George Marshall is an investigator in the State Attorney’s Office and was recognized for his work with juveniles.
WHAT DID YOU DO BEFORE?
After six years in the U.S. Navy, Marshall worked briefly in construction. He then spent 24 years walking the beat for the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office before retiring. He remained in law enforcement as a juvenile and truancy officer.
WHAT DOES YOUR JOB INVOLVE?
“As an investigator, our job is to work closely with the State Attorney’s Office in preparation for court, including interviewing, locating witnesses, obtaining evidence and sometimes transporting witnesses to and from court or depositions as directed by the attorneys. I am assigned to the juvenile division, which occupies most of my time. I also work closely with the truancy program on cases referred by the School Board.”
ON AVERAGE, HOW MANY CHILDREN SKIP SCHOOL?
“I think it is 300 families that are monitored throughout the school year. The compulsory age is 6-16 and it is the responsibility of the parent to ensure that a child attends classes.”
HOW DOES THE PROCESS WORK?
“Once they decide a parent is not cooperative, the facts are presented to Chief Assistant State Attorney Jay Plotkin and he considers them for arrest. It falls on my lap to verify information, draw up the paperwork for the warrant, get the judge’s signature and coordinate with the other investigators. When we pick up parents for an arrest, it’s usually a two-man team. At that point, nothing else can be done. They’re calling the home, sending letters, making visits — with no response. Then the school refers them to us.”
WHAT’S NEXT?
“We charge them with two misdemeanors: failure to comply with mandatory school attendance laws and contributing to the delinquency of a minor. The thought is that if a parent doesn’t see a child educated, he is not prepared to lead any independent life and may cause the child to be in need of social services. They need to stay in school so they can be productive citizens. All those in jail will tell you they started getting involved in crime when they started skipping school. The cost affects the whole community.”
WHY DO CHILDREN CUT CLASSES?
“In almost every case it’s because of the parents. Those parents have a low priority on education. Many times, they are dropouts. They have a whole list of excuses but what it boils down to is inappropriate parenting.”
IS THERE ANY HOPE FOR THESE CHILDREN?
“Not really because all they see is failure. The sad part is these kids have lost the race before they even got to the gate. You wonder why we do it — it is because we have to do it.”
WHAT IS THE GREATEST OBSTACLE FOR YOU?
“The most challenging thing I run across is why these kids behave in this manner. I believe the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. When you look at their environment, you can understand why they act the way they do. Granted, there are exceptions, but most times you can bring it back to the home. Irresponsible parenting transcends racial barriers.”
ARE THERE ANY REWARDING ASPECTS OF YOUR JOB?
“Yes, in seeing positive results. For truants, it is knowing our intervention caused a parent to become more involved or gave a child a chance.”
HOMETOWN
Austin, Tex.
EDUCATION
He attended Houston Tillotson College and graduated from FCCJ with an associate’s degree in criminal justice. Marshall hopes to one day earn a bachelor’s degree in business management degree from Edward Waters College.
FAMILY
Marshall resides on the Westside with his wife Shirley. He has two grown children, Tiffany and George Jr.
AFFILIATIONS
Fraternal Order of Police, the Jacksonville Brotherhood of Police Officers and Bethel Baptist Institutional Church all claim him as a member.
HOBBIES
Beachcombing, surf fishing, barbecuing and traveling. Marshall also enjoys police shows such as “Law & Order,” reading the Bible or dining on Cuban food. “I’m really attracted to the development of youth. I like working with smaller kids, those aged four to eight. It’s an important age because a lot of developing is taking place. A lot of damaging stuff can be introduced to them that will stay with them the rest of their lives.”
HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT WINNING THE GOOD GOVERNMENT AWARD?
“I’m proud to see a group of people as influential as the Rotarians recognize persons down here trying to right wrongs on an every day basis.”