Empowering Excellence: Georgia Department of Community Supervision celebrates 50th Basic Community Supervision Officer Training class graduation, enriching Georgia's communities and safety

ATLANTA, Georgia - The Georgia Department of Community Supervision (DCS) proudly celebrated the graduation of its 50th Basic Community Supervision Officer Training (BCSOT) class on Thursday, June 1st, at the Georgia Public Safety Training Center (GPSTC) in Forsyth, Georgia. This momentous occasion marked the certification of these graduates as Community Supervision Officers by the Georgia Peace Officer Standards and Training Council (P.O.S.T.).

The BCSOT Cadets underwent an intensive nine-week training program at the academy, equipping them for their pivotal roles within the Department. Upon completion of BCSOT, these newly graduated officers received 320 hours of comprehensive training, covering a wide range of essential skills. Their training encompassed 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.

"We take immense pride in welcoming our newest group of community supervision officers. These officers have displayed exceptional dedication and are fully prepared to serve their communities," stated Lori A. Massengale, Director of Training and Professional Development. "Through rigorous challenges and a comprehensive training curriculum, they have established a solid foundation for a safe and productive career. We are honored to have them join our ranks."

This class of graduates brings a fresh perspective and innovative thinking to the Department, including recent college graduates who infuse the ranks with their unique insights. Notably, several members of the class possess extensive experience, with children older than some of their fellow classmates, highlighting the depth of knowledge within the group.

A significant aspect of this class is the diverse range of expertise and backgrounds stemming from various law enforcement channels. The class includes officers who have garnered substantial experience from prior roles in different organizations, as well as those who have served within DCS itself.

Furthermore, Class 50 comprises officers with backgrounds in misdemeanor law enforcement, further enriching the understanding of different perspectives and approaches within public safety. This amalgamation of backgrounds ensures a dynamic learning environment and fosters a rich and diverse knowledge base.

"With this extraordinary combination of diversity and expertise, we firmly believe that our class not only possesses the potential to excel as valuable assets to DCS but also has the capability to ascend to senior leadership positions within the organization," expressed Officer Brian Grooms, Class President. "We are confident in our abilities and are committed to making a lasting impact in our community."

DCS eagerly anticipates the invaluable contributions this exceptional class of officers will make to enhance the safety and well-being of communities throughout Georgia. The Department remains dedicated to supporting their growth and development as they embark on their journey toward becoming respected leaders within DCS.

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

• Firearms “Top Shot” – Antonio Guimaraes, Augusta Office
• Academic - Nasjah Hall, Macon Office
• Physical Fitness - Carlos Garnett, Thomson Office
• Team Competition - Yellow Team (Luke Lowery, Athens; Cory Mallette, Dublin; Heather Patterson, Taccoa; Angela Smith, Cartersville; and Mikyla Woods, Valdosta)
• Leadership - Brian Grooms, Newnan Office
• Adjunct Instructor - Keondra Bonner, ESP Unit

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

Quinton Armstrong - Covington Office

La’Queisha Dawson - Warner Robins Office

Madison Egly - Gainesville Office

Tiffany Elder - Stone Mountain Office

Sequoia Flowers - Valdosta Office

Carlos Garnett - Thomson Office

Brian Grooms - Newnan Office

Antonio Guimaraes - Augusta Office

Alexus Hall - Valdosta Office

Nasjah Hall - Macon Office

Emily Harmon - Cartersville Office

Amanda Hilton - Macon Office

Evan Johnson - Gainesville Office

Troy Johnson - Augusta Office

Luke Lowery - Athens Office

Cory Mallette - Dublin Office

Heather Patterson - Clarkesville Office

Justin Refitt - Pardons and Parole

Youckens Salomon - Rome Office

Taylor Sliger - Athens Office

Angela Smith - Cartersville Office

Kanina Spells - Statesboro Office

Melissa Spencer - Columbus Office

Latorria Steward - McDonough Office

Joshua Thompson - Claxton Office

Ty’anna Weaver - Dekalb County Probation

Mikyla Woods - Valdosta Office

About The Georgia Department of Community Supervision:

The Georgia Department of Community Supervision (DCS) plays an integral role in the criminal justice system, ensuring effective and efficient community supervision while providing opportunities for successful outcomes.

For more information, please visit dcs.georgia.gov.