Georgia Department of Corrections
Brian Owens, Commissioner
Director of Public Affairs
Joan Heath
Contact: Office of Public Affairs (404) 656-9772
STATE OF GEORGIA
For Immediate Release
National Probation, Parole and Community Supervision Week
July 18-24, 2010
Atlanta – The Department of Corrections is proud to recognize National Probation, Parole and Community Supervision Week, July 18-24, 2010. The Department employees over 800 probation officers and supervises more than 150,000 probationers.
"While one week out of the year is set aside to recognize these men and women, we thank them every day for the work that they do," said Commissioner Brian Owens. "I hope everyone joins us in honoring some of the people who contribute to making Georgia a safer state," added Owens.
This year’s theme is, "Support for a Second Chance." Probation Officers work in partnership with community agencies and groups to provide services, support and protection for victims and the community-at-large. "This is a tremendous responsibility and no one provides more opportunities to Georgia's offenders than Probation Officers," said Probation Operations Director, Stan Cooper. Probation Officers assist offenders in securing suitable housing and employment, as well as supervise and monitor offenders through home contact, drug testing and electronic monitoring equipment. "In fulfilling these duties, they contribute a valuable service to the citizens of Georgia and make a huge difference in people’s lives in our communities," added Cooper.
Probation offices around the state will be recognizing Probation Officers by participating in teambuilding exercises, cookouts, and dessert luncheons. Top performing officers will also be recognized with awards for their outstanding performance.
Commissioner Owens and the Department would also like to recognize the nearly 300 Parole Officers with Georgia's State Board of Pardons and Paroles. "Our staff continues to excel as is evident by the percentage of parolees who are successfully completing their parole supervision," said Board Chairman James E. Donald. "It is these parole officers who have had a major impact on public safety and making the Parole Board a leader among all paroling authorities," added Donald. For more information about Pardons and Paroles, log onto www.pap.state.ga.us.
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 13,000 employees.
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