Skip to content

Georgia DJJ Welcomes 43 New Juvenile Correctional Officers, Including South Georgia Graduates

|

By Carol A. Gasser Moore |

GEORGIA – The Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) officially welcomed 43 new Juvenile Correctional Officers (JCOs) during a graduation ceremony held at the Georgia Public Safety Training Center in Forsyth. The ceremony marked the completion of an intensive training program and the beginning of a new chapter in public safety and youth rehabilitation for the state.

The graduates of Basic Juvenile Correctional Officer Training Class #276 will join DJJ secure facilities across 17 counties, including those in metro Atlanta, middle Georgia, and notably, South Georgia communities such as Waycross, Thomasville, and Blackshear.

“Juvenile Correctional Officers help ensure a safe and secure environment for rehabilitating and transforming the young lives we serve,” said DJJ Commissioner Shawanda Reynolds-Cobb. “I am so proud of our new officers’ commitment to our youth as they strive towards a brighter future.”

Comprehensive Training for a Critical Role

The Basic Juvenile Correctional Officer Training (BJCOT) program spans 200 hours and includes rigorous instruction in facility safety protocols, youth supervision, behavioral management, and use of de-escalation tactics. To graduate, cadets must pass a series of cognitive and performance-based evaluations.

Graduates are now assigned to Regional Youth Detention Centers (RYDCs) and Youth Development Campuses (YDCs) throughout the state, including key appointments in Thomas County (Loftiss RYDC), Ware County (Waycross RYDC), and surrounding regions.

South Georgia Strong: Local Graduates Step Up

Among the graduates are several new officers from South Georgia:

  • Skyler Davis, of Waycross, joins Waycross RYDC

  • Yasmin Broady, of Blackshear, joins Waycross RYDC

  • Troy Ganga, of Thomasville, joins Loftiss RYDC

Their commitment represents a vital infusion of local leadership in the juvenile justice system, reinforcing DJJ’s presence and impact in rural and underserved areas of the state.

These officers will serve as both guardians and mentors, often working with youth from their own communities. DJJ leadership believes this connection fosters stronger rehabilitation outcomes and helps build community trust.

A Broader Mission

The DJJ supervises justice-involved youth up to age 21 through a range of programs and facilities. Its mission focuses on public safety, family engagement, and restorative rehabilitation. With facilities ranging from secure detention to developmental campuses, DJJ integrates education, counseling, vocational training, and therapeutic services into its operations.

DJJ continues to recruit officers statewide, with a growing focus on community-specific representation to better reflect and serve Georgia’s diverse population.

Editor’s Note:
Residents interested in careers with the Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice can learn more at djj.georgia.gov. The Department routinely offers BJCOT classes and prioritizes applicants from rural communities such as those in South Georgia.

Posted in Local Lens

Leave a Comment