Department of Community Supervision Celebrates Graduation of 56th Basic Community Supervision Officer Training Class

ATLANTA - The Georgia Department of Community Supervision (DCS) is excited to announce the successful graduation of its 56th Basic Community Supervision Officer Training (BCSOT) class on Thursday, February 29th, at the Georgia Public Safety Training Center (GPSTC) in Forsyth, Georgia. The ceremony commemorates the certification of 25 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. 

“We take immense pride in welcoming our latest cohort of community supervision officers. These officers are thoroughly prepared and poised to serve their communities. Their eight-week training, filled with rigorous challenges, has laid a solid foundation for a secure and impactful career in community supervision. It's a source of pride and honor to have them join our esteemed ranks,” said Lori A. Massengale, Director of Training and Professional Development.

Class Leader Christen Macon delivered a speech at the ceremony that resonated deeply with their fellow graduates. “We have made it to the finish line of the beginning of our careers with DCS. We have gone through weeks of intense training and have gained knowledge that will stay with us for the rest of our lives.”

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 - Reese Vann, South Georgia
• Academic Award - Emily Moore, Piedmont Circuit
• Fitness Award - Roland Clarke, Atlanta
• Leadership Award - Christen Macon,Dougherty
• Team Competition Award - Jesse Carpenter (Brunswick), Roland Clarke (Atlanta), Andre Crane (Augusta), Christen Macon (Dougherty), Emily Moore (Piedmont), Michelle Penson (Northeastern)
• Adjunct Instructor Award - Keondra Bonner (ESP)
• Class Leader - Christen Macon, Dougherty Circuit

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

Kenneth Armstrong - Valdosta

Christopher Botts - Rome

Christopher Capers - Dallas

Jesse Carpenter - Brunswick

Shannon Cartledge - LaGrange

Roland Clarke - Atlanta

Zyteira Collins - Atlanta

Andre Crane - Augusta

Gregory Flewellen - Columbus

Jourdan Giles - Winder

Amariya Glaspie - Marietta

Vincent Grayson - Columbus

Justin Holliday - Marietta

Amber Lee - Dekalb

Christen Macon - Albany

Jessica Maldonado - Carrollton

Emily Moore - Winder

Whitney Mostafa - Griffin

Michelle Penson - Gainesville

Madalyn Pfabe - Cordele

Tangela Rouse - Warner Robins

Deshandra Sellers - Hazelhurst

Takerielle Travis - McRae

Reese Vann - Cairo

Mariha Walker - Tifton

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.