Family members worried about an inmate’s safety in the Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC) should take immediate action through multiple channels. Below are the best contacts, support resources, and steps to report violence and seek a safer placement for your loved one. We’ve included key phone numbers, emails, and websites, as well as advice on documenting incidents and escalating the issue effectively.
This guide is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice.
1. Contact GDC Officials Responsible for Safety and Transfers
Start by notifying the GDC about your loved one’s situation. Use official channels both at the prison facility level and at GDC headquarters:
- Prison Staff and Warden: Call the prison directly and inform the administration of the threats or attacks. Ask to speak with the Warden or the Deputy Warden of Care & Treatment. Every GDC prison has a main phone line (find it via GDC’s Facility Search tool https://gdc.georgia.gov/locations). Explain that the inmate’s safety is at risk and request protective custody or an immediate transfer for their protection. (In GDC, inmates are encouraged to report issues up the chain of command: counselor → chief counselor → deputy warden → warden.) Make clear that your loved one has been assaulted or threatened and needs intervention.
Tip: Note the date, time, and name of any staff you speak to, and what was said, for your records 1 2
- GDC Inmate Concerns Line: Also call the GDC “Inmate Concerns/Questions” hotline at (404) 656-4661 3. This is a general contact number at GDC’s central office for family members. Explain the situation and ask for guidance or for your message to be relayed to the appropriate officials. They may direct you to the Ombudsman or other departments, but calling ensures your concern is logged at the central office.
- GDC Ombudsman & Inmate Affairs Office: This office “acts as a bridge between concerned citizens and the Department of Corrections” to help protect inmates’ rights and safety 4. Contact the Ombudsman ASAP if your loved one is experiencing violence or credible threats. Provide as many details as possible (inmate’s name/ID, facility, dates of incidents, names of aggressors if known, etc.). Contact info: Phone: (478) 992-5358; Email: Ombudsman@gdc.ga.gov 5. You can remain anonymous if needed, but detailed information will help them act. The Ombudsman’s office can liaise with prison officials or launch% an inquiry to ensure your loved one is protected.6
- Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) Hotline (for sexual violence): If the safety concerns involve sexual assault or sexual harassment, use GDC’s confidential PREA reporting channels. Call the PREA hotline at 1-888-992-7849 (toll-free) to report sexual abuse 7 – calls are recorded and checked by the PREA Unit on weekdays. You can also email the PREA Unit at PREA.report@gdc.ga.gov8. GDC policy is to investigate all allegations of sexual abuse promptly and thoroughly.
- Office of Victim Services (OVS): GDC’s OVS (joint with Pardons and Paroles) is intended to assist crime victims, including inmates who have been victimized. Contact OVS at (404) 651-6668 or send email from their website: https://gdc.georgia.gov/contact-us. Provide the inmate’s details and explain they have been a victim of repeated violence. OVS also keeps victims informed about transfers or parole decisions, so they have an interest in inmate victim safety.
- GDC Classification/Transfer Unit: If you’re specifically seeking a transfer to another facility for safety, you can reach out to the officials in charge of inmate placement. GDC’s Classification and Transfers Director can be contacted at (404) 656-4987 9. Politely explain that your loved one’s life is in danger at their current facility and reference any Warden or Ombudsman communications supporting a transfer.
- GDC Regional or Facilities Director: For serious or unresolved issues, consider escalating to the GDC Facilities Division Director – who oversees operations of all state prisons. The Facilities Director’s office number is (404) 656-2809; email: benjamin.ford@gdc.ga.gov. If you still get no response, the final step at GDC would be contacting the Commissioner’s Office at (404) 656-6002.
Keep records of all GDC contacts. Write down names, dates, and summaries of conversations or email exchanges 10. This documentation will be crucial if you need to escalate further.
2. Report Violence Through Formal Grievances and Requests
While you as family are contacting officials outside, the inmate should also use the prison’s formal reporting systems if at all possible. This creates an official paper trail:
- Inmate Grievance Procedure: GDC has a Standard Grievance Process for inmates to report problems. Encourage your loved one to file a grievance about each violent incident or threat, especially if staff haven’t adequately protected them. The grievance should detail what happened and request protective action or transfer. Important: Grievances have strict time limits11, so the inmate must act quickly.
- Protective Custody Request: The inmate can request to be placed in protective custody or a safer housing unit. This is usually done by speaking to their counselor or unit manager and by filing an “Emergency Grievance” stating they are in fear for their life.
- Document Injuries and Incidents: If your loved one has been injured, urge them to get medical attention and document it. Medical visits create records that can corroborate assaults. They should also note names of officers on duty during incidents. As family, keep any letters or photos describing injuries.
- Follow the Chain of Command (Facility Level): GDC’s advice is to escalate issues step-by-step at the facility unless it’s an emergency. That means: 1) Inmate’s counselor, 2) Chief Counselor, 3) Deputy Warden, 4) Warden, before going above the prison.
Use internal complaint mechanisms in parallel with external calls. This two-pronged approach (inmate files grievances while family calls officials) increases pressure on the system.
3. Prisoner Advocacy Organizations in Georgia (Support & Guidance)
You don’t have to navigate this alone. Georgia has several non-profit advocacy and legal organizations that assist inmates and their families, especially in cases of abuse or unsafe conditions:
Southern Center for Human Rights (SCHR)
A leading prisoners’ rights organization in Georgia (https://www.schr.org/). Contact: Phone (404) 688-1202; Email info@schr.org 12 They have litigated cases against GDC for unsafe conditions.
ACLU of Georgia
Works to defend prisoners’ constitutional rights (https://acluga.org/). You can email: info@acluga.org or check their site for prisoner rights resources.
Georgia Justice Project (GJP)
Provides holistic legal services (https://www.gjp.org). Intake phone: (404) 827-0027 ext. 231 or email [email protected] 13.
Georgia Advocacy Office (GAO)
The designated Protection & Advocacy organization for people with disabilities in Georgia. Phone:(404) 885-1234 or 1-800-537-2329 14.
National Organizations like Just Detention International, Prison Fellowship, NAACP, or Prison Legal News can also be resources for education and broader support.
Tip: When contacting any advocacy group, have a brief summary of the situation and what you need (legal representation, contacting GDC, etc.).
4. Requesting a Transfer to Another Facility for Safety
One primary goal: get your loved one moved to a safer prison. GDC does allow transfers for safety reasons, though there is a process:
- Inmate-Initiated Transfer Requests: Normally, GDC policy says an inmate must be at their facility at least 12 months to request a transfer 15. However, safety concerns override usual rules. If an inmate’s life is in danger, an exception can be made.
- Emergency Transfer for Safety: Request an emergency transfer from the Warden first, explaining it’s a life-or-death matter. If the Warden is unresponsive, escalate to the Facilities Division Director at (404) 656-2809. Also contact the Classification and Transfers Director at (404) 656-4987.
- Work with the Counselor: The inmate should also request a transfer form from their counselor. Some counselors might resist, so your parallel calls to higher-ups are crucial.
- No Formal Appeal if Denied: GDC’s Classification Office has the final say. Build the strongest case upfront with evidence of repeated assaults, medical reports, and official grievance filings.
- Follow Up After Transfer Approval: Transfers can take days or weeks. Ensure your loved one has protective custody if necessary while awaiting movement.
5. State and Federal Oversight Bodies
If GDC’s internal system isn’t addressing the issue, turn to outside oversight:
- Georgia Board of Corrections: The governing board for GDC. You can contact them at (478) 992-5258 16. They may not handle individual cases routinely, but a formal complaint can escalate pressure.
- Georgia Office of the Inspector General (OIG): Investigates allegations of abuse or mismanagement in state agencies. Phone: (404) 656-7924,
Web: https://oig.georgia.gov/, Email: inspector.general@oig.ga.gov17.
- U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), Civil Rights Division: Can investigate systemic prison abuses. Email the DOJ Special Litigation Section at [email protected] or call (202) 514-6255 18. The DOJ concluded that GDC fails to protect inmates from widespread violence 19.
- Local Law Enforcement (GBI or District Attorney): Assault in prison is a crime. Consider contacting the Georgia Bureau of Investigation or the local District Attorney to press charges against attackers.
- State Representatives or Governor’s Office: A call or letter from a state legislator can sometimes get a faster response. Contact the Governor’s Office of Constituent Services or your local representative.
6. Documenting and Escalating the Case Effectively
Throughout this process, documentation and persistence are crucial:
- Keep a Contact Log: Track names, dates, times, and summaries of conversations or emails.
- Save All Correspondence: For emails, cc yourself. For letters, use certified mail if possible.
- Use Multiple Avenues: For critical communications, use phone and follow up in writing.
- Follow Up Regularly: If an official promises action, mark your calendar and call back if you don’t hear from them.
- Engage an Attorney if Possible: A lawyer can contact GDC’s legal office or file legal motions. Sometimes a demand letter from an attorney spurs action.
- Consider Media or Public Pressure: Media coverage can force GDC to act, but weigh the risk of retaliation.
- Maintain Your Loved One’s Involvement: Keep communicating with them. They should keep reporting threats internally, file grievances, and document incidents.
- Self-Care: Advocacy is stressful. Seek emotional support through local or online groups for families of incarcerated people.
In summary
Act quickly, use all available resources, and create a well-documented case for protection. Start with GDC’s own channels (warden, Ombudsman, etc.), involve advocacy groups, and escalate to oversight bodies if needed. You have every right to insist that GDC protect your loved one. Keep pushing until that safety is secured.
Summary of Contacts
1. Contact GDC Officials Directly
Facility-Level Contacts
Find facility contact info here: https://gdc.georgia.gov/locations
GDC Central Contacts
• Inmate Concerns Line
Phone: (404) 656-4661
Web: https://gdc.georgia.gov/contact-us
• Ombudsman & Inmate Affairs Office
Phone: (478) 992-5358
Email: Ombudsman@gdc.ga.gov
Web: https://gdc.georgia.gov/contacts/ombudsman-and-inmate-affairs-office
Fact Sheet: https://gdc.georgia.gov/document/fact-sheets/ombudsman-fact-sheet/download
• Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) Hotline (For sexual violence)
Phone: 1-888-992-7849 (toll-free)
PREA Information Brochure: https://gdc.georgia.gov/document/document/prison-rape-elimination-act-brochure-english-version/download
• Office of Victim Services (OVS)
Phone: (404) 651-6668
Email: victim.services@gdc.ga.gov
Web: https://www.gdc.ga.gov/contact-us (general GDC contact page—no specific OVS link provided yet)
• GDC Facilities Division Director
Phone: (404) 656-2809
Current email: benjamin.ford@gdc.ga.gov
(No direct URL provided yet; mentioned in SCHR Handbook.)
• GDC Classification & Transfer Unit
Phone: (404) 656-4987
https://public.powerdms.com/GADOC/documents/105755
2. Formal Grievances and Requests for Protective Custody
• GDC grievance and chain of command process:
3. Prisoner Advocacy Organizations in Georgia
Southern Center for Human Rights (SCHR)
- Phone: (404) 688-1202
- Address: 60 Walton Street, Atlanta, GA
- Web: https://www.schr.org/
SCHR Advocacy Handbook (for emergencies/transfers):
More on SCHR from Prison Activist Resource Center:
ACLU of Georgia (Prisoner Rights)
Main Prisoner Rights page:
https://www.acluga.org/sites/default/files/know-your-rights-prisoner.pdf
Advice for documenting communications:
Georgia Justice Project (GJP)
Phone: (404) 827-0027 ext. 231
Web: https://www.gjp.org/get-help/
• Georgia Advocacy Office (GAO – Disability Rights)
Contact info (provided in ACLU resource list PDF):
https://www.acluga.org/sites/default/files/general_legal_resource_list.pdf
4. State and Federal Oversight Agencies
• Georgia Office of Inspector General (OIG)
Web: https://oig.georgia.gov/
• U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), Civil Rights Division
Main site: https://www.justice.gov/crt/
DOJ Press Release (investigation into Georgia prisons, Oct 2024):
https://www.justice.gov/crt/media/1371406/dl?inline
5. Important Documentation Steps
• Clearly document all communications with officials (names, dates, times, and details).
Guidance from ACLU on documentation:
https://www.acluga.org/en/know-your-rights/know-your-rights
https://www.acluga.org/en/know-your-rights/prisoner-rights
• Use formal letters (certified mail) or email to create written records.
• Escalate systematically (facility-level → central GDC → advocacy groups → oversight agencies).
Sources:
Here’s the alphabetized list of the sources and URLs:
A
• ACLU – KNOW YOUR RIGHTS
• ACLU of Georgia – Prisoners’ rights to safety and steps if rights are violated
• ACLU National – Advice to document who you contact and what they say
G
• GDC – Visit an Inmate
https://www.gdc.ga.gov/content/visit-inmate
• GDC Standards Operating Procedures
https://www.powerdms.com/public/GADOC
• GDC “Questions About Your Loved Ones” – Chain of command for issues and transfer policy
• Georgia Advocacy Office – State P&A for abuse of individuals with disabilities, contact info
https://www.acluga.org/sites/default/files/general_legal_resource_list.pdf
• Georgia Department of Corrections – “Contact Us” (Inmate Concerns line and Office of Victim Services)
https://www.gdc.ga.gov/content/contact-us
• Georgia Department of Corrections – Ombudsman & Inmate Affairs Office contact information
Email: Ombudsman@gdc.ga.gov
Phone: (478) 992-5358
Web: https://gdc.georgia.gov/contacts/ombudsman-and-inmate-affairs-office
• Georgia Department of Corrections – PREA HOTLINE
1-888-992-7849
• Georgia Justice Project – Intake for incarcerated individuals (family can call)
(404) 827-0027 ext. 231
J
• Just Detention International – Office of the Ombudsman, Georgia DOC
O
• Office of the Inspector General
• Ombudsman Facts Sheet
https://gdc.georgia.gov/document/fact-sheets/ombudsman-fact-sheet/download
P
• Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA): How to prevent it. How to report it.
R
• Report Sexual Abuse or Harassment of an Inmate
S
• SCHR Advocacy Handbook – Contact info for GDC Facilities Division Director (404-656-2809) and Classification Director (404-656-4987)
• SCHR Advocacy Handbook – Emergency transfer when inmate in danger (exception to 12-month rule)
• Southern Center for Human Rights – Organization mission and contact
60 Walton St, Atlanta, (404) 688-1202
• Southern Center for Human Rights – Organization mission and contact
U
• U.S. DOJ Civil Rights Division
• U.S. DOJ Press Release (Oct 1, 2024) – Findings that Georgia prisons fail to protect inmates from violence, violating the Constitution
This guide is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice.
- https://www.aclu.org/know-your-rights/prisoners-rights
- https://www.acluga.org/sites/default/files/know-your-rights-prisoner.pdf
- https://gdc.georgia.gov/contact-us
- http://www.dcor.state.ga.us/InmateInfo/ombudsman.html
- https://gdc.georgia.gov/contacts/ombudsman-and-inmate-affairs-office
- https://gdc.georgia.gov/document/fact-sheets/ombudsman-fact-sheet/download
- https://gdc.georgia.gov/contact-us/report-criminal-activity/how-do-i-report-sexual-abuse-or-harassment-inmate#:~:text=Ombudsman%20and%20Inmate%20Affairs%20Office
- https://gdc.georgia.gov/document/document/prison-rape-elimination-act-brochure-english-version/download
- https://public.powerdms.com/GADOC/documents/105755
- https://www.aclu.org/know-your-rights/prisoners-rights
- https://www.schr.org/files/post/AdvocacyHandbook1109.pdf#:~:text=For%20a%20prisoner%20to%20get,by%20guards%20or%20other%20prisoners
- https://www.schr.org/
- https://www.gjp.org/get-help/
- http://thegao.org/
- https://public.powerdms.com/GADOC/documents/105755
- https://boc.georgia.gov/ or https://gdc.georgia.gov/organization/about-gdc/board-corrections
- https://oig.georgia.gov/
- Civil Rights Division | Civil Rights Division
- https://www.justice.gov/crt/media/1371406/dl?inline
