New Deputy Warden of Security Named

Commissioner : Brian Owens

Director of Public Affairs : Joan Heath

Murray Tatum Promoted

Forsyth - Georgia Department of Corrections Commissioner Brian Owens announced the promotion of Murray Tatum to Deputy Warden of Security of Lee Arrendale State Prison effective October 16, 2013. The special mission facility which houses 1,476 female offenders is located in Alto, Ga. As Deputy Warden, Tatum will be responsible for supervision and management of all security staff and the overall management of the security operations of the facility.

"Murray has gone above and beyond during his 21 years of dedicated service with the Department," said Commissioner Brian Owens. "I am confident that he will excel in his new role."

Tatum began his career with the Department in 1992 as a Correctional Officer at Lee Arrendale State Prison. He was promoted to Public Safety Training Instructor I in 1999 and to Public Safety Training Instructor II in 2000. In 2001, he was promoted to Public Safety Training Instructor III with the North Georgia Regional Training Academy. He returned to his former position at Lee Arrendale SP when Regional Training Academies closed. In 2011, Murray was promoted to Field Training Manager for the North region, where he most recently served.

Murray received a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Thomas University and is currently attending Columbus State College and University Command College to obtain a Master's degree in Public Safety Administration.

The GDC has one of the largest prison systems in the U.S. and is responsible for supervising nearly 60,000 state prisoners and more than 160,000 probationers. It is the largest law enforcement agency in the state with approximately 12,000 employees.

For more information on the GDC call 478-992-5247 or visit http://www.dcor.state.ga.us.