The statewide Council of Accountability Court Judges has bestowed its prestigious STAR Award on Cobb Sheriff’s Deputy Diane Watts for her work with Cobb’s Accountability Court programs. 

Accountability courts use a combination of close supervision and evidence-based treatment to hold offenders accountable for their actions and teach them to be productive members of the community.

For five years, Deputy Watts (pictured) has served as the Community Outreach Law Enforcement team member of Cobb’s DUI Court; Veterans Accountability & Treatment Court; Mental Health Court; and Drug Treatment Court. 

Cobb Superior Court Judge Kimberly A. Childs, who presides over Drug Treatment Court, described Deputy Watts as an inspiration.

“Through her dedication to helping change lives and her unmatched work ethic, Deputy Watts has made a lasting positive impact on our accountability courts. Any time anyone — staff or participant — needs anything, she always volunteers to help,” Judge Childs said. “Our accountability courts, and the citizens of Cobb County, are fortunate to have her on our team!”

The award was presented this week during the annual conference of the Council of Accountability Court Judges (CACJ) in Athens. 

For her part, Deputy Watts said this thought, attributed to Theodore Roosevelt, continually guides her: “Nobody cares how much you know until they know how much you care.”

Cobb County Sheriff Craig Owens lauded Deputy Watts’ commitment to helping others better their lives. 

“No matter where I go in Cobb County, folks are always telling me how much they enjoy their interactions with Deputy Watts in the courts and the community,” Sheriff Owens said. “She represents the best of the Sheriff’s Office and the law enforcement community.”