New Chief Probation Officer Named For Atlantic Judicial Circuit

Commissioner : Brian Owens

Director of Public Affairs : Joan Heath

Denise O'Neal Promoted

Forsyth — Georgia Department of Corrections Commissioner Brian Owens announced the promotion of Denise O’Neal to Chief Probation Officer for the Atlantic Judicial Circuit effective November 1, 2014. O’Neal will be responsible for the oversight of 14 staff members and the supervision of felony probationers in the Atlantic Judicial Circuit.

“Denise is a dedicated employee who has excelled within the Department,” said Commissioner Owens.  “I am confident her knowledge and experience will serve her well in her new role.”

O’Neal began her career with the Department in 1992 at the Hinesville Probation Office where she served as a Probation Officer. In 2000, she transferred to the Darien Probation Office where she continued to supervise a stratified caseload for McIntosh County. In 2004, O’Neal returned to the Hinesville Probation Office, assuming the duties of Specialized Probation Supervisor/Intensive Probation Supervisor (SPS/IPS) Officer. In 2011, O’Neal was promoted to Probation Officer III for the Hinesville Probation Office, where she most recently served.

O’Neal earned a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Armstrong Atlantic in Savannah, Ga. During her time with the Department she has completed the following courses; Basic Management Training (BMT) and Advanced Management Training (AMT).

The GDC has one of the largest prison systems in the U.S. and is responsible for supervising nearly 55,000 state prisoners and more than 160,000 probationers.  It is the largest law enforcement agency in the state with approximately 12,000 employees.

For more information on the GDC call 478-992-5247 or visit https://gdc.georgia.gov.