Cheryl Adams
Cheryl Adams is a retired law enforcement professional whose career spanned 28 years, culminating in her retirement in May 2025. She began her professional journey after graduating from South Carolina State College, where she participated in ROTC, and went on to serve 12 years of active duty in the military. In 1998, she joined the Georgia Department of Corrections as a correctional officer and was soon selected to serve on the Correction Emergency Response Team, a specialized unit similar to a SWAT team within the prison system. She later advanced through the ranks, serving as a sergeant and then lieutenant, gaining extensive experience in correctional operations and leadership.
Following her tenure in the prison system, Cheryl transitioned to probation work, serving as a probation officer for several years. When the Department of Corrections reorganized in 2015, she became part of the Department of Community Supervision, which oversees probation and parole. During the final years of her career, she specialized as a probation alcohol and drug counselor, providing guidance and support to individuals from diverse backgrounds. Throughout her career, Cheryl emphasized correction delivered with compassion rather than judgment, treating every individual fairly, regardless of their past offenses.
Cheryl attributes her professional success to a combination of goal-setting, family encouragement, and a strong commitment to honesty, dependability, and compassion. She has consistently demonstrated a focus on people-centered approaches in corrections and community supervision, blending professional discipline with empathy. Her career reflects a dedication to helping others learn from their mistakes while contributing to safer communities, leaving a lasting impact on both colleagues and those under her supervision.
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my family, their encouragement, and support from my parents. They were there for me throughout my career and gave me the foundation I needed to achieve everything I set out to do.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
You can do anything in this industry. You can be anything, you could be a warden, you could be a commissioner. It could be anything, but you just have to be goal-minded. There's nothing a woman can't do in corrections. You can do any role you want!
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenge in this field is that you have to be strong-minded and dedicated to the service. You have to be a person that's not judgmental, that's willing to accept people for who they are. You need to know they need correction, but give it to them with compassion, not with hate or hateful attitudes. Throughout my career, I dealt with murderers, killers, child molesters, and I treated all of them the same, providing correction with compassion.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Truthfulness, honesty, and dependability are the most important values to me. I believe in doing what you say you're gonna do. These values were crucial throughout my career in law enforcement and corrections, and they guide my personal life as well.
Locations
Georgia Department of Community Supervision
Sumter, SC 21953