The Georgia Jail Association is an organization comprised of professionals from all levels of operations and related government agencies. The members share the common goal of improving all Georgia jails, regardless of size of location.

The GJA is organized into five geographic regions throughout the state to ensure balanced representation and facilitate effective communication and coordination.

The purposes of GJA are to provide a forum for the exchange of ideas, information and techniques of ideas, information and techniques; to advance professionalism through training, technical assistance, publications and conferences; to develop statewide leadership of the advancement of progressive jail standards, legislation, practices, programs and services.

The GJA fosters fellowship and promotes networking as tools to address mutual operational problems and needs.
 

Organizational Structure

The GJA is governed by a Board of Directors composed of members elected by the full membership. Board members include the Immediate Past President; the President; the President-Elect; First Vice-President; Second Vice-President; Third Vice-President; Treasurer; Twelve Regional Representatives. The Secretary is appointed by the president.

In addition to the Annual Business Meeting and Training Conference, the Board of Directors meets routinely during the year at sites throughout the state. The topical committees also convene special meetings during the year to discuss membership, training, conference and other issues.

The structure and by-laws of the GJA are designed to ensure the full and representative participation of all members.

ACTIVITIES OF GJA

GJA NEWSLETTER—The GJA publishes a quarterly newsletter mailed to each member. The newsletter announces training opportunities, recounts interesting developments in member jail agencies, and alerts and educated members about evolving legislation and administrative regulations affecting local jail operations.

GJA WEBPAGE—Bringing the GJA to the internet information medium. Upcoming events, officers, newsletter, “Jail Talk”, and more can be found on the webpage.

AWARDS PROGRAM– Each year GJA honors local jail employees who have distinguished themselves and their agencies.

NETWORKING—GJA elected officials and members strive throughout the year to share information about state and local jail operations. Business meetings are convened during the year in each region to conduct the affairs of the GJA, exchange ideas and ensure full member accessibility and involvement

WHAT GJA OFFERS YOU
The GJA sponsors an annual training conference held in a different site each year to bring the GJA within reach of all its members.

In addition to providing timely, professional instruction in critical operational areas, the conference provides a forum for jail vendor to exhibit and discuss their products and services and sponsors an awards program to recognize the outstanding accomplishments of jail personnel.
 

Our Goals

1. Through cooperation, share information, ideas, and solutions to further cost and operations effectiveness in member organizations.
2. Cultivate and provide leadership in the development of professional jail standards, legislation, management practices, programs and services.
3. Advance professionalism through training, technical assistance, knowledge exchange, publications and conferences.
4. Present a unified voice in advancing the interests, needs, concerns and proficiencies of local jail professionals as deemed appropriate by the membership.
5. Actively assist and support Georgia Sheriffs and other agencies and institutions of the criminal justice system to seek practical solutions to challenges confronting jails.