Organization
The Gwinnett County Sheriff's Office is comprised of the following organizational structure: Office of the Sheriff, Office of the Chief, Administrative Bureau, and Operations Bureau
Sheriff Keybo Taylor was elected on November 3, 2020. A native of Lawrenceville, Georgia, Sheriff Taylor joined the Gwinnett County Police Department in 1983. His 30 years of law enforcement experience included undercover investigations that encompassed the Criminal Investigations Division and the Special Investigations Section. By 1994, Sheriff Taylor was assigned to the FBI Drug Task Force. He continued his career as a supervisor in the Uniform Division and served as a supervisor in Special Operations (COPS Program) and Criminal Investigations (Narcotics Squad). In 2000, Sheriff Taylor was promoted to Lieutenant and served as Unit Commander leading the Gwinnett County Drug Task Force. By 2007, he received his appointment to Major and managed both the East and South precincts. Sheriff Taylor credits a significant portion of his career advancement to his educational and professional development. He holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Mercer University and a master’s degree in public administration from Columbus State University. Sheriff Taylor has received the Intermediate, Advanced, Supervision, and Management certifications through the Georgia Peace Officer Standards and Training Council (POST). He is also a Certified General Post Instructor, a graduate of the Georgia Law Enforcement Command College Class X, a graduate of the DEA Drug Unit Command Academy, and a certified Crisis Intervention Trainer. Sheriff Taylor took office on January 1, 2021. As a former youth football coach, Sheriff Taylor continues to enjoy mentoring the youth about positive decision-making through sports. He also makes it a priority to spend family time with his three children and eight grandchildren.
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Chief
Cleophas Atwater
Cleophas Atwater was appointed Chief of the Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Office on January 1, 2021. He began his law enforcement career in Rockdale County at the City of Conyers Police Department. He is a graduate of the 37th Gwinnett County Police Academy where he served 24 years. During his tenure with the Gwinnett County Police Department, Chief Atwater was promoted at regular intervals and served in multiple divisions. He served in the uniform, training, and the criminal investigations division. Chief Atwater spent 14 years in the criminal investigations division supervising high profile units such as Narcotics, VICE, Gangs, Robbery, and Homicide. He was awarded the Chief’s Unit Citation for all three units. As a collateral duty, Chief Atwater served 19 years on the SWAT team. He was appointed by the Chief of Police to serve as the SWAT Team Commander, establishing the first Gwinnett full time SWAT Team. After an appointment to the rank of Major, Chief Atwater served as the Assistant Criminal Investigations Commander. Under his command, he diligently led his team to establish investigative protocols that included a victim centered approach. Chief Atwater is proud to serve as second in command of the Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Office. Under the leadership of Sheriff Taylor, Chief Atwater has continued to work with those under his command to protect the citizens of our community. The establishment of the Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Office Trafficking and Child Exploitation Unit (TRACE) is a testament to these continued efforts. The TRACE Unit is recognized across the country for providing resources to victims of human trafficking and bringing to justice offenders that prey on our most vulnerable populations. Chief Atwater is a collaborative leader, with a community first approach to law enforcement. He believes that exhibiting integrity and building trust must be at the core of shaping organizational culture. He has earned several certifications from the Georgia Peace Officers Standards and Training Council (P.O.S.T.), including, General Instructor, Firearms Instructor, and Defensive Tactics Instructor. Chief Atwater has obtained over 4,000 hours of basic and specialized training. Chief Atwater is a two-time Officer of the Year recipient and a two-time Distinguished Service Medal recipient.
