Jail staff do essential work every day to keep their facilities safe and orderly and to help protect the communities they serve. Their responsibilities call for sound judgment, professionalism, and a strong commitment to public service. The Georgia Sheriffs’ Association’s Jail Management Advisory Committee (JMAC) brings jail professionals together from across Georgia to share knowledge, discuss challenges, and strengthen support for jail operations. Through JMAC and the Jail Management Division, GSA provides training, technical services, and opportunities for collaboration that help jail staff succeed in this important work.
Jail Management and Operations: Safe, Efficient Solutions for Jails
There are 143 jails that house over 42,000 inmates throughout the state. Operational responsibility for county jails is the sole responsibility of the sheriff. In addition to protecting the public and jail staff from dangerous criminals, federal and state laws require that sheriffs must provide for the safety, health, and welfare of inmates housed in county jails.
In 1997, the Georgia Sheriffs’ Association launched its Jail Services Program for two key reasons:
- To ensure that sheriffs and jail officers can maintain the safest, most efficient work environment possible.
- To ensure that constitutional mandates for the design and operation of county jails are met.
Today, the Georgia Sheriffs’ Association continues to provide services to augment jail management, operations and standards within the sheriff’s office.
To achieve these goals, the GSA Training Division offers:
- Planning
- Jail Transition and Logistics Planning
- Model Jail Policy and Procedure Manual
- Standards for the Design, Operation and Administration of Georgia’s Jails
Jail Management Advisory Committee
The Jail Management Advisory Committee is comprised of a jail officer from each of GSA’s ten geographic regions, two sheriffs, and members of GSA’s Training Division. The committee functions include:
- Serve as a point of contact for jail management, operations and training questions or concerns within their respective regions. The committee members rely on the GSA’s Training Division’s expertise in responding appropriately to these inquiries.
- Identify problems or issues within the state, involving the operations and management of the jail for training purposes.
- Disseminate information from the GSA Jail Management Division to sheriffs’ offices in their respective regions.
Connecting Jail Professionals Across Georgia
The Georgia Sheriffs’ Association supports professionalism in the management and operation of Georgia’s jails through training, technical assistance, and communication among sheriffs and jail staff.
The Jail Management Advisory Committee brings jail professionals together from across the state to identify common challenges, share knowledge, and strengthen support for their colleagues. Its purpose is to help Georgia’s jails operate safely and effectively while recognizing that each facility has its own needs and resources.
Use the directory below to connect with your regional representative or contact GSA for assistance.
| Region | Regional Representative | Sheriff’s Office | General Office Number | Email |
| Region One | Captain Keith Thomas | Paulding County | 770-443-3010 | |
| Region Two | Assistant Cheif Deeann Cash | Forsyth County | 770-781-2222 | |
| Region Three | Major Robert White | Barrow County | 770-307-3088 | |
| Region Four | Major Christie Webb | Harris County | 706-628-4211 | |
| Region Five | Captain Tony Trice | Peach County | 478-825-8269 | |
| Region Six | Captain Corey King | Washington County | 478-552-4795 | |
| Region Seven | Pamela Coley | Dougherty County | 229-302-3600 | |
| Region Eight | Captain Jason Clifton | Lowndes County | 229-671-2900 | |
| Region Nine | Major Sascha Krumnow | Liberty County | 912-876-2131 | |
| Region Ten | Donella Wheeler | Laurens County | 478-272-1522 | |
| GSA | Parla Parker | 762-662-6563 |
Training and Professional Development
Well-trained staff are essential to safe and effective jail operations. The Georgia Sheriffs’ Association offers training for jail officers at different stages of their careers, including:
Basic Jail Officer Course for Certified Deputies — 45 hours: A reduced-hour option for eligible certified deputies.
Basic Jail Officer Course — 80 hours: For jail officers who need to complete the basic training for POST Jail Officer Certification.
GSA also offers professional development for jail supervisors and leaders, including the Jail Management Conference, Jail Training Officer program, and in-service training resources.
See upcoming courses, locations, and registration information:
Additional Training and Professional Development
- Jail Management Conference
This annual conference brings together sheriffs, jail administrators, and supervisory staff to discuss leadership, management, and operational practices that support safe and effective jail operations. - Jail Training and Evaluation Program (JTEP) and Jail Training Officer (JTO)
JTEP helps participating agencies provide structured, consistent training for newly hired jail officers. Qualified officers can train and evaluate new employees through the Jail Training Officer program. Officers who complete the JTO certification course earn Georgia POST certification as a Jail Training Officer. - In-Service Training Resources
GSA helps Georgia’s jail staff build the knowledge, skills, and confidence their work demands. Through practical training resources, specialized learning opportunities, and connections with experienced peers, we support continued growth at every stage of a jail professional’s career.
For more information, contact Parla Parker, Director of Jail Services & Outreach, at 762-662-6563.