A Conversation with the community

Currently working as a supervising Attorney with the Gwinnett County Solicitor’s Office, Austin-Gatson received her undergraduate degree from Syracuse University in 1980 and graduated Emory Law School in 1989. She has 30 years of experience as an attorney specialized in civil and criminal law. This includes working at the Georgia Attorney General’s Office, an internship at the Brooklyn N.Y. – Kings County District Attorney’s office, teaching law at Clayton College and working as an associate at a law firm. She has resided in Gwinnett County for 21 years with her husband, 3 adult children and 2 grandchildren. In the interview, Austin-Gatson said “My thirty years of legal experience, including from criminal to civil and from private to public, has prepared me to be the best District Attorney for Gwinnett County.”, adding “I have overcome systemic challenges and seek solutions to issues in a creative and progressive manner and once I find a permanent solution, I will work with the community hand in hand.” For the current issue regarding the misuse of police authority, she quoted “Incidents involving the police’s fatal or excessive use of force will be scrutinized in detail so they can be resolved fairly”, adding “There will not be any unfair discrimination when it involves Black lives who have been killed by the Police. Every detail will be examined before any resolution is made when accusing the police is concerned. These matters will be handled in a fast and transparent manner”Along with community patrol, Austin-Gatson is emphasizing the implementation of De-Escalation Training for Law Enforcement Agencies. De-Escalation Training is a way to decrease risks through prevention techniques such as communication skills before situations need any use of force. This especially requires understanding the diversity of the community.  

Austin-Gatson implied the need for improvements in current police system saying “How the police force views our community’s colored people will have an impact on excessive force. Many discrimination arising in the process of executing justice in the colored community are the direct results of excessive force and their discretionary power to arrest.” Austin-Gatson quoted about Republican District Attorney Danny Porter “The biggest problem is the lack of diversity in the DA’s office. Also, the death penalty is used as a negotiation card for his own benefit.” and criticized “There is not any meaningful participation from the community or emphasis for pre-trial/intervention before the trial with the DA’s office”. Regarding the matter on establishing bond with the Korean community, she said “I’ll participate in socially distanced events with a mask on and always welcome Zoom meetings. I would like to meet with the Korean community as soon as possible."

Calls to remove Confederate marker in Lawrenceville coming from Republicans, Democrats — and head of Gwinnett's historical preservation board.

Patsy Austin-Gatson congratulates Gwinnett County Commissioner Marlene Fosque after the Board of Commissioners voted to reject an ethics panel's recommendation of a warning against Fosque Wednesday night.

Gwinnett District Attorney candidate Patsy Austin-Gatson talks about the community-oriented focused she would like to bring to the DA's office during a recent interview.