Unprecedented Support During Fugitive Manhunt

Commissioner: Gregory C. Dozier

Director of Public Affairs: Joan Heath

State Partners Invaluable to Effort

FORSYTH, Ga. – Corrections Commissioner Gregory C. Dozier is praising the efforts and support of law enforcement partners across Georgia during the escape and ultimate capture of two fugitives responsible for the murder of GDC Correctional Officers.

“Over the course of the intense three-day manhunt, countless law enforcement professionals offered their assistance and resources without hesitation,” said Commissioner Dozier.  “We are eternally grateful for their selfless service to GDC and to the citizens of this State,” added Dozier.

In addition to hundreds of Federal and local agencies, each of the state law enforcement agencies provided staff and resources to the effort, including:

Georgia Department of Corrections

More than 100 staff from the Office of Professional Standards participated in the search for Dubose and Rowe, to include K9 Officers, Investigators and Intelligence Analysts.  In addition, GDC has 15 Special Agents assigned to the U.S. Marshals Service Southeast Regional Task Force, who provide constant support and assistance.  Countless Correctional Officers and Corrections Emergency Response Team were also instrumental in aiding in the manhunt.

Georgia Bureau of Investigation

More than 100 GBI Agents assisted in the murder investigation and subsequent manhunt for the escapees.  GBI and other law enforcement agencies followed approximately 500 leads in the search for Dubose and Rowe.

Georgia State Patrol

State Troopers from every Georgia State Patrol Post, and State Motor Carrier Compliance Officers from every Region were on high alert and actively searching for the escaped inmates over the three-day period. 

More than 100 Troopers, 18 Motor Carrier Compliance Officers, and 20 Department of Public Safety Communications Officers were directly involved with the manhunt for a total of 1,726 hours.  Activities included concentrated patrols, house searches, aviation flights, FLIR searches, road checks, perimeter details, escorts, and command post activities.

Department of Natural Resources

Game Wardens with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Law Enforcement Division were engaged with the search beginning Tuesday morning. A Game Warden was one of the first state officers on scene where the incident occurred. DNR conducted searches on the ground in the Madison area. DNR participated in road checks and other efforts related to the search, including offering aircraft resources if necessary.

The 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.