GPS RESEARCH LIBRARY: 2024 Georgia Senate Study Committee on the Department of Corrections — Final Report (SR 570)
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Georgia Prisoners' Speak — gps.press
Generated: 2026-07-11 13:31:52 EDT

Research Date: 2026-07-01
Topic: Prison Oversight & Conditions
JSON: https://gps.press/research-data/2024-georgia-senate-study-committee-on-the-department-of-corrections-final-report-sr-570/?format=json

SUMMARY
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The Georgia Senate Study Committee (SR 570) conducted five meetings in 2024 examining safety and welfare in Georgia Department of Corrections facilities, hearing testimony from GDC leadership, private prison operators, and advocacy organizations. Key findings include GDC overseeing ~49,000 inmates with 31% validated gang members and 75% entering for violent crimes, severe staffing shortages (47% vacancy rate among funded security positions), and significant contraband challenges (37,000+ cell phones confiscated since 2022). Advocacy groups including the Southern Center for Human Rights and National Incarceration Association raised concerns about overdose deaths not captured in recidivism data, reduced transparency around inmate deaths, solitary confinement litigation, and rising homicide/suicide rates, while the committee ultimately recommended single-cell conversions, mental health investment, and officer recruitment reforms.

STATISTICS (39)
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- [reported] 49 ACA-accredited facilities in Georgia
  Commissioner Oliver highlighted the 49 facilities accredited by the American Correctional Association (ACA) across the state, which provides best practices and audits accredited facilities to specified standards.
  Value: 49.0 facilities
  Date: 2024-01-01
  Tags: facilities,operations
  Sources: SR 570 Study Committee Meeting One Testimony (August 23, 2024)

- [reported] 85 total correctional facilities operated by Georgia
  The state operates 85 total correctional facilities including but not limited to 35 state facilities and probation detention centers.
  Value: 85.0 facilities (vs. 35 state facilities and probation detention centers)
  Date: 2024-01-01
  Tags: facilities,operations
  Sources: SR 570 Study Committee Meeting One Testimony (August 23, 2024)

- [reported] GDC oversees about 49,000 inmates as of August 2024
  GDC oversees about 49,000 inmates as of August 2024 which is approaching pre-pandemic levels due to efforts by the courts to adjudicate their backlog of criminal cases, with the average inmate being about 30-40 years old.
  Value: 49000.0 inmates
  Date: 2024-08-01
  Tags: demographics,operations
  Sources: SR 570 Study Committee Meeting One Testimony (August 23, 2024)

- [reported] 31% of inmates are validated Security Threat Group (gang) offenders
  The Commissioner alerted the committee that about 31% of the total inmate population are validated Security Threat Group (STG) offenders who have gang affiliation.
  Value: 31.0 percent
  Date: 2024-01-01
  Tags: gangs,demographics
  Sources: SR 570 Study Committee Meeting One Testimony (August 23, 2024)

- [reported] 14,000 inmates identified with mental health needs
  The Commissioner acknowledged that about 14,000 inmates system-wide have identified mental health needs.
  Value: 14000.0 inmates
  Date: 2024-01-01
  Tags: mental_health,demographics
  Sources: SR 570 Study Committee Meeting One Testimony (August 23, 2024)

- [reported] FY2024 releases vs admissions
  In fiscal year 2024, about 13,000 inmates were released compared to about 15,000 admissions.
  Value: 13000.0 releases (vs. 15000 admissions)
  Tags: reentry,demographics
  Sources: SR 570 Study Committee Meeting One Testimony (August 23, 2024)

- [reported] 45,000 career/technical/educational certificates in FY2024
  During FY2024, the department helped individuals achieve about 45,000 career, technical, and educational certificates.
  Value: 45000.0 certificates
  Tags: reentry,program
  Sources: SR 570 Study Committee Meeting One Testimony (August 23, 2024)

- [estimated] About a quarter of inmate population not from Georgia
  Assistant Commissioner Sanders offered that about a quarter of the population is not from Georgia, making documentation efforts significant, with securing a birth certificate often the first step to gaining any documentation.
  Value: 25.0 percent
  Date: 2024-01-01
  Tags: reentry,demographics
  Sources: SR 570 Study Committee Meeting One Testimony (August 23, 2024)

- [reported] 70 medical appointments per day per facility
  GDC facilities provide about 70 medical appointments per day per facility from within the facilities, not including outside visits at nearby medical facilities.
  Value: 70.0 appointments per day per facility
  Date: 2024-01-01
  Tags: medical
  Sources: SR 570 Study Committee Meeting One Testimony (August 23, 2024)

- [reported] 100,000 prescription medications administered per month
  State correctional facilities administer 100,000 prescription medications per month whether in the form of keep-on-person blister packs, pill call, supervised nursing, or otherwise depending on type of medication.
  Value: 100000.0 prescriptions per month
  Date: 2024-01-01
  Tags: medical
  Sources: SR 570 Study Committee Meeting One Testimony (August 23, 2024)

- [reported] Seven close security prisons statewide
  The state has seven close security prisons statewide, which include individuals who represent an escape risk or have a history of assault, dangerous, or serious crimes. Each close security prison is at least 30 years old.
  Value: 7.0 prisons
  Date: 2024-01-01
  Tags: facilities,operations
  Sources: SR 570 Study Committee Meeting One Testimony (August 23, 2024)

- [reported] Only one female inmate under death sentence
  Lee Arrendale and Pulaski act as close security facilities for female inmates, but only one offender is considered UDS (under death sentence) at this time.
  Value: 1.0 inmate under death sentence
  Date: 2024-01-01
  Tags: demographics,facilities
  Sources: SR 570 Study Committee Meeting One Testimony (August 23, 2024)

- [reported] Autry facility renovation cost $70 million
  The Autry facility was taken offline for a broad renovation and is being re-populated gradually. Updates and hardening included its water system, lock and control systems, and other technology as a single budget item of $70 million.
  Value: 70000000.0 dollars
  Date: 2024-01-01
  Tags: facilities,budget
  Sources: SR 570 Study Committee Meeting One Testimony (August 23, 2024)

- [reported] New comparable facility costs about $1.2 billion
  When asked how renovations and hardening compare to building a comparable new facility, the department responded that a new facility costs about $1.2 billion, including about 1,500 beds, single-man cells, pre-cast concrete walls, hardening, and some technology.
  Value: 1200000000.0 dollars
  Date: 2024-01-01
  Tags: facilities,budget
  Sources: SR 570 Study Committee Meeting One Testimony (August 23, 2024)

- [reported] Upcoming facility $842 million total
  One upcoming facility with 1,500 to 1,800 beds depending on bunking is $700 million in construction and $842 million total for technology and other necessities.
  Value: 842000000.0 dollars (vs. 700000000 construction only)
  Date: 2024-01-01
  Tags: facilities,budget
  Sources: SR 570 Study Committee Meeting One Testimony (August 23, 2024)

- [reported] Four private prison facilities in Georgia
  Four total facilities in the state are operated by GEO and CoreCivic. Those companies both own their facilities and operate through a contract bidding process, with an on-site GDC monitor who ensures continuous adherence to policy and procedure.
  Value: 4.0 private facilities
  Date: 2024-01-01
  Tags: facilities,operations
  Sources: SR 570 Study Committee Meeting One Testimony (August 23, 2024)

- [reported] GEO Group operates two state and three federal facilities in Georgia
  GEO Group operates two state detention facilities in Georgia. In addition, GEO operates two federal facilities for Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and one for the U.S. Marshal Service. The company employs 800 people statewide.
  Value: 800.0 employees
  Date: 2024-01-01
  Tags: facilities,staffing,operations
  Sources: SR 570 Study Committee Meeting One Testimony (August 23, 2024)

- [reported] GEO Riverbend staffing and turnover
  The company has 86 percent staffing generally with a 30 percent turnover rate. Since 2016, GEO reports 66% average employment within 12 months of release. Against a 39 percent national recidivism rate, GEO has a 25 percent rate for its Riverbend facility.
  Value: 25.0 percent recidivism (vs. 39 national recidivism rate)
  Date: 2024-01-01
  Tags: staffing,reentry,operations
  Sources: SR 570 Study Committee Meeting One Testimony (August 23, 2024)

- [reported] Total health services budgeted at ~$355 million
  Total health services including dental and pharmacy are budgeted at about $355 million according to the Commissioner. GDC covers about 55,000 individuals annually.
  Value: 355000000.0 dollars
  Tags: medical,budget
  Sources: SR 570 Study Committee Meeting Two Testimony (August 28, 2024)

- [reported] Average new corrections officer salary $44,000
  The average salary for new corrections officers is $44,000 statewide with enhancements depending on location and certifications. Close Security/Special Mission (CSM) officers receive a higher average amount.
  Value: 44000.0 dollars
  Date: 2024-01-01
  Tags: staffing,budget
  Sources: SR 570 Study Committee Meeting Two Testimony (August 28, 2024)

- [reported] Current academy class of ~200 correctional officers
  The current academy class of correctional officers includes about 200 individuals. The basic academy for new officers is five weeks.
  Value: 200.0 officers
  Date: 2024-01-01
  Tags: staffing
  Sources: SR 570 Study Committee Meeting Two Testimony (August 28, 2024)

- [reported] GDC vacancy: 2,600 open positions of 10,919 capacity
  GDC had about 1,700 open positions pre-Covid and about 3,500 openings during the vacancy peak. Currently, GDC has 2,600 open positions with a 10,919 total employee capacity, 7,587 of which are security officers.
  Value: 2600.0 open positions (vs. 10919 total employee capacity)
  Date: 2024-01-01
  Tags: staffing
  Sources: SR 570 Study Committee Meeting Two Testimony (August 28, 2024)

- [reported] Over 800 contraband smuggling arrests in FY2023-2024
  The Office of Professional Standards made over 800 arrests during fiscal years 2023 and 2024 for the smuggling of contraband into GDC facilities, mostly by civilians.
  Value: 800.0 arrests
  Tags: contraband,investigations
  Sources: SR 570 Study Committee Meeting Two Testimony (August 28, 2024)

- [reported] 151 drone incident arrests last year
  There is an escalating number of drone incidents which resulted in 151 arrests last year.
  Value: 151.0 arrests
  Date: 2024-01-01
  Tags: contraband,investigations
  Sources: SR 570 Study Committee Meeting Two Testimony (August 28, 2024)

- [reported] Over 37,000 cell phones confiscated since 2022
  Over 37,000 devices have been confiscated from inside the prisons since 2022 with an average of 1,300 being found monthly.
  Value: 37000.0 devices (vs. 1300 average monthly confiscations)
  Tags: contraband,operations
  Sources: SR 570 Study Committee Meeting Two Testimony (August 28, 2024)

- [reported] 75% of inmates enter for a violent crime
  The Department highlighted that 75 percent of inmates enter the system due to a violent crime, an increase attributable to criminal justice reform reducing the number of individuals entering prison for non-violent convictions.
  Value: 75.0 percent
  Date: 2024-01-01
  Tags: violence,demographics
  Sources: SR 570 Study Committee Meeting Two Testimony (August 28, 2024)

- [reported] GDC lost ~2,000 officers during COVID, vacancy hit 50%
  During the COVID-19 pandemic, the agency lost about 2,000 entry-level correctional officers and the vacancy rate rose to about 50 percent. Efforts have reduced that vacancy rate to about 47 percent of the 7,500 total funded security positions. About 2,000 correctional officer positions are unfunded in the agency's budget.
  Value: 47.0 percent vacancy (vs. 50 peak COVID vacancy rate)
  Date: 2024-01-01
  Tags: staffing
  Sources: SR 570 Study Committee Meeting Three Testimony (November 15, 2024)

- [reported] Cost of hiring and training per cadet ~$3,000
  Senator Jackson inquired about the cost of hiring and training personnel, which is about $3,000 per cadet not including salaries.
  Value: 3000.0 dollars per cadet
  Date: 2024-01-01
  Tags: staffing,budget
  Sources: SR 570 Study Committee Meeting Three Testimony (November 15, 2024)

- [reported] About 10 GDC facilities not ACA accredited
  Most GDC facilities are ACA accredited, but of the 10 or so that are not, the Commissioner attributed it to aging infrastructure rather than failures of policies or procedures.
  Value: 10.0 facilities
  Date: 2024-01-01
  Tags: facilities,operations
  Sources: SR 570 Study Committee Meeting Three Testimony (November 15, 2024)

- [reported] Intake within 15 days, 200-250 per week
  GDC will intake an individual within 15 days of receiving notification from the county with an average of 200-250 intakes per week. Offender records are not fully digitized aside from medical records and are held by State Archives.
  Value: 225.0 intakes per week (average)
  Date: 2024-01-01
  Tags: operations,demographics
  Sources: SR 570 Study Committee Meeting Three Testimony (November 15, 2024)

- [reported] 26% recidivism within three years; vocational cuts it by half
  Among the general population, about 26% of released inmates are reconvicted within three years, but that rate drops if the individual completed educational, career, or cognitive programming. Vocational programming in particular reduces recidivism by half. Increased recidivism is seen among those in residential substance abuse treatment programs, attributed to addiction.
  Value: 26.0 percent (vs. 50 reduction from vocational programming)
  Date: 2021-01-01
  Tags: reentry,program
  Sources: SR 570 Study Committee Meeting Three Testimony (November 15, 2024)

- [reported] Over 50% of pharmacy budget on Hepatitis and HIV drugs
  Over 50 percent of the agency's pharmacy budget goes toward Hepatitis and HIV treatment drugs, typically begun after a person receives their diagnostic medical exams. The pharmacy contract is currently held by CorrectRX. GDC coordinates with Ryan White HIV programs for ongoing treatment after release.
  Value: 50.0 percent
  Date: 2024-01-01
  Tags: medical,budget
  Sources: SR 570 Study Committee Meeting Four Testimony (November 22, 2024)

- [reported] GDC has about 150 non-healthcare contracts
  Outside of healthcare, GDC has about 150 contracts varying from pest control to vending machines to laundry, audited and reviewed at least annually to ensure market pricing and technical ability.
  Value: 150.0 contracts
  Date: 2024-01-01
  Tags: operations,budget
  Sources: SR 570 Study Committee Meeting Four Testimony (November 22, 2024)

- [reported] HVAC convenience contract covers only 8 of 58 locations
  One HVAC convenience contract is in place for maintenance, but it only covers eight of the agency's 58 locations. The current contract is held by CGL and is about $5 million for labor not including material costs. All facilities have AC in administrative facilities, medical units, and mental health housing, while GDC is adding AC to other facilities.
  Value: 8.0 locations covered (vs. 58 total GDC locations)
  Date: 2024-01-01
  Tags: facilities,conditions,budget
  Sources: SR 570 Study Committee Meeting Four Testimony (November 22, 2024)

- [reported] Parole board conducted 17,600 reviews in 2023 with five members
  Kate Boccia questioned the 17,600 reviews created by the parole board's five members in 2023 and wished to see release of individuals with nonviolent or marijuana-related offenses. She stated that 12 percent of the returning prison population for parole violations are new offenses while the rest are technical violations.
  Value: 17600.0 reviews (vs. 12 percent of parole returns that are new offenses)
  Date: 2023-01-01
  Tags: parole,policy
  Sources: SR 570 Study Committee Meeting Four Testimony (November 22, 2024)

- [reported] SCHR: 33 homicides in GDC facilities 2010-2014
  The Southern Center for Human Rights stated that 33 homicides occurred within GDC facilities from 2010 to 2014 and exceeded the rates of other southern states.
  Value: 33.0 homicides
  Tags: death,violence
  Sources: SR 570 Study Committee Meeting Four Testimony (November 22, 2024)

- [reported] 21 killed and 19 suicides in GA prisons Jan-Sep 2020
  Ms. Hollie pointed to the period of January to September 2020 where 21 people were killed in Georgia prisons in addition to 19 suicides during that same time period. Since 2020, annual homicide and suicide rates within GDC facilities have remained at similar levels.
  Value: 21.0 homicides (vs. 19 suicides in same period)
  Date: 2020-01-01
  Tags: death,violence,mental_health
  Sources: SR 570 Study Committee Meeting Four Testimony (November 22, 2024)

- [reported] Georgia fourth per capita in incarceration rate (2022)
  Ms. Hollie presented a graph on incarceration rates showing Georgia was fourth per capita among a list of states, the U.S. overall, and other countries when measured in 2022.
  Value: 4.0 rank per capita
  Date: 2022-01-01
  Tags: demographics
  Sources: SR 570 Study Committee Meeting Four Testimony (November 22, 2024)

- [reported] Georgia recidivism rate ~26% as of 2021
  Cliff Hogan, Director of Data Management and Research, testified that the department tracks recidivism based on whether an individual has a felony conviction within three years of release. As of 2021, the recidivism rate is about 26 percent in Georgia, not including arrests without convictions or technical violations. Recidivism rates reduce up to 50 percent for those who go through GDC programming.
  Value: 26.0 percent (vs. 50 reduction with programming)
  Date: 2021-01-01
  Tags: reentry,program
  Sources: SR 570 Study Committee Meeting Five Testimony (December 13, 2024)

POLICYS (12)
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- [reported] ACA accreditation renewal cycle
  Accreditation by the ACA is a one-year process that requires renewal every three years.
  Date: 2024-01-01
  Tags: operations,facilities
  Sources: SR 570 Study Committee Meeting One Testimony (August 23, 2024)

- [reported] Mental health intake evaluation timeframe
  Mental evaluations are done over seven to 14 days of intake to determine whether a person has a preexisting condition, using individual counselors and approved evaluation techniques. Inmates in a crisis phase (suicidal or homicidal ideation) undergo 30 to 90-day phases of further evaluation.
  Date: 2024-01-01
  Tags: mental_health,policy
  Sources: SR 570 Study Committee Meeting One Testimony (August 23, 2024)

- [reported] West Central substance use recovery and mental health program
  West Central provides a substance use recovery and mental health stabilization program that allows inmates to complete a nine-month treatment plan prior to being moved to another facility.
  Date: 2024-01-01
  Tags: drugs,mental_health,program
  Sources: SR 570 Study Committee Meeting One Testimony (August 23, 2024)

- [reported] Seven facilities have privatized food services
  GDC is experiencing savings at the seven facilities where it has privatized food services. A statewide assessment has not been undertaken to determine the effects of privatization efforts at all facilities.
  Date: 2024-01-01
  Tags: operations,budget
  Sources: SR 570 Study Committee Meeting Two Testimony (August 28, 2024)

- [reported] Commissary spending limit of $75 weekly
  Inmates are allowed personal property from the prison commissary if it does not exceed a weekly value of $75 in the aggregate and the size of a specified locker box. Commissary accounts are managed and audited monthly by Department staff.
  Date: 2024-01-01
  Tags: policy,conditions
  Sources: SR 570 Study Committee Meeting Two Testimony (August 28, 2024)

- [reported] GDC death investigation and lockdown procedure
  When any death is discovered, a facility is placed in lockdown, crime scene investigators are brought to the scene, and the deceased is sent to the coroner and crime lab. GDC investigates deaths unless an officer is suspected to be involved, at which point GBI oversees the investigation. Deaths fall into categories of homicide, suicide, accidental, executions, natural causes, and unknown.
  Date: 2024-01-01
  Tags: death,investigations,policy
  Sources: SR 570 Study Committee Meeting Two Testimony (August 28, 2024)

- [reported] Five-week academy: 208 hours curriculum
  The five-week academy occurs at one of five locations across Georgia. The curriculum is 208 hours, of which 149 are mandated by the state or certifying entity. The Department is planning to extend the academy to six weeks including crisis intervention training as of July 1, 2025.
  Date: 2024-01-01
  Tags: staffing,policy
  Sources: SR 570 Study Committee Meeting Three Testimony (November 15, 2024)

- [reported] Background checks by ~140 agents across three regions
  The background check process is undertaken by about 140 agents across three regions within the agency. Agents interview individuals identified by applicants and conduct social media checks for disqualifying connections such as gang affiliation.
  Date: 2024-01-01
  Tags: staffing,operations
  Sources: SR 570 Study Committee Meeting Three Testimony (November 15, 2024)

- [reported] Substance abuse programs at 10 facilities
  The Inmate Services Division oversees substance abuse programs located at 10 facilities statewide, along with behavioral programming, religious services, and library services.
  Date: 2024-01-01
  Tags: drugs,program
  Sources: SR 570 Study Committee Meeting Three Testimony (November 15, 2024)

- [confirmed] Recommendation: convert to single-person cells
  The Study Committee recommended converting all existing facilities and constructing all new facilities to single person, single cell facilities.
  Date: 2024-01-01
  Tags: facilities,policy,conditions
  Sources: Senate Resolution 570, 157th General Assembly, Regular Session (Georgia 2024)

- [confirmed] Recommendation: audit contract renewals for runaway costs
  The Committee recommended asking the Georgia Department of Audits to review all contract renewals for the past five years to see if there is a pattern of runaway costs by any vendors.
  Date: 2024-01-01
  Tags: budget,operations,policy
  Sources: Senate Resolution 570, 157th General Assembly, Regular Session (Georgia 2024)

- [confirmed] Recommendation: federal jamming technology and mental health
  The Committee recommended increasing mental health services for staff and incarcerated, investing in officer recruitment/retention, implementing a pay study for all GDC employees, advocating the federal government to allow state prisons to use cell phone and drone jamming technology, leveraging public-private partnerships, prioritizing facility hardening, and ensuring wardens adhere to consistent policies.
  Date: 2024-01-01
  Tags: policy,mental_health,staffing,contraband,facilities
  Sources: Senate Resolution 570, 157th General Assembly, Regular Session (Georgia 2024)

TRENDS (3)
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- [reported] 12% increase in violent population since 2012 reforms
  There has been a 12% increase in the proportion of the violent population since criminal justice reforms were undertaken in 2012.
  Tags: demographics,violence
  Sources: SR 570 Study Committee Meeting One Testimony (August 23, 2024)

- [reported] GEO Group operating costs up ~40% over five years
  GEO Group's operation costs over the last five years have increased about 40 percent. GEO stated it has pay parity when compared to public prisons.
  Tags: budget,staffing
  Sources: SR 570 Study Committee Meeting One Testimony (August 23, 2024)

- [reported] Violent incidents down since 2015 but severity up
  Overall, annual violent incidents in facilities have reduced since 2015, but the severity such as the use of weapons or number of people involved has increased.
  Tags: violence,trend
  Sources: SR 570 Study Committee Meeting Two Testimony (August 28, 2024)

FINDINGS (8)
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- [reported] Cell phones described as deadly weapons in prisons
  The Commissioner offered his opinion that cell phones are deadly weapons inside of prisons. The Department is undertaking anti-drone technology measures such as detection devices.
  Date: 2024-01-01
  Tags: contraband,operations
  Sources: SR 570 Study Committee Meeting One Testimony (August 23, 2024)

- [reported] Meth is prevalent cause for needing treatment
  Watson stated anecdotally that meth is a prevalent cause for needing treatment, but they will provide exact numbers for the committee on substance use in prisons.
  Date: 2024-01-01
  Tags: drugs
  Sources: SR 570 Study Committee Meeting One Testimony (August 23, 2024)

- [reported] Drug-soaked paper 'strips' entering through mail
  Because drugs sometimes come through the mail in the form of drug-soaked paper called 'strips,' the GDC is working to centralize mail facilities and use technology that identifies those substances. Much of the drug crime inside prisons is organized by gangs both inside and outside the prisons.
  Date: 2024-01-01
  Tags: drugs,contraband,gangs
  Sources: SR 570 Study Committee Meeting One Testimony (August 23, 2024)

- [reported] Recommended maximum facility capacity of 1,500 inmates
  Commissioner Oliver stated that the state should limit future correctional facilities to a maximum capacity of 1,500 inmates, noting smaller facilities result in greater control and the most successful inmates.
  Date: 2024-01-01
  Tags: facilities,policy
  Sources: SR 570 Study Committee Meeting One Testimony (August 23, 2024)

- [reported] Contraband more often introduced by visitors than staff
  The Department stated that contraband is more often introduced by visitors than it is by any staff. Employees bringing in contraband with intent to provide it to an inmate can result in immediate dismissal and criminal charges.
  Date: 2024-01-01
  Tags: contraband,corruption
  Sources: SR 570 Study Committee Meeting Two Testimony (August 28, 2024)

- [reported] GDC ended press releases on inmate deaths
  Ms. Hollie expressed concern over GDC ending the practice of making press releases when someone dies in its facilities, citing an absence of transparency, and wished to see the practice restored with limited information respecting ongoing investigations.
  Date: 2024-01-01
  Tags: death,policy
  Sources: SR 570 Study Committee Meeting Four Testimony (November 22, 2024)

- [reported] Georgia State Prison solitary confinement until 2022 closure
  Ms. Hollie pointed to the use of solitary confinement at Georgia State Prison, a special mission mental health facility, until its closing in 2022. Solitary confinement was defined as an individual being held in their cell for 22 or more hours per day.
  Date: 2022-01-01
  Tags: solitary,conditions,mental_health,facilities
  Sources: SR 570 Study Committee Meeting Four Testimony (November 22, 2024)

- [reported] US DOJ report on conditions in Georgia prisons
  Kate Boccia referred to a U.S. Department of Justice report on conditions within Georgia prisons during her testimony to the committee.
  Date: 2024-01-01
  Tags: conditions,investigations
  Sources: U.S. Department of Justice Report on Conditions in Georgia Prisons

LEGAL FACTS (6)
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- [reported] Federal jammers not allowed for states
  Sen. Albers elaborated that the federal government implements jammers at its prisons but does not allow states to do the same due to federal regulations.
  Date: 2024-01-01
  Tags: contraband,policy,operations
  Sources: SR 570 Study Committee Meeting One Testimony (August 23, 2024)

- [reported] Federal benefits suspended for inmates
  Mr. Sauls clarified that Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security programs are suspended for inmates; however, some inmates are eligible for a Medicaid waiver where overnight hospitalization is necessary.
  Date: 2024-01-01
  Tags: medical,policy
  Sources: SR 570 Study Committee Meeting Four Testimony (November 22, 2024)

- [reported] SCHR litigation on Special Management Unit solitary confinement
  SCHR reached a settlement ensuring minimum time out-of-cell and access to programming at the Special Management Unit at Jackson Diagnostic. Ms. Hollie stated that violation of that settlement agreement was found by a federal judge in April 2024, and the case is subject to ongoing litigation. Dr. Craig Haney offered a harsh assessment of the unit in 2015.
  Date: 2024-04-01
  Tags: solitary,legal,conditions
  Sources: SR 570 Study Committee Meeting Four Testimony (November 22, 2024)

- [reported] SCHR 2016 lawsuit over sepsis death
  The Southern Center for Human Rights participated in a 2016 lawsuit arising in part from a lack of medical staff to address an individual who died of sepsis.
  Date: 2016-01-01
  Tags: medical,death,legal,staffing
  Sources: SR 570 Study Committee Meeting Four Testimony (November 22, 2024)

- [reported] SCHR represented shackled postpartum women
  After Lee Arrendale Prison was transitioned to a women's facility, SCHR represented postpartum women who alleged to have been shackled against state and federal law and given inadequate medical care in the days and weeks after delivery.
  Date: 2024-01-01
  Tags: medical,legal,conditions
  Sources: SR 570 Study Committee Meeting Four Testimony (November 22, 2024)

- [reported] Federal Prison Oversight Act of 2024 model
  Mr. Charles spoke on the Federal Prison Oversight Act (FPOA) of 2024, which calls for independent prison oversight through an ombudsman and regular inspections by the Inspector General so corrective actions for health and safety issues can be taken within 60 days. He noted the oversight model exists in Indiana, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Virginia, with ombudsmen independent of corrections agencies typically reporting to attorneys general, governors, and legislatures.
  Date: 2024-01-01
  Tags: legal,policy,investigations
  Sources: SR 570 Study Committee Meeting Four Testimony (November 22, 2024)

CASE DETAILS (10)
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- [reported] Lee Arrendale hosts nation's first all-female firefighting team
  Lee Arrendale, the primary female diagnostic and entry facility, boasts the nation's first all-female firefighting team.
  Date: 2024-01-01
  Tags: facilities,program
  Sources: SR 570 Study Committee Meeting One Testimony (August 23, 2024)

- [reported] Smith State Prison reduced violence via single-cell transition
  The Commissioner pointed to Smith State Prison which saw reduced violence by reducing its population and transitioning to single-man cells. Single-man cells are the modern-day best practice for the health and safety of inmates.
  Date: 2024-01-01
  Tags: violence,facilities,conditions
  Sources: SR 570 Study Committee Meeting One Testimony (August 23, 2024)

- [reported] CoreCivic partnership with GDC since 1998
  CoreCivic has been in partnership with the Georgia Department of Corrections since 1998. Private prisons generally began operating in the United States in the 1980s due to a number of facilities being in federal receivership.
  Date: 1998-01-01
  Tags: operations,facilities
  Sources: SR 570 Study Committee Meeting One Testimony (August 23, 2024)

- [reported] CoreCivic sold McRae facility to state in 2022
  A part of CoreCivic's business model is building facilities that it eventually sells to the state, as it did with the McRae facility in Helena, GA in 2022. The company does not use the state's appropriation of bond system to build.
  Date: 2022-01-01
  Tags: facilities,operations,budget
  Sources: SR 570 Study Committee Meeting One Testimony (August 23, 2024)

- [reported] Empty 1,800-bed Folkston facility
  GEO Group has an empty facility at Folkston which was an ICE center with about five personnel responsible for maintaining the empty, 1,800-bed facility.
  Date: 2024-01-01
  Tags: facilities,operations
  Sources: SR 570 Study Committee Meeting One Testimony (August 23, 2024)

- [reported] Octavius Holiday released in 2020 after 16 years
  Octavius Holiday, a former inmate, was released in 2020 after 16 years in Georgia facilities for armed robbery convictions. He complimented the Department's faith-based and leadership programs and acknowledged that staff reductions due to Covid-19 were noticeable and that inmate populations are becoming more violent.
  Date: 2020-01-01
  Tags: reentry,conditions
  Sources: SR 570 Study Committee Meeting Two Testimony (August 28, 2024)

- [reported] Augusta University medical records contract not fulfilled
  Senator Albers inquired about efforts to recover funds from an unfulfilled medical records contract involving Augusta University. Because the university was responsible for contracting with the supplier instead of GDC, the agency lacked direct control over outcomes. GDC now ensures more rigorous performance metrics in contracts.
  Date: 2024-01-01
  Tags: medical,budget,operations
  Sources: SR 570 Study Committee Meeting Four Testimony (November 22, 2024)

- [reported] Healthcare contract transition from Wellpath to Centurion
  Since the most recent contract was awarded, GDC noted the transition from Wellpath to Centurion for services was smooth within the 60 days the contract was awarded. Wellpath notified GDC of its intent not to renew without increasing pricing, triggering the new RFP process.
  Date: 2024-01-01
  Tags: medical,operations
  Sources: SR 570 Study Committee Meeting Four Testimony (November 22, 2024)

- [reported] Kate Boccia's son died of fentanyl overdose in 2021
  Kate Boccia stated her son died in 2021 of a fentanyl overdose during the typical three-year recidivism period. She noted that individuals who die within that period are not captured in recidivism datasets, identifying a data gap.
  Date: 2021-01-01
  Tags: overdose,death,drugs,reentry
  Sources: SR 570 Study Committee Meeting Four Testimony (November 22, 2024)

- [reported] Matthew Charles: First Step Act beneficiary
  Matthew Charles, Senior Policy Advisor with Families Against Mandatory Minimums, stated in 1996 he was sentenced to 35 years in federal prison for nonviolent offenses. After serving 22 years, he was the first beneficiary of the First Step Act signed by President Trump in 2018.
  Date: 2018-01-01
  Tags: legal,reentry,policy
  Sources: SR 570 Study Committee Meeting Four Testimony (November 22, 2024)

METHODOLOGY NOTES (1)
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- [reported] Guidehouse system-wide study underway
  GDC is awaiting results of a system-wide study of its operations conducted by Guidehouse, Inc. that should include a comprehensive analysis of salary structures related to recruitment and retention, undertaken with the Governor's office and expected by end of December 2024.
  Date: 2024-12-01
  Tags: staffing,budget,operations
  Sources: SR 570 Study Committee Meeting Three Testimony (November 15, 2024)

DATA GAPS (2)
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- [reported] Deaths during recidivism period not captured in datasets
  Individuals who die within the three-year recidivism period (such as from overdose) are not captured in recidivism datasets, identifying a gap in how outcomes are measured.
  Date: 2024-01-01
  Tags: overdose,death,reentry
  Sources: SR 570 Study Committee Meeting Four Testimony (November 22, 2024)

- [reported] GDC removed manner of death from mortality review reports
  Ms. Hollie stated that GDC has changed its publication of mortality review reports so that manner of death is no longer included when requested through open records.
  Date: 2024-01-01
  Tags: death,policy,investigations
  Sources: SR 570 Study Committee Meeting Four Testimony (November 22, 2024)

DATASETS (3)
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# GDC Correctional Officer Vacancy Rates Over Time
  Open GDC positions at different time points from pre-COVID through 2024
  Period          Open Positions  
  --------------------------------
  Pre-COVID       1700            
  Vacancy Peak    3500            
  Current (2024)  2600            

# GDC Homicides and Suicides Reported by SCHR
  Deaths in GDC facilities as reported by the Southern Center for Human Rights across periods
  Period        Homicides  Suicides  
  -----------------------------------
  2010-2014     33                   
  Jan-Sep 2020  21         19        

# GDC Facility Construction and Renovation Costs
  Reported costs for facility renovation versus new construction
  Item                                          Cost        
  ----------------------------------------------------------
  Autry renovation/hardening                    70000000    
  New comparable facility (~1,500 beds)         1200000000  
  Upcoming facility construction only           700000000   
  Upcoming facility total (tech + necessities)  842000000   

KEY ENTITIES (34)
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- American Correctional Association [organization]: One of three national bodies offering voluntary accreditation to correctional facilities (aka: ACA)
- Atteeyah Hollie [person]: Deputy Director of the Southern Center for Human Rights, testified before committee on conditions in GDC facilities
- Augusta University [organization]: Georgia university whose division, Georgia Correctional HealthCare, provided prison medical services from 1998-2021
- Centurion [organization]: Current GDC physical healthcare contractor, replacing Wellpath
- CGL [organization]: Company holding HVAC convenience contract for GDC covering 8 of 58 locations, about $5 million for labor
- CoreCivic [organization]: Private prison company that owns and operates select prison facilities in Georgia under contract with GDC.
- CorrectRX [organization]: Current holder of GDC pharmacy contract
- Craig Haney [person]: Professor of psychology at the University of California, Santa Cruz. Leading national expert on psychological effects of solitary confinement. Conducted inspection of Georgia's SMU for Gumm v. Jacobs litigation and described it as 'one of the harshest and most draconian' in the nation. (aka: Dr. Craig Haney)
- Families Against Mandatory Minimums [organization]: Advocacy organization for sentencing and prison policies that are individualized and fair, represented by Senior Policy Analyst Matthew Charles (aka: FAMM)
- Federal Prison Oversight Act [legislation]: 2024 federal law calling for independent prison oversight through an ombudsman and regular inspections by the Inspector General with 60-day corrective action requirements (aka: FPOA)
- First Step Act [legislation]: Federal legislation enacted in 2018 that codified a ban on juvenile solitary confinement in the federal system. The only enacted federal legislation directly addressing solitary confinement.
- GEO Group [organization]: Private prison company that owns and operates select prison facilities in Georgia under contract with GDC. (aka: GEO Group, Inc.)
- Georgia Bureau of Investigation [organization]: Georgia state law enforcement agency that conducts some criminal investigations involving the prisons (aka: GBI)
- Georgia Department of Audits and Accounts [organization]: State agency the committee recommended review all GDC contract renewals for the past five years. (aka: Georgia Department of Audits)
- Georgia Department of Corrections [organization]: State agency responsible for operating Georgia's prison system. Subject of federal DOJ investigation in 2022-2023 for constitutional violations including food-related deaths. (aka: GDC)
- Georgia Diagnostic and Classification Prison [facility]: Georgia state prison from which David 'Toro' Zavala operated drug trafficking while serving time for armed robbery.
- Georgia State Board of Pardons and Paroles [organization]: Georgia state agency responsible for parole decisions
- Georgia State Prison [facility]: Georgia state prison where Chad Ashley Allen, serving a life sentence for murder, operated drug trafficking enterprise with Ghost Face Gangsters.
- Guidehouse [organization]: Consulting firm that conducted the Kemp Assessment of Georgia's prison system, publishing recommendations in January 2025.
- Kate Boccia [person]: CEO and President of the National Incarceration Association, mother of former GDC inmate who died of fentanyl overdose in 2021
- Lee Arrendale State Prison [facility]: Georgia state prison where drug-coated paper was found being passed in November 2025.
- Matthew Charles [person]: Senior Policy Analyst at FAMM, first beneficiary of the First Step Act in 2018 after serving 22 years of a 35-year federal sentence
- National Incarceration Association [organization]: Nonprofit organization helping families navigate the corrections system, led by CEO Kate Boccia (aka: NIA)
- Octavius Holiday [person]: Former GDC inmate released in 2020 after 16 years for armed robbery, testified about his experience
- Randy Robertson [person]: Georgia State Senator, District 29, Chairman of the SR 570 Study Committee (aka: Senator Robertson)
- Riverbend Correctional Facility [facility]: Medium security facility operated by GEO Group with 25% recidivism rate and 66% post-release employment rate
- Senate Resolution 570 [legislation]: 2024 Georgia Senate resolution creating the study committee to review conditions, needs, and issues related to safety and welfare in GDC facilities (aka: SR 570)
- Smith State Prison [facility]: Georgia state prison targeted by drone smuggling networks; subject of Operation Night Drop indictments.
- Southern Center for Human Rights [organization]: Legal advocacy organization that investigated food conditions at Gordon County Jail and sent a formal letter to Sheriff Mitch Ralston in October 2014. (aka: SCHR)
- SR 570 Study Committee [organization]: Georgia Senate study committee created by SR 570 in 2024, chaired by Senator Randy Robertson, to review conditions and safety in GDC facilities (aka: Senate Supporting Safety and Welfare of All Individuals in Department of Corrections Facilities Study Committee)
- Technical College System of Georgia [organization]: Georgia technical education system spending $444M for 159,280 students ($2,788/student). (aka: TCSG)
- Tyrone Oliver [person]: Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Corrections who in March 2024 stopped including preliminary cause of death in monthly mortality reports. (aka: Commissioner Oliver, GDC Commissioner)
- U.S. Department of Justice [organization]: Federal agency that published October 2024 findings report on unconstitutional conditions in Georgia prisons. (aka: DOJ)
- Wellpath [organization]: Largest private correctional healthcare company with $2.7 billion annual revenue; filed Chapter 11 bankruptcy in November 2024 (aka: Correct Care Solutions)

SOURCES (7)
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- Senate Resolution 570, 157th General Assembly, Regular Session (Georgia 2024), Georgia General Assembly (2024-01-01) [legislation, primary]
  URL: https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/66759
- SR 570 Study Committee Meeting Five Testimony (December 13, 2024), Senate Office of Policy and Legislative Analysis by Tyrone Oliver, Cliff Hogan (2024-12-13) [official_report, primary]
- SR 570 Study Committee Meeting Four Testimony (November 22, 2024), Senate Office of Policy and Legislative Analysis by Alan Watson, Kate Boccia, Atteeyah Hollie, Matthew Charles (2024-11-22) [official_report, primary]
- SR 570 Study Committee Meeting One Testimony (August 23, 2024), Senate Office of Policy and Legislative Analysis by Tyrone Oliver, Jerry Lankford, James Black (2024-08-23) [official_report, primary]
- SR 570 Study Committee Meeting Three Testimony (November 15, 2024), Senate Office of Policy and Legislative Analysis by Tyrone Oliver (2024-11-15) [official_report, primary]
- SR 570 Study Committee Meeting Two Testimony (August 28, 2024), Senate Office of Policy and Legislative Analysis by Tyrone Oliver, Octavius Holiday (2024-08-28) [official_report, primary]
- U.S. Department of Justice Report on Conditions in Georgia Prisons, U.S. Department of Justice by U.S. Department of Justice (2024-01-01) [official_report, primary]