New Deputy Warden of Security at Washington State Prison

Commissioner: Tyrone Oliver

Director of Public Affairs: Joan Heath

Paul Sanford Promoted

FORSYTH, Ga. – The Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC) Commissioner Tyrone Oliver announced the promotion of Paul Sanford to Deputy Warden of Security at Central State Prison (SP) effective February 1, 2023. As Deputy Warden of Security, Sanford will be responsible for overseeing security staff members and 1,021 medium-security male offenders at the facility.

"Sanford has demonstrated exceptional leadership skills in each position he has held within GDC," said Commissioner Tyrone Oliver. "We are confident that his correctional knowledge will continue to benefit the staff and offenders at Central SP.

Sanford began his career with the GDC in 2008 as a Correctional Officer at Bostick State Prison (SP). During his tenure with the agency, he was reassigned to Georgia Diagnostic Classification Prison and Hancock SP. In 2011, he was promoted to CERT at Hancock SP. He was also promoted to Sergeant, Lieutenant, and TACT Squad Commander during his tenure at Hancock SP. In 2019, Sanford was promoted to Captain at Baldwin SP, and in 2021, he was promoted to Unit Manager, where he currently serves.

Sanford's departmental training consists of Basic Correctional Officer Training, Special Operations (CERT/TACT) Basic Training, Sergeants Academy, Management I, II, and III, Supervision I, II, and III, Chief of Security Training, and Deputy Warden of Security 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.