CRIMINAL JUSTICE REFORMS
THE DCS IMPACT
On May 9, 2017, Governor Nathan Deal signed a new series of criminal justice bills designed to create meaningful
community supervision in Georgia. DCS was honored that Governor Deal chose to sign SB 174, SB 175, and SB 176
at our inaugural Reentry Summit in Macon, a symbolic gesture that helps honor the collaborative contributions of
Georgia’s diverse reentry organizations towards a stronger criminal justice system for our state.
Senate Bill (SB) 174 holds the most impact on how DCS will continue to
implement supervision resources in Georgia. The Georgia Council on
Criminal Justice Reform established several recommendations leading
to the creation of this reformative piece of legislation. It mandates the reduction of lengthy probation sentences for non-
violent offenses as an incentive for good behavior while a person is on
probation. SB 174 also includes improvements to the cost-effectiveness
of responses of parole & probation violations.
The passage of SB 174 requires DCS to focus supervision resources
on individuals at the beginning of their supervision terms to reduce
caseloads and create meaningful supervision. Under the legislation, DCS officers are permitted to assist accountability
courts with their community supervision where needed and when
resources are available.
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Georgia Department of Community Supervision