AUGUSTA, GA (WFXG) -
Mr. Melvin Womble has been
named Acting Director of the DJJ's Youth Development Campus in Augusta,
effective immediately. As Acting Director, Mr. Womble has full authority
to manage day-to-day facility operations.
Mr. Womble, who has held the position
of Augusta YDC Assistant Director of Security since March of 2012, is a retired
drill instructor and platoon sergeant with the United States Army. He is
a 16-year veteran with the Georgia Department of Corrections. He spent
two years as a unit manager at the Augusta State Medical Prison where he
managed a close security dorm with 400 inmates. He also served as a
Correctional Emergency Response Team (CERT) sergeant at that same facility for
six years.
Former Director Ronald Brawner has
submitted his resignation as Facility Director effective November 15, 2012 and
is now on leave until that date.
The Commissioner's Office announced
that higher ranking Central Office DJJ officials will continue to maintain
oversight over the Augusta YDC operations and provide onsite support until a
new director is named for the facility.
The
acting Director has been instructed to oversee safety and security improvements
in areas considered deficient, in addition to these specific areas:
- to
ensure detainee movement and population counts are properly conducted
- that
dorms are managed in a manner which prevents safety and security issues
- that
staff frequently practice emergency drills to ensure preparation for real
crises
- that
perimeter checks are conducted as outlined in policy
- that
all staff members are familiar with the escape prevention plan, and
- that
the emergency notification process for local law enforcement is structured to
accurately reflect when notification times or
attempted contacts are made to the Sheriff's Department.
DJJ and GBI investigators continue
their probe into the recent escape at the Augusta YDC.
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