, the program strives to provide a continuum of care and support for these animals.
Looking ahead, the Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Office remains committed to re-establishing the Jail Dogs Program once the reconstruction is complete. The Sheriff’s Office recognizes the therapeutic value that animals can bring to inmate rehabilitation and seeks to continue harnessing this potential in the future.
Through these profound enhancements, the Sheriff’s Office endeavors to bring about lasting positive change in the lives of those within their custody, and ultimately, foster a more compassionate and rehabilitative criminal justice system.
Written By: Amir Badger
