Rome Native Named Acting Warden at Hays State Prison

Commissioner : Brian Owens

Director of Public Affairs : Joan Heath

Rick Jacobs Assigned

Forsyth — Commissioner Brian Owens announced the appointment of Rick Jacobs as Acting Warden at Hays State Prison in Trion effective immediately. As Acting Warden, Jacobs will be responsible for overseeing approximately 350 staff members and approximately 1460 male inmates.

“Our office is working closely with the Department during the transition of management at Hays State Prison,” said Governor Nathan Deal. “We will continue to work alongside the agency until the transition is complete,” added the Governor.

Jacobs has nearly 30 years of experience in law enforcement. In 1984, he joined the Rome Police Department as a Patrol Office and went on to serve as a Floyd County Probation Officer. In 1992, Jacobs began his career with the Department as a Probation Officer. Since joining the Department, Jacobs has held various management positions which include Assistant Superintendent, Superintendent, Warden, Director of Special Operations, and most recently North area Field Operations Manager. In addition, he is a veteran of the United States Air Force where he provided protection to foreign dignitaries and high-ranking governmental personnel.

“Rick is an exceptional leader and dedicated team member,” said Commissioner Brian Owens. “He has an extensive knowledge of Corrections and I am confident that his leadership skills will benefit the staff and offenders of Hays State Prison,” said Owens.

Jacobs has a Bachelors Degree in Criminal Justice from Georgia State University and a Masters Degree in Public Administration from Columbus State University. He is a graduate of the Georgia Law Enforcement Command College and serves as an adjunct professor in Criminal Justice and Management at Columbus State University.

The GDC has one of the largest prison systems in the U.S. and is responsible for supervising nearly 60,000 state prisoners and over 160,000 probationers. It is the largest law enforcement agency in the state with approximately 12,000 employees.