Georgia Department of Corrections
James E. Donald, Commissioner
Director of Public Affairs
Joan Heath
Contact: Office of Public Affairs (404) 656-9772
For Immediate Release
Georgia Department of Corrections Reaches Milestone
CDL Graduate Repays Training Costs
Atlanta – Georgia Department of Corrections announced a milestone in its Commercial Driver’s License Program. Dujuan Mitchell, a graduate of the first CDL class, repaid the total cost of his training upon securing employment while a resident of the Macon Transitional Center.
In partnership with Middle Georgia Technical College, the CDL pilot program began in February, 2008, and is currently being offered at both Pre-Release Centers and Transitional Centers. These facilities are designed to better prepare offenders for their transition back into communities. Participation in the CDL program is voluntary; however, repayment of the $1500 training cost is mandatory for each participant.
“We are very proud of Mr. Mitchell and his commitment to the program and his transition back into society,” said Commissioner James E. Donald. “This is a great partnership we’ve formed with Middle Georgia Technical College to help offenders get on track to maintaining a crime-free life.”
“Program participants must have impeccable institutional performance and conduct records, as well as meet all Department of Driving Services requirements for licensing,” said Pat Lehn, GDC Workforce Development Manager. Lehn added that students must complete three courses: Fundamentals of Commercial Truck Driving, Basic Operation of a Commercial Motor Vehicle and Advanced Operation of Commercial Motor Vehicles. Classroom instruction is eight hours and students must complete 175 hours of on-the-road or on-the-range driving. The 18-wheeler used for training was donated by the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office.
The Department of Corrections is the fifth largest prison system in the United States and is responsible for supervising nearly 60,000 state prisoners and over 150,000 probationers. It is the largest law enforcement agency in the state with approximately 15,000 employees.
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