Probation, Parole & Community Supervision Week is July 17-23, 2011

Atlanta, GA - Georgia’s parole officers are being recognized along with the Department of Corrections’ probation officers, for their effort to enhance public safety. The week, July 17-23, 2011, is National Probation, Parole and Community Supervision Week.

“I want to thank our parole officers, who are excelling at their profession,” says Parole Board Chairman James Donald. “Parole officers have to balance supervision and treatment in order that we have successful outcomes.”

The State Board of Pardons and Paroles employs 300 parole officers who supervise more than 22,000 parolees annually in Georgia. Average caseloads for a parole officer range from 75-85 offenders.

Georgia’s parole officers work with the offender on parole to establish that parolee in a stable home and work environment. Parole officers often serve as a counselor for the parolee, by providing necessary information helping the individual to continue to meet supervision requirements. Parole Officers are classified as Georgia Peace Officers and must successfully complete an eight week Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.), Basic Training Course. Supervision techniques include surveillance and often include home and work site visits to ensure compliance by the offender.

The Department of Corrections employs over 1,100 probation officers in the state of Georgia, supervising more than 150,000 offenders. 

"These dedicated men and women play an essential role in our communities," said Commissioner Brian Owens. "They are exceedingly brave individuals who are sustaining and improving the safety of our state by supervising criminal offenders returning to our community," added Owens.

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