The people who manage Georgia prisons are still struggling to keep enough guards for a prison population that will keep growing for the foreseeable future. Meanwhile, the Georgia Department of Corrections continues to forcefully and persistently make their case for permission to ground unmanned aircraft — drones — which officials say are dropping drugs, cellphones …
Credit: Sofi Gratas/GPB News Section Branding Header Content Too few guards and too many drones: Georgia prisons leaders alert lawmakers to dangers Primary Content LISTEN: While the number of prison guards in Georgia prisons is at a 15-year low, corrections officials say the number of people incarcerated in the state is at a 15-year high …
Former corrections officer cadet pleads guilty to smuggling meth into Dooly State Prison DOOLY COUNTY, Ga. (WGXA) — A man who was training to be a correction officer at Dooly State Prison pleaded guilty to attempting to smuggle narcotics into the facility. Julius Deshawn Williams Jr., 29, of Bonaire, is facing a maximum sentence of …
Caption Commissioner Tyrone Oliver, second from left, speaks during a 2023 meeting of the Georgia Board of Corrections. In 2025, Oliver says low numbers of officers and high numbers of contraband-laden drones are pressing problems. Credit: Sofi Gratas/GPB News
Some Georgia lawmakers want to use state resources to keep drones from dropping off contraband like drugs and cell phones at detention facilities. Matthew Wolfe, director of the Office of Professional Standards within the Georgia Department of Corrections, said a months-long investigation that led to the arrest of 150 suspects drove down drone activity last …
Ga. prisons struggle with safety despite $600M funding boost ATLANTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) — Georgia lawmakers questioned Monday whether a $600 million funding boost approved last session is making any difference in the state’s troubled prison system. The prison system has struggled for years with overcrowding, understaffing and dangerous conditions. Lawmakers approved the one-time funding increase …
Lawmakers question whether $600M investment made Georgia prisons safer ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — Georgia lawmakers are pressing for answers after approving a $600 million investment aimed at stabilizing the state’s troubled prison system. During a House Budget Committee meeting on Monday, members asked whether the money has led to any meaningful improvements as …
The Georgia Department of Corrections has appointed Tamara Grier as Deputy Warden of Security at Washington State Prison, effective on Sunday. Commissioner Tyrone Oliver announced the promotion, noting Grier’s more than 22 years of experience in the state’s correctional system. According to the Georgia Department of Corrections, Grier will supervise the security team and oversee …
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Last week, Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC) Commissioner Tyrone Oliver announced the promotion of Tarmarshe Smith, Assistant Director for the Southeast Region, to Southeast Regional Director, effective October 1, 2025, following the retirement of his predecessor, Annettia Toby. As Southeast Regional Director, Smith will oversee the management of 16 state prison facilities throughout the Southeast …