New Superintendent at Patten Probation Detention Center

Commissioner: Timothy C. Ward

Director of Public Affairs: Joan Heath

Jacob Bell Promoted

FORSYTH, Ga. – The Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC) Commissioner Timothy C. Ward announced the promotion of Jacob Bell to Superintendent at the Patten Probation Detention Center (PDC) effective November 1, 2022. As Superintendent, Bell will be responsible for overseeing staff and supervising 252 male detainees.

"Bell has been a dedicated and dependable employee throughout his tenure with the agency," said Commissioner Timothy C. Ward. "We look forward to seeing him excel in his new role as Superintendent."

Before joining the GDC, Bell worked with Spectrum Health as a Substance Abuse Counselor at Homerville State Prison. In 2008, he began his career with the agency as a Behavioral Health Counselor at Patten PDC. In 2021, he was promoted to Assistant Superintendent at Patten PDC, where he currently serves. 

Bell holds a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Valdosta State University. His departmental training consists of Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor II Certification from the International Certification and Reciprocity Consortium, GCIC Operator Training, Motivation for Change, Matrix Training, and Security Threat Group 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.