New Deputy Warden of Care and Treatment at Georgia Diagnostic and Classification Prison

Patricia Watts Promoted

FORSYTH, Ga. –  The Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC) Commissioner Tyrone Oliver announced the promotion of Patricia Watts, Human Resources Technician Supervisor at Georgia Diagnostic and Classification Prison (GDCP) to Deputy Warden of Care and Treatment at GDCP effective September 1, 2026. As Deputy Warden of Care and Treatment, Watts will be responsible for overseeing the delivery of educational programs, health services, library services, counseling programs, recreational services, and the mental health services of male offenders at the facility.

“Patricia has gained a wealth of correctional knowledge and consistently displayed strong leadership qualities while taking on increasing responsibilities within GDCP,” said Commissioner Oliver. “We are confident that she will continue to uphold our mission and our ongoing commitment of providing quality care and treatment options for our offender population.”

Watts began her career with the GDC in 2013 as a Correctional Officer at GDCP. During her tenure at GDCP she has promoted through the ranks of Behavioral Health Counselor II, Senior Behavioral Health Counselor and Human Resources Technician Supervisor, where she currently serves.  

Watts earned a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Clayton State University.  Her departmental training consists of Basic Correctional Officer Training, Basic Counselor Training, Supervision I, II, and II, Management I, II, and III, Addiction Certification Preparation Program and multiple counseling trainings.  

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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 approximately 49,000 state prisoners. It is the largest law enforcement agency in the state with approximately 9,000 employees. For more information on the GDC, call 478-992-5247 or visit https://www.gdc.ga.gov.