Avery D. Niles Sworn In As New DJJ Commissioner - WFXG FOX54 Augusta - Your News One Hour Earlier

Mr. Avery D. Niles of Clermont, Georgia was sworn in today as the new Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ).   Mr. Niles, who previously served as Chairman of the DJJ Board since March of 2012, was officially sworn in by Governor Nathan Deal at the Capitol during a ceremony witnessed by family members and Deputy Commissioners from DJJ.  Governor Deal described the new DJJ Commissioner as a "stalwart, dedicated and dependable" leader chosen to take on the challenge of managing the future of the state's juvenile justice agency.

Mr. Niles leaves his career position as Warden of the Hall County Correctional Institution to become DJJ Commissioner.  Niles is a 23-year veteran of the Hall County Sheriff`s Department where he also worked as commander of the Hall County Detention Center. 

Altogether, Commissioner Niles has 27-years of distinguished law enforcement and criminal justice experience. He is a member of the Georgia and National Sheriff`s Associations, the North Georgia Investigator`s Association, the Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police, and the Peace Officers Association of Georgia. 

The new Commissioner is Past-President of the Gainesville - Hall County Fraternal Order of Police.  He serves as second vice president of the Georgia Prison and Vice President of the Warden`s Association and he is a trustee of the Gainesville College Foundation Board.  Commissioner Niles is a member of the Gainesville Kiwanis Club, a graduate of Leadership Hall County and the Georgia Police Academy.  He is a graduate of the FBI National Academy and a member of the Georgia and National FBI Association.

Mr. Niles is also currently pursuing a Bachelor`s Degree in Criminal Justice while attending the Georgia law enforcement Command College in Columbus. He serves as a deacon at Antioch Baptist Church. He and his wife, Charlene, have one daughter and reside in Clermont, Georgia.

"I am honored to serve Georgia in this capacity.  We want to strengthen families and communities here," said Commissioner Niles. "I am committed to excellence in public safety and to provide effective intervention to improve the lives of youth entrusted to our department by the state," the Commissioner said.  "I thank the Governor and the DJJ Board for their confidence and I will work diligently to maintain their trust. We look forward to making real changes in the lives of our young offenders."