Georgia Department of Corrections
Brian Owens, Commissioner
Director of Public Affairs
Joan Heath
Contact: Office of Public Affairs (404) 656-9772
For Immediate Release
Change of Responsibility Ceremony Held at Georgia Diagnostic & Classification Prison
Jackson - Department of Corrections’ staff and local dignitaries attended a Change of Responsibility Ceremony on Monday, July 13, 2009. During the ceremony, Warden Steve Upton assumed responsibility for Georgia Diagnostic and Classification Prison.
“I’m very proud to see that Warden Upton has risen through the ranks from a Correctional Officer,” said Commissioner Brian Owens. “He has proved he is a dedicated and well rounded individual who will serve as a great role model for others within the Department.”
In March 1991, Warden Upton began his career with the Department of Corrections at Hays State Prison in Trion, Ga. as a Correctional Officer. He was promoted to Sergeant, Lieutenant and Unit Manager while at Hays State Prison and served as Superintendent and Warden at other facilities, most recently at Georgia State Prison.
At Georgia Diagnostic and Classification Prison, he will oversee 2000 inmates and 586 staff members. Warden Upton is married and has three children.
Georgia Diagnostic and Classification Prison is located in Jackson, Georgia. The facility houses close security, male offenders, death row, and those under hi-max security.
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 160,000 probationers. It is the largest law enforcement agency in the state with approximately 14,000 employees.
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