Georgia Department of Corrections
Brian Owens, Commissioner
Director of Public Affairs
Joan Heath
Contact: Office of Public Affairs (404) 656-9772
For Immediate Release
Corrections Observes Probation, Parole & Community Supervision Week
July 19 – 25, 2009
Atlanta – The Georgia Department of Corrections is proud to recognize National Probation, Parole & Community Supervision Week, July 19 – 25, 2009. The Department employs nearly 800 Probation Officers in the state of Georgia, supervising more than 160,000 offenders.
“These dedicated men and women play a vital role in our communities," said Commissioner Brian Owens. "They are on the front lines making a substantial contribution to the safety of our state by supervising criminal offenders returning to the community,” added Owens.
Probation Officers work in partnership with community agencies and groups to provide services, support and protection for victims and the community-at-large. The officers also provide services to offenders while, at the same time, holding them accountable. Monitoring of offenders may take the form of home contact, drug testing, or assisting with securing suitable housing and employment. Many officers also supervise offenders using electronic monitoring equipment.
The Department encourages citizens of Georgia to join in honoring those who work to make our communities a safer place to live.
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 15,000 employees.
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