June 19, 2019
New Warden at Coastal State Prison
Commissioner: Timothy C. Ward
Director of Public Affairs: Joan Heath
Brooks Benton Reassigned
FORSYTH, Ga. – The Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC) Commissioner Timothy C. Ward announced the reassignment of Brooks Benton to warden at Coastal State Prison (SP), effective July 1, 2019. As warden, Benton will be responsible for overseeing approximately 270 staff members and 1,870 medium-security male offenders at the facility.
“Benton’s extensive background in corrections will be of great benefit in his new position at Coastal SP,” said Ward. “We are confident that his leadership experience will have a positive impact on staff and offenders.”
Benton began his career with the GDC in 1993 as a correctional officer at Hart Detention Center. In 1995, he was promoted to counselor at Whitworth Parole Revocation Center, then in 1997, promoted to senior counselor. In 1998, Benton was promoted to assistant superintendent at the Alcovy Diversion Center, and then transferred to the I.W. Davis Probation Detention Center. In 2008, he was promoted to deputy warden of care and treatment at Lee Arrendale SP, then in 2012, promoted to deputy warden of security. In 2013, Benton was promoted to warden at Whitworth Women’s Facility and reassigned to Lee Arrendale SP in 2017, where he currently serves.
Benton has a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of West Georgia, with a minor in sociology. He has completed the following departmental training: Basic Correctional Officer Training, Basic Management Training, the Professional Management Program through Columbus State University, the Corrections Leadership Institute, Deputy Warden of Care and Treatment Academy and Warden’s Pre-Command.
About the Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC)
The Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC) has one of the largest prison systems in the U.S. and is responsible for supervising nearly 52,000 state prisoners. It is the largest law enforcement agency in the state with approximately 10,500 employees. For more information on the GDC, call 478-992-5247 or visit https://gdc.georgia.gov.