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Georgia’s prison system has come under sustained scrutiny from federal investigators, state consultants, and investigative reporters. This page collects recent coverage so readers can follow the crisis — and the push for reform.
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GDC names 12 inmates charged in deadly Washington State Prison …
1 day ago … GDC names 12 inmates charged in deadly Washington State Prison riot, outlines charges. The Georgia Department of Corrections has named the 12 inmates charged …
Lifers Fall Through the Cracks of the Prison Security Classification System
May 4, 2026 The Georgia Department of Corrections assigns every person in its custody a security classification: Minimum, Medium or Close. This classification determines which prisons they can be sent to, what jobs they can be assigned, what programming they have access to and how much their movements are restricted. Anyone whose conviction is designated ... <p class="read-more-container"><a title="Lifers Fall Through the Cracks of the Prison Security Classification System" class="read-more button" href="https://gps.press/gps-news/lifers-fall-through-the-cracks-of-the-prison-security-classification-system/#more-10227" aria-label="Read more about Lifers Fall Through the Cracks of the Prison Security Classification System">Read more</a></p>
WALB
Family demands answers after inmate dies following balcony fall at SGA prison Willis family still seeking transparency years after son’s death at Calhoun State Prison THOMASVILLE, Ga. (WALB) – The family of Willie Andrew Willis Jr. is still searching for answers one year after he suffered catastrophic injuries and died while incarcerated at Calhoun State ... <p class="read-more-container"><a title="WALB" class="read-more button" href="https://gps.press/gps-news/walb/#more-8304" aria-label="Read more about WALB">Read more</a></p>
WTOC reports on prison conditions
Workers and inmates report human rights crisis at Coastal State Prison Federal investigation found Georgia prisons failing to protect inmates from violence and unconstitutional conditions SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) – Workers and inmates at Coastal State Prison are reporting what they call a human rights crisis, echoing findings from a federal investigation into Georgia’s prison system. ... <p class="read-more-container"><a title="WTOC reports on prison conditions" class="read-more button" href="https://gps.press/gps-news/wtoc-reports-on-prison-conditions/#more-8302" aria-label="Read more about WTOC reports on prison conditions">Read more</a></p>
Inmate dies at Coastal State Prison – MSN
16 hours ago … SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) – A Coastal State Prison inmate died on Sunday, the Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC) has confirmed to WTOC.
Federal judge chides Georgia prison boss and GDC for acting ‘above the law’ – AJC.com
Federal judge chides Georgia prison boss and GDC for acting ‘above the law’ MACON — A federal judge on Tuesday scolded the Georgia Department of Corrections’ persistent failure to comply with court orders and questioned whether the department deems itself “above the law.” U.S. District Court Judge Tilman E. “Tripp” Self III went so far ... <p class="read-more-container"><a title="Federal judge chides Georgia prison boss and GDC for acting ‘above the law’ – AJC.com" class="read-more button" href="https://gps.press/gps-news/federal-judge-chides-georgia-prison-boss-and-gdc-for-acting-above-the-law-ajc-com-2/#more-8212" aria-label="Read more about Federal judge chides Georgia prison boss and GDC for acting ‘above the law’ – AJC.com">Read more</a></p>
Day after deadly Georgia prison brawl, 2nd fight breaks out at nearby site – AJC.com
For the second time in two days, a fight broke out in a Georgia prison. On Monday night, at least two inmates were injured during a brawl inside Hancock State Prison, authorities said. Officials did not detail the severity of the injuries or say if the inmates were taken to a hospital.
Inmate set for release this week among 3 dead in Georgia prison fight – AJC.com
Inmate set for release this week among 3 dead in Georgia prison fight Aquinas Stillwell was prepared for his youngest brother to be released from prison Wednesday. Jimmy Trammell, 42, had spent the past decade behind bars. The brothers were going to meet up at a Greyhound bus stop in Atlanta in three days. But ... <p class="read-more-container"><a title="Inmate set for release this week among 3 dead in Georgia prison fight – AJC.com" class="read-more button" href="https://gps.press/gps-news/inmate-set-for-release-this-week-among-3-dead-in-georgia-prison-fight-ajc-com/#more-7576" aria-label="Read more about Inmate set for release this week among 3 dead in Georgia prison fight – AJC.com">Read more</a></p>
Georgia prison homicides outpacing last year
Georgia prison homicides outpacing last year Homicides in Georgia prisons at the six month mark this year are outpacing last year, which was one of the deadliest years on record. In just the first six months of this year, the Georgia Department of Corrections is investigating 42 deaths as possible homicides — already nearly two-thirds ... <p class="read-more-container"><a title="Georgia prison homicides outpacing last year" class="read-more button" href="https://gps.press/gps-news/georgia-prison-homicides-outpacing-last-year/#more-6738" aria-label="Read more about Georgia prison homicides outpacing last year">Read more</a></p>
Prison staff was warned of gun used to kill kitchen worker, lawsuit alleges – AJC.com
Prison staff was warned of gun used to kill kitchen worker, lawsuit alleges The mother of a Georgia prison food service worker shot and killed by an inmate last year said officials knew there was a gun inside the Glennville facility for more than a year but failed to act. Deshonda Hagins is now raising ... <p class="read-more-container"><a title="Prison staff was warned of gun used to kill kitchen worker, lawsuit alleges – AJC.com" class="read-more button" href="https://gps.press/gps-news/prison-staff-was-warned-of-gun-used-to-kill-kitchen-worker-lawsuit-alleges-ajc-com/#more-7246" aria-label="Read more about Prison staff was warned of gun used to kill kitchen worker, lawsuit alleges – AJC.com">Read more</a></p>
Broken Buildings, Broken People
Voices Broken Buildings, Broken People In prison, bad days don’t come cheap. Jerry stormed into his cell, shaking with rage. He threw his coat and gloves in a pile on his bunk and looked around for something to smash. It’s futile, and he knows it. The few items in his cell not bolted down were ... <p class="read-more-container"><a title="Broken Buildings, Broken People" class="read-more button" href="https://gps.press/gps-news/broken-buildings-broken-people/#more-6640" aria-label="Read more about Broken Buildings, Broken People">Read more</a></p>
Imprisoned People Can Do More than ‘Scare’ Kids ‘Straight’
Imprisoned People Can Do More than ‘Scare’ Kids ‘Straight’ “Scared straight” programs don’t work. But that doesn’t mean incarcerated people shouldn’t mentor at-risk kids. In 1978, the Oscar-winning documentary “Scared Straight!” popularized the idea that the best way to prevent young people from incarceration is to scare them. The film focuses on a group of ... <p class="read-more-container"><a title="Imprisoned People Can Do More than ‘Scare’ Kids ‘Straight’" class="read-more button" href="https://gps.press/gps-news/imprisoned-people-can-do-more-than-scare-kids-straight/#more-6645" aria-label="Read more about Imprisoned People Can Do More than ‘Scare’ Kids ‘Straight’">Read more</a></p>
How Prison Dog-Training Programs Transform Lives
Newsletter How Prison Dog-Training Programs Transform Lives “We are not just training dogs — we are training ourselves to be better humans.” Prisons are designed for control, not compassion. Rows of razor wire, towering walls, and unyielding steel doors remind us we’re meant to be forgotten. For those of us serving life and long sentences, ... <p class="read-more-container"><a title="How Prison Dog-Training Programs Transform Lives" class="read-more button" href="https://gps.press/gps-news/how-prison-dog-training-programs-transform-lives/#more-6652" aria-label="Read more about How Prison Dog-Training Programs Transform Lives">Read more</a></p>
How ‘Bankruptcy’ Lets Private Prison Contractors Evade Accountability
Newsletter How ‘Bankruptcy’ Lets Private Prison Contractors Evade Accountability Wellpath, one of the nation’s largest private correctional medical contractors, has conveniently filed for bankruptcy as it faces scores of lawsuits for alleged neglect and misconduct. Private jail medical contractors have made a business out of avoiding consequences for civil rights violations. They offer local governments ... <p class="read-more-container"><a title="How ‘Bankruptcy’ Lets Private Prison Contractors Evade Accountability" class="read-more button" href="https://gps.press/gps-news/how-bankruptcy-lets-private-prison-contractors-evade-accountability/#more-6662" aria-label="Read more about How ‘Bankruptcy’ Lets Private Prison Contractors Evade Accountability">Read more</a></p>
Too few guards and too many drones: Georgia prisons leaders alert lawmakers to dangers
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 ... <p class="read-more-container"><a title="Too few guards and too many drones: Georgia prisons leaders alert lawmakers to dangers" class="read-more button" href="https://gps.press/gps-news/too-few-guards-and-too-many-drones-georgia-prisons-leaders-alert-lawmakers-to-dangers/#more-7085" aria-label="Read more about Too few guards and too many drones: Georgia prisons leaders alert lawmakers to dangers">Read more</a></p>
Too few guards and too many drones: Georgia prisons leaders alert lawmakers to dangers – Georgia Public Broadcasting
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
Gov. Kemp recommends adding $372 million to shore up Georgia prisons – Georgia Public Broadcasting
Credit: Grant Blankenship/GPB News Section Branding Header Content Gov. Kemp recommends adding $372 million to shore up Georgia prisons Primary Content Gov. Brian Kemp has released his recommendations for strengthening Georgia’s struggling prison system, which include an additional $372 million in state spending. “We do realize and recognize that this is — I don’t know ... <p class="read-more-container"><a title="Gov. Kemp recommends adding $372 million to shore up Georgia prisons – Georgia Public Broadcasting" class="read-more button" href="https://gps.press/gps-news/gov-kemp-recommends-adding-372-million-to-shore-up-georgia-prisons-georgia-public-broadcasting/#more-6686" aria-label="Read more about Gov. Kemp recommends adding $372 million to shore up Georgia prisons – Georgia Public Broadcasting">Read more</a></p>
State prisons chief pitches case for funding boost – Georgia Public Broadcasting
Section Branding Header Content State prisons chief pitches case for funding boost Primary Content ATLANTA — Georgia Department of Corrections officials began laying the groundwork Wednesday for an infusion of state funding to beef up staffing, replace aging infrastructure, and improve inmate health care. The state’s workforce of correctional officers plummeted during the COVID pandemic ... <p class="read-more-container"><a title="State prisons chief pitches case for funding boost – Georgia Public Broadcasting" class="read-more button" href="https://gps.press/gps-news/state-prisons-chief-pitches-case-for-funding-boost-georgia-public-broadcasting/#more-6687" aria-label="Read more about State prisons chief pitches case for funding boost – Georgia Public Broadcasting">Read more</a></p>
The federal Department of Justice: ‘deliberate indifference’ to violence in Georgia prisons – Georgia Public Broadcasting
Credit: Grant Blankenship/GPB News Section Branding Header Content The federal Department of Justice: ‘deliberate indifference’ to violence in Georgia prisons Primary Content LISTEN: After a yearslong investigation, the Department of Justice says violence in Georgia prisons is at a “crisis level.” GPB’s Grant Blankenship reports. In a blistering, just-released report years in the making, the ... <p class="read-more-container"><a title="The federal Department of Justice: ‘deliberate indifference’ to violence in Georgia prisons – Georgia Public Broadcasting" class="read-more button" href="https://gps.press/gps-news/the-federal-department-of-justice-deliberate-indifference-to-violence-in-georgia-prisons-georgia-public-broadcasting/#more-6688" aria-label="Read more about The federal Department of Justice: ‘deliberate indifference’ to violence in Georgia prisons – Georgia Public Broadcasting">Read more</a></p>
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Crime Laws: How Louisiana, Georgia, Other States Embrace ‘Tough-on-Crime
This is The Marshall Project’s Closing Argument newsletter, a weekly deep dive into a key criminal justice issue. Want this delivered to your inbox? Subscribe to future newsletters here. For decades, Louisiana had the nation’s highest rate of incarceration. And — given that the U.S. is among the most carceral countries on the planet — ... <p class="read-more-container"><a title="Crime Laws: How Louisiana, Georgia, Other States Embrace ‘Tough-on-Crime" class="read-more button" href="https://gps.press/gps-news/crime-laws-how-louisiana-georgia-other-states-embrace-tough-on-crime/#more-6772" aria-label="Read more about Crime Laws: How Louisiana, Georgia, Other States Embrace ‘Tough-on-Crime">Read more</a></p>
Data Reveals Prison Crisis: More Prisoners, Fewer Correctional Officers
When Andrew Phillips took a job as a corrections officer at Georgia’s Smith State Prison in 2021, he was desperate for work. Shortly after he started, he noticed a problem. The prison housed about 1,500 men, and each shift was supposed to have 30 officers to guard them, but most days there were half that, ... <p class="read-more-container"><a title="Data Reveals Prison Crisis: More Prisoners, Fewer Correctional Officers" class="read-more button" href="https://gps.press/gps-news/data-reveals-prison-crisis-more-prisoners-fewer-correctional-officers/#more-6770" aria-label="Read more about Data Reveals Prison Crisis: More Prisoners, Fewer Correctional Officers">Read more</a></p>
As Corrections Officers Quit in Droves, Prisons Get Even More Dangerous
At a Georgia state House of Representatives hearing on prison conditions in September, a corrections officer called in to testify, interrupting his shift to tell lawmakers how dire conditions had become. On a “good day,” he told lawmakers, he had maybe six or seven officers to supervise roughly 1,200 people. He said he had recently ... <p class="read-more-container"><a title="As Corrections Officers Quit in Droves, Prisons Get Even More Dangerous" class="read-more button" href="https://gps.press/gps-news/as-corrections-officers-quit-in-droves-prisons-get-even-more-dangerous/#more-6771" aria-label="Read more about As Corrections Officers Quit in Droves, Prisons Get Even More Dangerous">Read more</a></p>
GDC names 12 inmates charged in deadly Washington State Prison …
1 day ago … GDC names 12 inmates charged in deadly Washington State Prison riot, outlines charges. The Georgia Department of Corrections has named the 12 inmates charged …
Lifers Fall Through the Cracks of the Prison Security Classification System
May 4, 2026 The Georgia Department of Corrections assigns every person in its custody a security classification: Minimum, Medium or Close. This classification determines which prisons they can be sent to, what jobs they can be assigned, what programming they have access to and how much their movements are restricted. Anyone whose conviction is designated ... <p class="read-more-container"><a title="Lifers Fall Through the Cracks of the Prison Security Classification System" class="read-more button" href="https://gps.press/gps-news/lifers-fall-through-the-cracks-of-the-prison-security-classification-system/#more-10227" aria-label="Read more about Lifers Fall Through the Cracks of the Prison Security Classification System">Read more</a></p>
Inmate dies at Coastal State Prison – MSN
16 hours ago … SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) – A Coastal State Prison inmate died on Sunday, the Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC) has confirmed to WTOC.
Family Demands Answers After Inmate Dies in Fall at Georgia Prison
– Today – Holidays – Birthdays – Reminders – Cities – Atlanta – Austin – Baltimore – Berwyn – Beverly Hills – Birmingham – Boston – Brooklyn – Buffalo – Charlotte – Chicago – Cincinnati – Cleveland – Columbus – Dallas – Denver – Detroit – Fort Worth – Houston – Indianapolis – Knoxville – ... <p class="read-more-container"><a title="Family Demands Answers After Inmate Dies in Fall at Georgia Prison" class="read-more button" href="https://gps.press/gps-news/family-demands-answers-after-inmate-dies-in-fall-at-georgia-prison/#more-8246" aria-label="Read more about Family Demands Answers After Inmate Dies in Fall at Georgia Prison">Read more</a></p>
Second Georgia prison fight erupts a day after deadly brawl
Day after deadly Georgia prison brawl, 2nd fight breaks out at nearby site For the second time in two days, a fight broke out in a Georgia prison. On Monday night, at least two inmates were injured during a brawl inside Hancock State Prison, authorities said. Officials did not detail the severity of the injuries ... <p class="read-more-container"><a title="Second Georgia prison fight erupts a day after deadly brawl" class="read-more button" href="https://gps.press/gps-news/second-georgia-prison-fight-erupts-a-day-after-deadly-brawl/#more-7631" aria-label="Read more about Second Georgia prison fight erupts a day after deadly brawl">Read more</a></p>
ITUC Observations under Article 23 – USA C105 (Forced Labour)
ITUC observations on forced labor practices in U.S. prisons, including Georgia, submitted under ILO Convention 105.
U.S. Department of Justice Findings Report on Georgia Prisons
The DOJ’s 94-page findings report detailing inhumane conditions, violence, gang control, and constitutional violations in Georgia’s state prison system.
Georgia prisoner strike comes out of lockdown
Georgia prisoner strike comes out of lockdown By Kung Li Georgia prisoners came out of their cells today, ending the lockdown phase of the largest prison work strike in U.S. history. The coordinated, nonviolent action drew support from around the country. Months in the planning, the work strike this past week surprised prison officials. Officials ... <p class="read-more-container"><a title="Georgia prisoner strike comes out of lockdown" class="read-more button" href="https://gps.press/gps-news/georgia-prisoner-strike-comes-out-of-lockdown/#more-6762" aria-label="Read more about Georgia prisoner strike comes out of lockdown">Read more</a></p>
Georgia Prisoners’ Strike: “We locked ourselves down.”
Georgia Prisoners’ Strike: “We locked ourselves down.” In a protest that appears to be spreading through Georgia’s prison system, inmates are striking for better conditions. One interesting facet of this rare prison strike, which reaches across multiple facilities and across racial and factional lines, is the participants’ use of self-imposed lockdown to serve their own ... <p class="read-more-container"><a title="Georgia Prisoners’ Strike: “We locked ourselves down.”" class="read-more button" href="https://gps.press/gps-news/georgia-prisoners-strike-we-locked-ourselves-down/#more-6763" aria-label="Read more about Georgia Prisoners’ Strike: “We locked ourselves down.”">Read more</a></p>
Georgia Prison Strike: A Hidden Labor Force Resists
Last week a diverse group of nonviolent protesters across Georgia stood up for their rights, calling for decent wages, better social services and respect for their civil liberties. It didn’t take long for the government to crack down on the demonstrations, however: the protesters were already in prison. The uprising of Georgia inmates on December ... <p class="read-more-container"><a title="Georgia Prison Strike: A Hidden Labor Force Resists" class="read-more button" href="https://gps.press/gps-news/georgia-prison-strike-a-hidden-labor-force-resists/#more-6761" aria-label="Read more about Georgia Prison Strike: A Hidden Labor Force Resists">Read more</a></p>
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