FAQs

GPS Press is an independent platform dedicated to reporting on prison conditions in Georgia. Our goal is to raise awareness, foster accountability, and advocate for humane treatment and reform within Georgia’s prison system.

We believe focusing on one state’s prison system allows us to provide in-depth, accurate, and timely information. By concentrating on Georgia, we aim to shed light on systemic issues and collaborate with local advocates for concrete reforms.

GPS Press is operated by a team of journalists, advocates, and volunteers who are passionate about prison reform and social justice. Our staff has backgrounds in law, social work, public policy, and journalism.

No. GPS Press is an independent organization. Our reporting and advocacy are driven by our commitment to ethical journalism and prisoner rights rather than any political or government agenda.

There are many ways to get involved:

•Spread Awareness: Share our articles and reports on social media.

•Volunteer: Join local advocacy groups or legal aid organizations.

•Donate: Contribute funds or resources to nonprofits focused on criminal justice reform.

•Contact Legislators: Voice your concerns to state representatives and senators.

Utilize the GPS Impact Justice AI system to generate and send messages via email to decision makers and media outlets.

Yes! We regularly seek writers, researchers, legal advisors, and social media volunteers. If you’re passionate about prison reform and have relevant skills, please reach out via our Join Our Movement Page.

Absolutely. We welcome firsthand accounts and encourage families or currently/formerly incarcerated individuals to share their perspectives. You can submit your story securely through our Story Submission page, or email us at mystory@gps.press and we will do our best to protect your privacy.

We rely on firsthand accounts from incarcerated individuals, their families, legal documents, data from the Georgia Department of Corrections, and credible news sources. We also collaborate with local advocacy groups and attorneys.

We aim to publish several new articles or investigative pieces each week. You can subscribe to our newsletter or follow us on social media for regular updates.

We follow journalistic standards, including fact-checking and verifying sources whenever possible. Because many incarcerated people face communication barriers, we work diligently to corroborate their experiences through official documents or multiple eyewitness accounts.

The Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC) provides a platform for submitting information requests, inquiries, or support tickets. Follow the steps below to make a request using their official portal:

1. Access the GDC Request Portal

•Visit the GDC support page using the following link: GDC Information Request Portal.

2. Choose the Appropriate Request Type

•On the portal’s homepage, you’ll see categories for different types of inquiries or requests (e.g., public records, inmate information, etc.).

•Select the category that best fits your inquiry to ensure it is directed to the appropriate department.

3. Complete the Request Form

•Once you select a category, a form will appear for you to fill out. Provide the following details:

•Your Name: Enter your full name.

•Contact Information: Provide a valid email address and phone number so GDC can reach you with updates or responses.

•Request Details: Clearly describe the information you are seeking, such as inmate records, facility conditions, or public records.

•Attachments (if applicable): Upload any supporting documents to clarify or support your request.

4. Submit Your Request

•Review the information you’ve entered to ensure it’s accurate and complete.

•Click the Submit button to send your request.

5. Monitor Your Request

•After submission, you will receive a confirmation email or reference number to track your request.

•Use the portal to check the status of your request or provide additional information if needed.

6. Respond to Follow-ups

•If GDC requires further clarification, they may contact you via email or phone. Respond promptly to avoid delays.

Notes:

•Public Records Requests: Requests for public records may be subject to Georgia’s Open Records Act. Be clear and specific in your request to expedite the process.

•Confidential Information: Avoid including sensitive or confidential information unless it is explicitly required and you are authorized to provide it.

This portal simplifies the process of communicating with the GDC and obtaining information, ensuring transparency and efficient service.

The Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC) provides access to its Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) on its official website. These policies and procedures are available at the following link:

gdc.georgia.gov/organization/about-gdc/policies-and-procedures

On this page, you’ll find a comprehensive library of policies organized by division, including the Administrative & Finance Division, Executive Division, and Inmate Services. This structure makes it easy to locate specific SOPs relevant to your inquiry.

We take confidentiality seriously. Any personal details you provide can be anonymized in our reports, and we use secure submission channels to protect your privacy whenever possible.

We utilize Proton Mail.  We suggest you do the same. It is end-to-end encrypted.

Absolutely! Retaliation is always a concern when dealing with the GDC.

If you choose to share through GPS Press, we will do our best to protect your identity and your loved one’s privacy.   Share sensitive information only through our secure email: mystory@gps.press.

We encourage you to consult legal advice before going public if you have serious worries.

We operate through a combination of donations, grants, and sponsorships. Our financial independence allows us to maintain objective reporting.

No. We don’t currently take donations.

You can sign up for our newsletter via the subscription box on our homepage. We’ll send you weekly updates on new articles, developments in Georgia’s prison system, and advocacy opportunities.

Our Read Our Articles page contains all of our past articles, organized by date and topic for easy browsing.

Please email us at support@gps.press  Include the link to the article you’re trying to access so we can troubleshoot.

You can reach us via email at accountability@gps.press.

Please direct media and interview requests to media@gps.press. Include your deadline and any relevant details about the story you’re pursuing.