Department of Community Supervision Celebrates Graduation of 55th Basic Community Supervision Officer Training Class

ATLANTA, Georgia - The Georgia Department of Community Supervision (DCS) is excited to announce the successful graduation of its 55th Basic Community Supervision Officer Training (BCSOT) class on Thursday, November 16th, at the Georgia Public Safety Training Center (GPSTC) in Forsyth, Georgia. The ceremony commemorates the certification of 19 dedicated graduates as Community Supervision Officers by the Georgia Peace Officer Standards and Training Council (P.O.S.T.).

Throughout an intensive eight-week training program, the BCSOT Cadets underwent rigorous instruction and preparation for their vital roles within the Department. Upon completion of the BCSOT, these newly minted officers acquired an impressive 320 hours of comprehensive training, encompassing an array of essential skills, including supervision techniques, investigation procedures, intervention strategies, Georgia law, policy and procedure, interview skills, physical fitness, arrest procedures, defensive tactics, computer interaction, enhanced supervision procedures, and firearms qualification.

During BCSOT, the aspiring officers faced academic, mental, and physical challenges that tested their commitment to protecting the citizens of Georgia. 

"The Basic Community Supervision Officer Training Course is a demanding program that readies our officers for a fulfilling journey in community supervision. These officers have displayed an inspiring level of dedication, teamwork, and resilience over the past eight weeks.” said Lori A. Massengale, Director of Training and Professional Development. “Today marks their graduation, and we eagerly anticipate the impact they'll make on our state's citizens.”

Class Leader Gloria Walthall delivered a speech at the ceremony that resonated deeply with their fellow graduates. “I've witnessed an incredible group consistently giving their all to conquer every challenge thrown their way, all while maintaining determination and resilience. The past two months have been both arduous and rewarding, and we eagerly anticipate returning for further intensive training in our upcoming career endeavors.”

This graduation ceremony not only signifies the completion of the Basic Community Supervision Officer Training but also marks the beginning of a new chapter in the careers of these officers. The Department of Community Supervision looks forward to witnessing the positive impact they will undoubtedly make in their communities and within the organization.

During the graduation ceremony, several graduates were honored for their outstanding performances in various proficiencies. The distinguished honorees were:

Top Gun Award - Bradley Davis - Appalachian Circuit
Academic Award - Beth Limrick - Patula Circuit
Fitness Award - Donald Ross - Chattahoochee Circuit
Leadership Award - Gloria Walthall - Atlanta Circuit
Team Competition Award - Blue Team - Bradley Davis (Appalachian); Nancy Jones (Cobb); Alexis Friendly (Stone Mtn); Evade Fann (Tifton); Shawanda Walker (Towaliga)
Adjunct Instructor Award - Kenny Green (CCSO Paulding)
Class Leader - Gloria Walthall (Atlanta)

The new officers will serve their communities in DCS Field Offices as follows:

Max Bowers, Chattahoochee
Trudie Branch, Middle
Thomas Brazell, Alapaha
Bradley Davis, Appalachian
Selena Dixon, Augusta
Shanise Edmond, Clayton
Evade Fann, Tifton
Alexis Friendly, Stone Mountain
Fernanda Guerrero, Rome
Khalil Hodge, Dekalb County Probation
Nancy Jones, Cobb
Vincent Kelly, Gwinnett
Beth Limrick, Patula
Amanda McKay, Rome
Donald Ross, Chattahoochee
Shakeia Salem, Middle
Shawanda Walker, Towaliga
Gloria Walthall, Atlanta
Markita Whitfield, Stone Mountain

About The Georgia Department of Community Supervision:

As an integral part of the criminal justice system, we protect and serve the state of Georgia through effective and efficient community supervision while providing opportunities for successful outcomes.

For more information, visit dcs.georgia.gov.