Department of Community Supervision Celebrates Graduation of 52nd Basic Community Supervision Officer Training Class

ATLANTA, Georgia - The Georgia Department of Community Supervision (DCS) is excited to announce the successful graduation of its 52nd Basic Community Supervision Officer Training (BCSOT) class on  Thursday, August 17th, 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 nine-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 the protecting the citizens of Georgia. 

Lori A. Massengale, the Director of Training and Professional Development, expressed her pride, stating, “Over the past eight weeks, these officers have endured rigorous training demonstrating a strong commitment to serving the communities in their new role as community supervision officers.” Massengale continued, “They are well-equipped to face day-to-day challenges while providing opportunities for successful outcomes. We look forward to the impact they will have on the lives of those under supervision, their families, and the community at large.”

Officer Britney Garrard, the Class President of 52nd BCSOT, delivered a speech at the graduation ceremony that resonated deeply with her fellow graduates. She noted, "As I stand here today, I see the future of the Department of Community Supervision, and trust me when I say it is a bright one." Her words reflected the optimism and determination that this class brings to their roles as Community Supervision Officers.

Reflecting on their journey, Garrard emphasized the importance of perseverance, saying, "When we are feeling overwhelmed, may we remind ourselves of the many times where we had no clue what to do, but we still figured it out." She further highlighted the resilience ingrained within the group, stating, "We tend to feel powerless, however, we are built to figure it out. We got this, we always have, and always will. May we always keep going and stay in the fight."

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:

• Academic Award - Ashley Alexander (Valdosta Office)
• Team Competition - Blue Team: Kevin Atkins (Dekalb Co Probation); Henrik Singendonk (Toccoa Office); Benjamin Villamora (Savannah office); Ashley Alexander (Valdosta)
• Physical Fitness - Sherard Savage (Brusnwick)
• Top Gun - Kevin Atkins (Dekalb County Probation)
• Leadership - Britney Garrard (Lafayette)
• Adjunct - Keondra Bonner (ESP Unit)

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

Ashley Alexander - Valdosta Office

Kevin Atkins - Dekalb County Probation

Margaret Blalock - Gainesville Office

Hope Bloor - Savannah Office

Itivere Enaowho - Atlanta Office

Britney Garrard - Lafayette Office

Jarvis Glenn - Milledgeville Office

Alyssa Hefflefinger - Dahlonega Office

Derek Kleiber - Cartersville Office

Gregory Krause - Canton Office

Shakira Lane - Columbus Office

Myers McClure - Monroe Office

Cassidy Nurse - Griffin Office

Sherard Savage - Brunswick Office

Henrick Singendonk - Taccoa Office

Lindsey Singletary - Cairo Office

Tommie Spikes - Waycross Office

Benjamin Villamora - Savannah Office

Alexa Wolf - Lawrenceville Office

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.