GCSO
Jul 28, 2025
News Release
(Gwinnett County, Ga., July 28, 2025) – The Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Office Mental Health Task Force hosted the Leading in Crisis event last Thursday at the Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center. The evening featured dinner, a presentation, and a panel to equip elected officials, department leaders, and county employees with essential tools for the workplace. Through case studies and facilitated discussions, participants explored key topics such as crisis response, team management, transparency, preparedness, and proper debriefing.
“As a licensed therapist and law enforcement professional, I’ve seen how critical it is to integrate mental health awareness and crisis intervention into public safety. At the Sheriff's Office, we’re breaking the stigma through leadership and action, and I’m proud to be part of that change. Having a plan is imperative—not just during an active crisis but also in the aftermath, when the well-being of individuals in the workplace, and their loved ones, can be deeply affected,” said Major Trakida Maldonado, Commander of GCSO Mental Health Task Force.
“By implementing proactive strategies, we aim to cultivate an environment where conflict resolution is prioritized. That includes being resourceful for our team members and the broader community during critical incidents. Our approach centers on empathy, acknowledging concerns, adaptability, and building lasting trust—because those values truly support the people we serve,” said Dr. Dana Tatum, Clinical Director of the GCSO.
Panelists included former DHS Director Jackita Bass, FBI Special Agent Martin Highsmith, and Licensed Counselor Lisa Marie Byrd. With over 100 attendees, the event reflected Gwinnett’s ongoing commitment to better serving the community.
Note to media partners: Photos from Leading In Crisis are available for download and use. For more information about GCSO community events, visit GwinnettCountySheriff.org.
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