Marcus McGirt, a recent 2017 graduate of Morris College earning his bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice, looks to embrace a change in the lives of youthful offenders as a new Probation Officer in the Marion County DJJ office. McGirt began his career with this department on July 2, 2018.
“This is where I’ve always dreamed of working. Of course it would have been great to be working for my hometown Dillon County, but Marion County is a great start.”
McGirt will be a Probation Case Manager, where he will follow up with community leaders to help mold youth into better citizens and keep them going in a more positive direction.
McGirt says, “I’m not here to be their friend. I am here to help them realize that trouble is not the way and it will only establish two things; jail or hell. I will always remain stern but compassionate in my job so that my clients will understand that their probation officer makes it clear what he expects of them.”
McGirt says since his younger days, he has changed a lot and it he can just reach on, then that one could lead to ten and so forth. “I have to thank God for allowing me to face adversity growing up, overcoming those obstacles and now placing me in the right place at the right time. I just finished teaching at Williams Middle School in Florence, SC, and being there in the classroom was a great deal. WMS will forever hold a special place in my heart and the students sparked my drive to pursue my dream career with DJJ. I shall uphold my end of my commitment ot the agency by making sure I hold the youth accountable. It is my mission to protect the public, while reclaiming juveniles through prevention, community services, education, and rehabilitative services in the least restrictive environment.”
In addition, McGirt plans to use resources such as job placement, community resources, help of the school and family to ensure every child gets a new start. “Not all kids are “bad”, they may have made poor decisions, but its okay. I like to ensure they know, ‘It’s not about how you start, but it’s mainly about how you finish.’ The choice is theirs and prayerfully I can assure that the goal outcome is a successful one. DJJ is my new home.”
