New Deputy Warden of Security at Smith State Prison

Commissioner: Timothy C. Ward

Director of Public Affairs: Joan Heath

Eric Cox Promoted

FORSYTH, Ga. – The Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC) Commissioner Timothy C. Ward announced the promotion of Eric Cox to Deputy Warden of Security at Smith State Prison (SP) effective February 1, 2021. As Deputy Warden, Cox will be responsible for supervising and managing approximately 80 security staff members and 1562 close-security male offenders at the facility.  

“Cox has proven to be a knowledgeable and dedicated leader within the department,” said Commissioner Timothy C. Ward. “We are confident that his experience will serve him and the facility well in this new role.”

Cox began his career with the GDC in 2008 as a Correctional Officer at Smith SP. During his tenure at Smith SP, he was promoted through the ranks of Sergeant, Lieutenant, and Chief of Security.  While at Smith SP, he also served on the Tactical Squad (TACT) and was the TACT Squad Commander.  In 2019, he was promoted to Unit Manager at Smith SP, where he currently serves. 

Cox has completed the following departmental training: Basic Correctional Officer Training, Fire Inspector training, Supervision I, II and III, Sergeants Academy, Special Operations TACT Basic, Commanders training, Motivational Interviewing, and Effective Communication Training.

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.