New Superintendent at Emanuel Probation Detention Center

Commissioner: Timothy C. Ward

Director of Public Affairs: Joan Heath

Kochelle Watson Promoted

FORSYTH, Ga. – The Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC) Commissioner Timothy C. Ward announced the promotion of Kochelle Watson to Superintendent at Emanuel Probation Detention Center (PDC) effective March 1, 2022. As Superintendent, Watson will be responsible for overseeing approximately 67 staff members and 369 male detainees.

“Watson has worked her way up through the ranks and shown exceptional leadership qualities in each position she has held,” said Commissioner Timothy C. Ward. “We are confident that her correctional knowledge will benefit the staff and detainees at Emanuel PDC.”

Watson began her career with the Department in 1998 as a Correctional Officer at Emanuel PDC. During her tenure at Emanuel PDC, she was promoted through the ranks to Sergeant, Lieutenant, and Unit Manager. In 2019, she was promoted to Deputy Warden of Security at Johnson State Prison, where she currently serves.

Watson is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree from Thomas University. Her departmental training consists of Basic Correctional Officer Training, the Professional Management Program through Columbus State University, Sergeants Academy, Advanced Management Training, Corrections Leadership Institute, Deputy Warden of Security Academy, and Management I, II, and III.

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.