Resources

The Reality: Getting information from the GDC is often difficult. Georgia law (O.C.G.A. § 42-5-36) classifies prison inmate files as “confidential state secrets”—language typically reserved for national security matters. This gives the GDC extraordinary power to withhold records that would be public in most other states.

An Atlanta Journal-Constitution investigation found that the GDC has become increasingly opaque, withholding information that was once routinely released and even resisting federal subpoenas. When families call seeking information, they often hear: “That’s confidential,” “We can’t release that,” or “You’ll need to file an open records request.”

Your Options for Requesting Information

1. GDC Open Records Portal
For formal open records requests, use the GDC’s official portal:
GDC Open Records Portal
Email: open.records@gdc.ga.gov | Phone: (478) 992-5247

2. Understand What’s Actually Available
Not all records come from the GDC. A single incident generates records across multiple agencies—the prison, medical providers, GBI Medical Examiner, county coroner, and outside hospitals. Knowing who controls which records prevents wasted time.

3. Use GPS Resources

• Family Guide to Requesting Georgia Prison Records – Our comprehensive guide covering who creates records, what laws govern access, and how to navigate a system designed to protect itself from scrutiny.
• How to Request Georgia Prison Financial Records – Specific guidance for budget, contract, and financial transparency requests.
• GPS Lighthouse AI – Have questions about prison records, your rights, or how to navigate the system? Ask our AI assistant for guidance based on Georgia law and GPS resources.

Important: If you’re dealing with a death in custody, serious injury, or potential civil rights violation, consult with a qualified attorney. The records landscape is complex, and legal counsel can help you access information through subpoenas and discovery that the GDC won’t voluntarily release.

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.

You can also search our GPS Lighthouse AI for information concerning SOPs and what they mean.

The GDC has an official handbook that they give to prisoners when they arrive in prison. However this is always a time of confusion and the handbook is just a set of poorly copied pages that often get thrown away long before being read by anyone. You can read or download a copy of the handbook on our site here: Georgia Prisoner’s Handbook

Need help finding the phone numbers for GDC facilities, or who to talk to? Our GDC Facilities directory can help. Here you can get the latest information about the warden, phone numbers, capacity, population data, and mortality statistics.

You can see the GDC’s latest facilities directory here: GDC website.

Learn about Georgia DOC’s responsibilities and your rights as a family member when an inmate dies in custody. Read our full guide: Your Rights and the GDC’s Responsibilities: What Families Need to Know When an Inmate Dies