One chart that shows just how badly Gwinnett PD needs more cops

It’s not exactly a secret: the Gwinnett County Police Department needs more officers, and it needs them now. 

The department, Georgia’s third-largest, has struggled with attrition for years now and currently has more than 100 vacancies. 

MORE: Gwinnett police helicopter crashes at airport

But just how bad is the staffing issue? 

As shown in the chart below, Gwinnett County police has far fewer officers per 1,000 residents when compared to other departments in metro Atlanta. Meeting its own minimum recommendations on that ratio would require hiring nearly 200 more officers.

The good news, though, is help may be on the way.

Visit myAJC.com to read about a possible raise for Gwinnett County’s police officers, what kind of effect their comparatively low pay has had on service and what the future might hold.

The Gwinnett County Police Department's officer-to-1,000-residents ratio is far below its counterparts in metro Atlanta. (via Gwinnett County Police Department budget presentation)

MYAJC.COM: REAL JOURNALISM. REAL LOCAL IMPACT.

The AJC's Tyler Estep keeps you updated on the latest happenings in Gwinnett County government and politics. You'll find more on myAJC.com, including these stories:

 
• Gwinnett commissioner appeals ruling in suit challenging ‘racist pig’ ethics board 
 
• Area property owners support ‘bold’ criticism of Gwinnett Place Mall 
 
• Gwinnett is rebranding itself – and county leaders want your input

Never miss a minute of what's happening in Gwinnett politics. Subscribe to myAJC.com.

In other Gwinnett news: