Probation/Parole Officers Graduate Training Course
September 27, 2012;
Atlanta, GA - The first class of dual certified probation and parole officers in
Georgia took the oath of office today, after graduating from an eight week training course. The
ceremony was held at State Offices South in Forsyth. Sixty-two officers completed the course.
Fourteen officers work for the State Board of Pardons and Paroles. The officers will be certified
as Probation/Parole Officers by the Georgia Peace Officer Standards and Training Council
(P.O.S.T.).
State Board of Pardons and Paroles Chairman Albert Murray delivered commencement
remarks.
Chairman Murray told the officers that they were probably the best trained and
equipped community supervision officers to graduate training in Georgia because
of the dual certification.
“This joint training class is another example of the partnership between the Parole Board and
the Department of Corrections. These probation/parole officers will be an asset to their caseloads
and to their respective communities,” said Murray.
Graduate and Americus Parole Officer Joseph Dew addressed his classmates and said their
commitment to serve the public contained the key word, “serve.”
“When serving the public remember that not only references your family and your community, but
also the probationer or parolee who sits across from you and the officer who stands beside you,”
stated Dew.
He also called on his fellow officers to be the officer others depend on. “Be the officer who
will step up to the plate when something needs to be done. Be the officer who chooses to make a
difference each and every day,” said Dew.
Probation officers work for the Department of Corrections supervising offenders on probation
in Georgia. Parole officers work for the State Board of Pardons and Paroles and supervise offenders
released on parole.
Through the dual certification, the State Board of Pardons and Paroles and the Department of
Corrections eliminated the need for separate agency training courses. The training courses for both
groups of officers were combined eliminating duplication while giving all officers training
necessary to perform parole or probation supervision. Officers will only supervise offenders under
their respective agency’s authority, however, and must still follow the policies and procedures of
their employing agency which are different in some areas. Officers with the dual certification will
be able to transfer or take positions with the other agency without having to complete another
eight-week training course.
Other benefits of the dual certification include a much shorter wait time for parole officers to
attend the basic training course as there will be an increase from two to six classes per year.
This means hired parole officers will get into and complete a training course sooner and begin
supervising a parole caseload, eliminating a wait period after their initial hire.
The eight week course work includes supervision techniques, investigation procedures,
intervention strategies, criminal and Georgia law, policy and procedure, interview skills, physical
fitness, arrest procedures, defensive tactics, computer interaction and firearms
qualification.
The Parole Board employs approximately 300 parole officers. Caseloads per officer average
75-85 parolees. Parole officers work to transition offenders back into the community using a
balanced approach of surveillance and treatment intervention. Parole officers make scheduled
and unscheduled visits to the parolees’ residences, employers and treatment providers to ensure
compliance with supervision conditions.
The new parole officers will work in the following parole offices: Albany, Americus,
Brunswick, Carrollton, Dalton, Gainesville, Jesup, Lawrenceville, Monroe, Savannah and
Valdosta.
For more information on the Parole Board please contact the Public Affairs
Office or visit our website at
www.pap.state.ga.us.
###