The Gwinnett County Police Department recently introduced Toney’s Program which is an educational initiative created to reduce the number of guns in the hands of young people and intervene before tragedy can occur.
Toney’s Program was created in September in partnership with the Gwinnett County Juvenile Court, the Administrative Office of the Courts, Child Advocacy and Juvenile Services, and View Point Health.
The program is geared toward juveniles charged with first-time or minor handgun offenses and was named in remembrance of Officer Antwan Toney, who was killed in the line of duty in October 2018.
Participants in Toney’s Program are ordered to complete a seven-week curriculum followed by three months of continued mentorship.
Toney’s Program pairs each juvenile with a volunteer mentor who provides ongoing support, encouragement and accountability.
Parents and guardians attend sessions with their child to strengthen accountability and deepen their understanding of the educational process.
Participants also hear from survivors and family members affected by gun violence who share their personal experiences.
Mental health professionals teach conflict resolution, emotional awareness and communication skills that help participants manage difficult situations without violence.
The first cohort of Toney’s Program participants graduated Nov. 4, 2025, and the second group is slated to begin in January 2026.
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