DCS Annual Report 2015 | Page 5

OUR WORK After a comprehensive study of the current issues facing Georgia’s community corrections system, it was clear to the Council on Criminal Justice Reform and Governor Deal that tremendous enhancements to public safety and governmental efficiency could be achieved by creating one state agency that is responsible for all offender supervision within Georgia’s communities. As the next step in Governor Deal’s ongoing criminal justice reform efforts, HB 310 was introduced during the 2015 legislative session. HB 310 transferred the responsibilities of the community supervision of parolees from the State Board of Pardons and Paroles, probationers from the Department of Corrections, and Class A and B juveniles from the Department of Juvenile Justice to the Department of Community Supervision. The bill also transferred the oversight responsibilities of private and governmental misdemeanor probation entities from the County and Municipal Probation Advisory Council (CMPAC) to the newly created Board of Community Supervision. The Georgia General Assembly passed HB 310 and on May 7th, 2015, Governor Deal signed HB 310 into law, thereby creating the Department of Community Supervision. Commencing operations on July 1st, 2015, as a part of the executive branch of Georgia’s government, the Department of Community Supervision (DCS) is responsible for the effective and efficient supervision of approximately 180,000 felony offenders. OUR MISSION As an integral part of the criminal justice system, we protect and serve all Georgia citizens through effective and efficient offender supervision in our communities, while providing opportunities for successful outcomes. OUR VISION To become the national leader for innovative and progressive community supervision; we will accomplish this by: Embracing best and next evidence-based practices Utilizing an integrated approach to improve offender behavior Effectively coordinating between all concerned stakeholders Ensuring victim’s voices are heard and victim rights protected OUR VALUES Accountability • Integrity • Selfless Service • Teamwork • Personal and Professional Development georgia department of community supervision 2