Gainesville man sworn in as Juvenile Justice head

ATLANTA - Avery Niles has been sworn in as commissioner of the Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice.

Gov. Nathan Deal presided over Friday's ceremony at the Capitol and praised Niles as a "stalwart, dedicated and dependable" leader.

Niles previously served as warden of the Hall County Correctional Institute. He is a 23-year veteran of the Hall County Sheriff's Department.

Niles was initially named interim commissioner after Gale Buckner stepped down to serve as chief magistrate judge in Murray County. The department has been dealing with safety and security concerns in recent years, particularly at the Youth Development Campus in Augusta. The department continues to investigate the recent escape of five residents from the Augusta facility.

Niles said Friday he is committed to providing "effective intervention to improve the lives of youth."