New Ga. juvenile justice chief focuses on problems
Posted:
Updated:
By ASSOCIATED PRESS
ATLANTA -
When five young men escaped from a juvenile detention center a month and a half ago in Augusta, it was the latest in a string of setbacks for officials trying to turn around Georgia's system for young criminals.
The Augusta facility has had a number of high-profile problems in recent years, but it's not alone. Other facilities have seen brawls, gang activity and misconduct by corrections officers, including inappropriate relationships with residents and distribution of contraband.
Avery Niles became commissioner of the Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice Nov. 1. He's pledged to correct existing problems and strengthen safety and security practices.
He's spent his first month visiting the department's secure facilities around the state, getting to know his staff and studying the budget. He says recruiting is a top priority.
Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 2:33 PM EDT2013-05-21 18:33:55 GMT
Southern Baptists in metro Atlanta are doing their part to assist victims of Tuesday's violent twisters.
Southern Baptists in metro Atlanta are doing their part to assist victims of Tuesday's violent twisters.The North American Mission Board has volunteers on the ground in Oklahoma and more relief is on the
Tuesday, May 21 2013 2:27 PM EDT2013-05-21 18:27:44 GMT
Andrea Sneiderman was back in court Tuesday to be arraigned for a third time. She's accused of conspiring with her former boss, Hemy Neuman, to kill her husband, Rusty Sneiderman, in 2010. Rusty Sneiderman
Andrea Sneiderman was back in court Tuesday to be arraigned for a third time. She's accused of conspiring with her former boss, Hemy Neuman, to kill her husband, Rusty Sneiderman, in 2010.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 12:23 PM EDT2013-05-21 16:23:15 GMT
Robert Champion's parents said Tuesday that Florida A&M University's band shouldn't march next year, even though they've already hired a new band director.
Robert Champion's parents said Tuesday that Florida A&M University's band shouldn't march next year, even though they've already hired a new band director.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 9:45 AM EDT2013-05-21 13:45:59 GMT
It's college graduation time, but before many graduates celebrate, they've got to focus on what comes next.
It's college graduation time, but before many graduates celebrate, they've got to focus on what comes next. With a tight job market, many new grads are getting a dose of reality when it comes to trying to land their first job.