A former Georgia Southern University student will return to Statesboro soon as one of 12 new parole officers supervising parolees

Rhett Moore, 25, of Warner Robins, along with 11 others from across the state, graduated Friday from the Basic Probation/Parole Officer Training Course during a ceremony held at the Georgia Public Safety Training Center auditorium in Forsyth.

The course work included supervision techniques, investigation procedures, intervention strategies, criminal and Georgia law, policy and procedure, interview skills, physical fitness, arrest procedures, defensive tactics, computer interaction and firearms qualification, said Steve Hayes, the public affairs director with the State Board of Pardons and Paroles.

While Moore is coming to Statesboro, the others will work in Atlanta, Columbus, LaFayette, LaGrange, Lawrenceville, Marietta, Savannah and Valdosta.

Moore majored in philosophy while at Georgia Southern, but later graduated from law school at Mercer University. An internship with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation sparked an interest in law enforcement, and when a friend suggested he look into the parole board as a possible avenue of employment, he applied for the position.

Being a parole officer is like being “a law enforcement officer, counselor, social worker” all rolled into one, Moore said. “You wear several different hats.”

Moore is looking forward to returning to Statesboro.

“I really enjoyed my time there in college,” he said.

However, since his decision to return, he has leaned more about areas in Bulloch County “that you don’t go to while in college.” He feels as parole officer, he can help “have a positive influence on the community.”

Moore will be working out of his vehicle, as the Statesboro parole office is a “virtual office,” meaning there is no physical building housing the office. Parole officers visit parolees at home or at work, or sometimes in specific locations, such as a law enforcement facility, Hayes said.

Officers are equipped with mobile printers, laptop computers and other technology that enables them to work from their vehicles, and it also saves the state money by not having to rent or maintain facilities, he said.

Holli Deal Bragg may be reached at (912) 489-9414.