ATLANTA — The Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice has a new leader after the previous commissioner was voted out following an 11Alive investigation.
On Thursday, Governor Brian Kemp swore in Tyrone Oliver as the Commissioner for the DJJ, a state agency it describes as “multi-faceted” and serving offenders 21 and younger in Georgia. Oliver most-recently held the title of police chief in the city of Social Circle – a position he’s held since 2016. He was also named the city’s deputy city manager in late 2018.
"As Commissioner of the Department of Juvenile Justice, I know that Tyrone will lead with integrity to ensure that Georgians in his care have the right tools to succeed and improve their lives for the better," Gov. Kemp said.
His appointment comes after the commission voted to remove his predecessor, Avery Niles – a decision which follows an investigation by 11Alive that uncovered Niles lied under oath during a recent deposition about his education.
According to a board member, Niles submitted a letter of resignation, but the board voted not to accept it. Gov. Kemp later approved the board’s decision to remove him.
A week later, we now know the person taking his place has a lengthy background in law enforcement aside from his most recent position with Social Circle. In 1999 Oliver began his law enforcement career with the Newton County Sheriff’s Office where he started as a detention officer. He was later promoted to sergeant and then lieutenant and had worked with several divisions during his time with the sheriff’s office.
Gov. Kemp’s office reports that Oliver is a graduate of Columbus State University's Law Enforcement Professional Management Program.
He’s also a participant in the Georgia International Law Enforcement Exchange to Israel and a member of multiple civic organizations. More closely related to his new position, Oliver is also a board member for “A Child Voice Advocacy Center Inc., Communities in Schools Walton County and Advantage Behavioral Health Systems.
"Police Chief Tyrone Oliver has long been a pillar of the Newton County community, both as a career law enforcement official and a strong leader in numerous organizations," Gov. Kemp said.
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