New Superintendent at Patten Probation Detention Center

Commissioner: Timothy C. Ward

Director of Public Affairs: Joan Heath

Scott Wiza Promoted

FORSYTH, Ga. – Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC) Commissioner Timothy C. Ward announced the promotion of Scott Wiza to Superintendent at Patten Probation Detention Center (PDC), effective September 1, 2021. As Superintendent, Copenhaver will be responsible for overseeing 61 staff members and 252 minimum-security male detainees.

“Wiza has shown exceptional leadership qualities in each position he has held within the agency,” said Commissioner Timothy C.Ward. “I am confident that he will excel as he takes his next step in his professional career at Patten PDC.”

Wiza began his career with the Georgia Department of Corrections in 2005 as a Correctional Officer at Valdosta State Prison, where rose through the ranks of Sergeant and Lieutenant.  In 2014, he was promoted to Public Safety Training Instructor 1 and in 2018, he was promoted to Public Safety Training Instructor II. In 2019, Wiza was promoted to Assistant Superintendent of Patten PDC, where he currently serves.

Wiza attended Vincennes University, and is veteran of the United States Army. He has completed the following department training: POST Senior Instructor, Basic Management Training, Professional Management Program through Columbus State University, and Supervision 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.