Department of Community Supervision Celebrates the Graduation of the 68th Basic Community Supervision Officer Training Class

ATLANTA - The Georgia Department of Community Supervision (DCS) is excited to announce the successful graduation of its 68th Basic Community Supervision Officer Training (BCSOT) class on Thursday, August 27th, at the Georgia Public Safety Training Center (GPSTC) in Forsyth, Georgia. The ceremony commemorates the certification of 29 dedicated graduates as Community Supervision Officers by the Georgia Peace Officer Standards and Training Council (P.O.S.T.).

As they graduate, these officers represent the Department's ongoing commitment to public safety, accountability, and professional excellence. Throughout the eight-week program, they have strengthened essential skills in supervision and evidence-based practices that support behavior change. They also gained a deeper understanding of Georgia's legal framework and the core values that guide DCS in its mission to enhance public safety and support successful outcomes for those under our supervision.

"The Department recognizes the tremendous dedication these officers have shown, and the graduation marks the beginning of their important work in enhancing public safety, supporting rehabilitation, and upholding the integrity of community supervision," said Jim Sikes, DCS Training and Professional Development Director. "Their training has prepared them to protect and serve in a wide range of situations," he added.

Class Leader Amina Rowe, of the DeKalb Circuit, spoke on behalf of the class, remarking on their journey to graduation and their futures ahead:

"So today, I charge each of you to show up every day as your authentic self. Have integrity, be innovative, take care of your mental, spiritual, and physical well-being, do not become complacent, strive to improve, pursue excellence, chase your goals, and above all else, always remember your why."

During the graduation ceremony, several graduates were honored for their outstanding performances in various proficiencies. The distinguished honorees were:

Academic Award - Keara Artis (DeKalb Circuit)
Team Competition Award - Yellow Team - Sashay Brown Cato (Flint Circuit), Clemon Byrd (Chattahoochee Circuit), Matthew LaCroix (DeKalb County Probation), Ilesia Boyles (Henry County Probation), Raki Lott (Clayton Circuit), Zareia Torrence (Clayton Circuit)
Physical Fitness Award - Raki Lott (Clayton Circuit)
Firearms Proficiency Award (Top Gun) - Matthew LaCroix (DeKalb County Probation)
Leadership Award - Amina Rowe (DeKalb Circuit)
Adjunct Instructor Award - David Summy (Rome Circuit)

The new officers will serve their communities in the following locations:
Kyler Akins - Atlanta Circuit

Keara Artis - DeKalb Circuit

Johnathan Bass - DeKalb Circuit

Sade Berry - Clayton Circuit

Ileshia Boyels - Henry County Probation

Sashay Brown-Cato - Flint Circuit

Clemon Byrd - Chattahoochee Circuit

Zaneta Craig - Augusta Circuit

Mark Dalton - DeKalb County Probation

William Harrison IV - Ocmulgee Circuit

Kenlee Hunt - Northeastern Circuit

Terrence Johnson - DeKalb Circuit

Matthew LaCroix - DeKalb County Probation

Raki Lott - Clayton Circuit

Diana Melvin - Western Circuit

Sumeet Patil - Gwinnett Circuit

Denisha Prather - Chattahoochee Circuit

Caliyah Rice - DeKalb Circuit

Amina Rowe - DeKalb Circuit

Sheana Selkirk - Gwinnett Circuit

Braden Simms - Northeastern Circuit

Tim Smith - Coweta County Probation

Jason Thomas - Flint Circuit

Kelis Thompson - DeKalb Circuit

Zareia Torrence - Clayton Circuit

Sariah Tuppince - Atlanta Circuit

Carolyn Watkins - Gwinnett Circuit

Alexis Williams - Flint Circuit

Andrew Wright - Western Circuit

The Georgia Department of Community Supervision:

As an integral part of the criminal justice system, we protect and serve the state of Georgia through effective and efficient community supervision while providing opportunities for successful outcomes.

For more information, visit dcs.georgia.gov.