George Goins Named JJC Correction Officer of the Year

EWING - The New Jersey Juvenile Justice Commission (JJC) recently honored George Goins as one of five 2005 Correction Officer of the Year recipients. Senior Correction Officer (SCO) Goins was cited for his professionalism and dedication.

SCO Goins has served the JJC since March 2002. His initial assignment was the Johnstone Campus. In April of 2003, he was promoted to Senior Correction Officer. He is currently assigned to the Life Skills and Leadership Academy located in Tabernacle.

SCO Goins is a prior recipient of the Leadership and the Academic Achievement Awards from the JJC Training Academy which recognizes recruits for outstanding performance during their training. He is active in his community and volunteers time to his church and school organizations. He is a certified EMT.

"I chose this career opportunity because the Juvenile Justice Commission gives me the chance to work directly with troubled youth and to attempt to help them make life-long changes," said SCO G. Goins. "My main objectives in working with our youth is to instill morals and values so they realize they have the ability to lead normal and productive lives."

"Through his professionalism on the job and his commitment to his community, Senior Correction Officer George Goins has proven to be a role model and mentor for the juvenile residents in JJC facilities as well for young people in his community," said Howard L. Beyer, Executive Director of the Juvenile Justice Commission. "The JJC is committed to realizing the potential of the youth in its care and helping them change the direction of their futures. Our dedicated and experienced law enforcement staff play a critical role in fulfilling this mission."

The Juvenile Justice Commission employs approximately 500 highly trained law enforcement officers. Each officer must complete an intensive training course at the JJC's Training Academy, which not only includes physical training, CPR and written exercises, but teaches officers to communicate with youth and instructs staff on techniques to diffuse tense situations.

This award is bestowed annually upon one officer from each of the five secure juvenile facilities operated by the JJC. Recipients of this award are selected based on outstanding job performance, exemplary work records, and service to their communities.

The award is given in conjunction with a proclamation issued by New Jersey Acting Governor Richard J. Codey declaring the week of May 2-6 as "Correctional Officer Appreciation Week." The proclamation recognizes the men and women who uphold justice and keep New Jersey's communities safe through their dedication and experience.

For more information on the JJC, please visit www.njjjc.com