GPS RESEARCH LIBRARY: 2024 Georgia Senate Study Committee Report on Prison Conditions ============================================================ Georgia Prisoners' Speak — gps.press Generated: 2026-03-17 04:51:25 EDT Research Date: 2026-02-25 Topic: Conditions & Operations JSON: https://gps.press/research-data/2024-georgia-senate-study-committee-report-on-prison-conditions-4/?format=json SUMMARY ---------------------------------------- The Georgia Senate SR 570 Study Committee conducted five meetings in 2024 examining the safety and welfare of individuals in Georgia Department of Corrections facilities. Key findings include a system managing approximately 49,000 inmates with 2,600 staff vacancies (47% security vacancy rate), 31% of inmates with gang affiliations, 14,000 inmates with identified mental health needs, and aging infrastructure requiring billions in upgrades. The committee issued nine recommendations including converting to single-cell facilities, investing in recruitment/retention, increasing mental health services, and advocating for federal permission to use cell phone jamming technology. STATISTICS (60) ---------------------------------------- - [reported] GDC total inmate population 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. Value: 49000.0 inmates Date: 2024-08-01 Tags: demographics,facilities - [reported] Average inmate age range The average inmate in GDC is about 30-40 years old. Date: 2024-01-01 Tags: demographics - [reported] 12% increase in violent population proportion since 2012 reforms There has been a 12% increase in the proportion of the violent population since criminal justice reforms were undertaken in 2012. Value: 12.0 percent increase Tags: violence,demographics,policy - [reported] 31% of inmates are validated gang members 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: Georgia Department of Corrections Presentation to Senate Study Committee (August 23, 2024) - [reported] 14,000 inmates with identified mental health needs About 14,000 inmates system-wide have identified mental health needs. Value: 14000.0 inmates Date: 2024-01-01 Tags: mental_health,demographics Sources: Georgia Department of Corrections Presentation to Senate Study Committee (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) Date: 2024-01-01 Tags: demographics,reentry - [reported] 45,000 certificates achieved in FY2024 In FY2024, the department helped individuals achieve about 45,000 career, technical, and educational certificates. Value: 45000.0 certificates Date: 2024-01-01 Tags: reentry,policy,program - [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,facilities - [reported] 100,000 prescription medications per month administered The state's 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,drugs - [reported] Seven close security prisons, all over 30 years old The state has seven close security prisons statewide, each at least 30 years old. The Commissioner said a prison has a lifespan of about 15-20 years before it needs hardening or updates. Value: 7.0 close security prisons Date: 2024-01-01 Tags: facilities,conditions Sources: Georgia Department of Corrections Presentation to Senate Study Committee (August 23, 2024) - [reported] 85 total correctional facilities in Georgia The state operates 85 total correctional facilities including but not limited to 35 state facilities and probation detention centers. Value: 85.0 facilities Date: 2024-01-01 Tags: facilities - [reported] 49 facilities accredited by ACA The department highlighted 49 facilities accredited by the American Correctional Association (ACA). Accreditation is a one-year process that requires renewal every three years. Value: 49.0 accredited facilities Date: 2024-01-01 Tags: facilities,policy Sources: Georgia Department of Corrections Presentation to Senate Study Committee (August 23, 2024); American Correctional Association (ACA) Accreditation Standards - [reported] Autry facility renovation cost $70 million The Autry facility was taken offline for a broad renovation including water system, lock and control systems, and other technology. This was a single budget item of $70 million. Value: 70.0 million dollars Date: 2024-01-01 Tags: budget,facilities - [reported] New prison construction costs approximately $1.2 billion A new correctional facility costs about $1.2 billion, including about 1,500 beds, single-man cells, pre-cast concrete walls, hardening, and some technology to support operations. Value: 1.2 billion dollars Date: 2024-01-01 Tags: budget,facilities - [reported] Upcoming facility costs $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: 842.0 million dollars total Date: 2024-01-01 Tags: budget,facilities - [reported] Quarter of inmates not from Georgia complicating documentation About a quarter of the GDC population is not from Georgia, making it a significant effort to secure documentation such as birth certificates for reentry purposes. Value: 25.0 percent Date: 2024-01-01 Tags: demographics,reentry - [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 female inmate under death sentence Date: 2024-01-01 Tags: demographics,facilities - [reported] GEO Group operation costs increased 40% over five years GEO Group's operation costs over the last five years have increased about 40 percent. Value: 40.0 percent increase Tags: budget,facilities Sources: GEO Group Presentation to Senate Study Committee (August 23, 2024) - [reported] GEO Group staffing at 86% with 30% turnover GEO Group has 86 percent staffing generally with a 30 percent turnover rate. Value: 86.0 percent staffing (vs. 30 percent turnover rate) Date: 2024-01-01 Tags: staffing,facilities Sources: GEO Group Presentation to Senate Study Committee (August 23, 2024); GDC Presentation on Operations and Personnel (August 28, 2024) - [reported] GEO Riverbend 66% employment rate within 12 months of release Since 2016, 66% average employment within 12 months of release for GEO Group's post-release program. Value: 66.0 percent employment rate Tags: reentry,facilities Sources: GEO Group Presentation to Senate Study Committee (August 23, 2024) - [reported] GEO Riverbend 25% recidivism rate vs 39% national average While there is a 39 percent national recidivism rate, GEO has a 25 percent rate for its Riverbend facility. Value: 25.0 percent recidivism rate (vs. 39 national recidivism rate percent) Date: 2024-01-01 Tags: reentry,facilities Sources: GEO Group Presentation to Senate Study Committee (August 23, 2024); GDC Presentation on Staffing and Inmate Administration (November 15, 2024); GDC Data on Recidivism Rates (2021) - [reported] GEO Group 40% of Riverbend population transitioning within 5 years About 40 percent of the Riverbend Correctional Facility population will transition out of the Department of Corrections in the next five years. Value: 40.0 percent of population Date: 2024-01-01 Tags: demographics,reentry,facilities Sources: Senate Resolution 570, 157th General Assembly, Regular Session (Georgia 2024); GEO Group Presentation to Senate Study Committee (August 23, 2024) - [reported] GEO Group employs 800 people statewide in Georgia GEO Group employs 800 people statewide across its facilities in Georgia. Value: 800.0 employees Date: 2024-01-01 Tags: staffing Sources: GEO Group Presentation to Senate Study Committee (August 23, 2024) - [reported] GDC total health services budget approximately $355 million Total health services including dental and pharmacy are budgeted at about $355 million according to the Commissioner. Value: 355.0 million dollars Date: 2025-01-01 Tags: budget,medical Sources: GDC Presentation on Operations and Personnel (August 28, 2024) - [reported] GDC healthcare covers about 55,000 individuals annually Assistant Commissioner Sauls explained that the Department covers about 55,000 individuals annually for healthcare services. Value: 55000.0 individuals Date: 2024-01-01 Tags: medical,demographics Sources: Southern Center for Human Rights Litigation re: Medical Staff and Sepsis Death (2016) - [reported] Average new corrections officer salary $44,000 The average salary for new corrections officers is $44,000 statewide with enhancements depending on the location a person works at and their certifications. Value: 44000.0 dollars per year Date: 2024-01-01 Tags: staffing,budget Sources: Correctional Peace Officer Foundation Programs - [reported] GDC pre-COVID vacancy of 1,700 positions GDC had about 1,700 open positions pre-Covid. Value: 1700.0 open positions Date: 2019-01-01 Tags: staffing Sources: American Correctional Association (ACA) Accreditation Standards - [reported] GDC peak vacancy of 3,500 positions during COVID GDC had about 3,500 openings during the vacancy peak caused by COVID-19. Value: 3500.0 open positions Tags: staffing Sources: American Correctional Association (ACA) Accreditation Standards; Octavius Holiday Public Testimony to Senate Study Committee - [reported] GDC current vacancy of 2,600 positions 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 Date: 2024-08-01 Tags: staffing Sources: American Correctional Association (ACA) Accreditation Standards; Correctional Peace Officer Foundation Programs - [reported] GDC total funded employee capacity 10,919 The agency is funded for a total of 10,919 positions including both administrative and security personnel. Value: 10919.0 funded positions Date: 2024-01-01 Tags: staffing,budget - [reported] 7,587 funded security officer positions GDC has 7,587 funded security officer positions out of its 10,919 total funded positions. Value: 7587.0 security officer positions Date: 2024-01-01 Tags: staffing - [reported] 47% security officer vacancy rate The agency's efforts have reduced the security 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 rate (vs. 50 percent peak vacancy rate during COVID) Date: 2024-01-01 Tags: staffing Sources: American Correctional Association (ACA) Accreditation Standards - [reported] 2,000 unfunded correctional officer positions About 2,000 correctional officer positions are unfunded in the agency's budget which reduces the overall vacancy rate. Value: 2000.0 unfunded positions Date: 2024-01-01 Tags: staffing,budget Sources: American Correctional Association (ACA) Accreditation Standards - [reported] Cost of hiring and training per cadet approximately $3,000 The cost of hiring and training personnel is about $3,000 per cadet not including salaries. Value: 3000.0 dollars per cadet Date: 2024-01-01 Tags: staffing,budget - [reported] Over 800 arrests in FY2023-2024 for contraband smuggling 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,corruption,operations Sources: GDC Office of Professional Standards Arrest and Contraband Data (FY 2023-2024) - [reported] 151 drone-related 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,operations - [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 confiscated Tags: contraband,operations Sources: Incarceration Rates Comparative Data (2022) - [reported] Average 1,300 cell phones found monthly An average of 1,300 cell phone devices are being found monthly in GDC facilities. Value: 1300.0 devices per month Date: 2024-01-01 Tags: contraband,operations - [reported] 75% of inmates enter due to violent crime 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 a prison for non-violent convictions. Value: 75.0 percent Date: 2024-01-01 Tags: demographics,violence - [reported] Current academy class of about 200 individuals The current academy class of correctional officers includes about 200 individuals. Value: 200.0 cadets Date: 2024-01-01 Tags: staffing Sources: American Correctional Association (ACA) Accreditation Standards; Correctional Peace Officer Foundation Programs - [reported] COVID-19 caused loss of about 2,000 entry-level correctional officers During the COVID-19 pandemic, the agency lost about 2,000 entry-level correctional officers. Value: 2000.0 officers lost Tags: staffing Sources: Octavius Holiday Public Testimony to Senate Study Committee; Correctional Peace Officer Foundation Programs - [reported] Four private prison facilities in Georgia Four total facilities in the state are operated by GEO Group and CoreCivic. Those companies both own their facilities and operate through a contract bidding process. Value: 4.0 private facilities Date: 2024-01-01 Tags: facilities Sources: CoreCivic Presentation to Senate Study Committee (August 23, 2024); GEO Group Presentation to Senate Study Committee (August 23, 2024) - [reported] Average inmate sentence at least 10 years The average offender enters a correctional facility with a sentence of at least ten years which the Commissioner attributed to the increasing number of violent offenses requiring prison sentences. Value: 10.0 years minimum sentence Date: 2024-01-01 Tags: demographics,legal - [reported] Intake within 15 days of county notification GDC will intake an individual within 15 days of receiving notification from the county with an average of 200-250 intakes per week. Value: 15.0 days Date: 2024-01-01 Tags: operations,policy - [estimated] 200-250 intakes per week average GDC averages 200-250 intakes per week from counties. Value: 225.0 intakes per week Date: 2024-01-01 Tags: operations,demographics - [reported] 26% general population recidivism rate within three years 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. Value: 26.0 percent reconviction rate Date: 2021-01-01 Tags: reentry Sources: GDC Presentation on Staffing and Inmate Administration (November 15, 2024); First Step Act (2018); GDC Annual Report on Program Completion Rates; GDC Data on Recidivism Rates (2021) - [reported] Recidivism rate reduces up to 50% with GDC programming Recidivism rates reduce up to 50 percent for those who go through GDC programming. The chairman highlighted that vocational programming in particular reduces the recidivism rate by half when compared to the general population. Value: 50.0 percent reduction Date: 2024-01-01 Tags: reentry,policy Sources: GDC Presentation on Staffing and Inmate Administration (November 15, 2024); First Step Act (2018); GDC Annual Report on Program Completion Rates; GDC Data on Recidivism Rates (2021) - [reported] Substance abuse programs at 10 facilities statewide The Inmate Services Division oversees substance abuse programs located at 10 facilities statewide. Value: 10.0 facilities with substance abuse programs Date: 2024-01-01 Tags: drugs,facilities,policy - [reported] Over 50% of pharmacy budget on Hepatitis and HIV treatment Over 50 percent of the agency's pharmacy budget goes toward Hepatitis and HIV treatment drugs, which are typically begun after a person receives their diagnostic medical exams. Value: 50.0 percent of pharmacy budget Date: 2024-01-01 Tags: medical,budget,drugs - [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. Value: 150.0 contracts Date: 2024-01-01 Tags: budget,operations Sources: GDC Presentation on Contracts and Procurement (November 22, 2024); Southern Center for Human Rights Litigation re: Medical Staff and Sepsis Death (2016) - [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. Value: 8.0 locations covered (vs. 58 total locations) Date: 2024-01-01 Tags: conditions,budget,facilities Sources: GDC Presentation on Contracts and Procurement (November 22, 2024) - [reported] 33 homicides in GDC 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: Southern Center for Human Rights Testimony and Presentation to Senate Study Committee; GDC Incarceration and Violence Statistics; Incarceration Rates Comparative Data (2022) - [reported] 21 killed in Georgia prisons January-September 2020 From January to September 2020, 21 people were killed in Georgia prisons in addition to 19 suicides during that same time period. Value: 21.0 homicides (vs. 19 suicides) Tags: death,violence,mental_health Sources: Southern Center for Human Rights Testimony and Presentation to Senate Study Committee; GDC Incarceration and Violence Statistics - [reported] Georgia fourth in per capita incarceration rate in 2022 Ms. Hollie presented a graph showing Georgia was fourth per capita in incarceration rates among states in comparison to the United States overall and other countries, as measured in 2022. Value: 4.0 rank per capita Date: 2022-01-01 Tags: demographics Sources: Southern Center for Human Rights Testimony and Presentation to Senate Study Committee; Incarceration Rates Comparative Data (2022) - [reported] NIA: 12% of returning prison population for parole violations are new offenses Kate Boccia stated that 12 percent of the returning prison population for parole violations are new offenses while the rest are technical violations of parole. Value: 12.0 percent new offenses (vs. 88 percent technical violations) Date: 2024-01-01 Tags: parole,reentry Sources: National Incarceration Association Testimony to Senate Study Committee; U.S. Department of Justice Report on Conditions within Georgia Prisons; Southern Center for Human Rights Settlement and Litigation re: Special Management Unit at Jackson Diagnostic - [reported] 17,600 parole reviews by five board members in 2023 Ms. Boccia questioned the 17,600 reviews that are created by the five members of the parole board in 2023. Value: 17600.0 parole reviews Date: 2023-01-01 Tags: parole Sources: National Incarceration Association Testimony to Senate Study Committee - [estimated] About 10 facilities not ACA accredited due to aging infrastructure Most GDC facilities are ACA accredited, but of the 10 or so that are not, the Commissioner attributed it to aging infrastructure and not failures of policies or procedures. Value: 10.0 unaccredited facilities Date: 2024-01-01 Tags: facilities,policy Sources: American Correctional Association (ACA) Accreditation Standards; National Incarceration Association Testimony to Senate Study Committee - [reported] Seven success coaches in cadet retention program The Department is pairing cadets with a success coaching program where cadets are paired with current and former corrections staff. The program currently includes seven success coaches and has been in place for almost two years, becoming a national model for training. Value: 7.0 success coaches Date: 2024-01-01 Tags: staffing,policy - [reported] Five academy locations across Georgia The five-week academy occurs at one of five locations across Georgia, with a goal of building an additional training academy in Southwest Georgia. Value: 5.0 academy locations Date: 2024-01-01 Tags: staffing,facilities Sources: American Correctional Association (ACA) Accreditation Standards - [reported] Background check includes 140 agents across three regions The background check process is undertaken by about 140 agents across three regions within the agency, who interview individuals, conduct social media checks, and cross-reference call logs for disqualifying connections. Value: 140.0 agents Date: 2024-01-01 Tags: staffing,operations POLICYS (21) ---------------------------------------- - [reported] Mental health evaluation timeline at intake Mental evaluations are done over 7 to 14 days of intake to determine whether a person has a preexisting condition, using individual counselors and approved evaluation techniques. Inmates in 'crisis phase' such as suicidal or homicidal ideation undergo 30 to 90-day phases of further evaluation. Date: 2024-01-01 Tags: mental_health,policy,medical Sources: Georgia Department of Corrections Presentation to Senate Study Committee (August 23, 2024) - [reported] Commissioner recommends 1,500-inmate cap for future facilities Commissioner Oliver stated that the state should limit future correctional facilities to a maximum capacity of 1,500 inmates. Date: 2024-01-01 Tags: facilities,policy Sources: Georgia Department of Corrections Presentation to Senate Study Committee (August 23, 2024) - [reported] Commissary weekly spending limit of $75 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. Date: 2024-01-01 Tags: policy,conditions - [reported] GDC death investigation protocol When any death is discovered, a facility is placed in lockdown, crime scene investigators are brought into the scene, and the deceased is sent to the coroner and crime lab for proper processing. GBI oversees the investigation if an officer is suspected to be involved. Date: 2024-01-01 Tags: death,policy,investigations - [reported] GDC death categories Deaths within GDC facilities fall into the categories of homicide, suicide, accidental death, Department executions, natural causes, and unknown. The unknown causes are typically temporary as the Department investigates all deaths. Date: 2024-01-01 Tags: death,policy Sources: GDC Presentation on Operations and Personnel (August 28, 2024); GDC Incarceration and Violence Statistics - [reported] Five-week basic officer academy to extend to six weeks in July 2025 The five-week basic officer training academy (208 hours, 149 mandated by state/certifying entity) is planned to extend to six weeks including crisis intervention training as of July 1, 2025, pending recommendations from the Guidehouse report. Date: 2024-01-01 Tags: staffing,policy Sources: American Correctional Association (ACA) Accreditation Standards; Guidehouse, Inc. System-Wide Study of GDC Operations - [reported] 40 hours minimum annual training for officers with inmate contact Every officer with responsibilities including inmate contact has a minimum of 40 hours of additional training each year. Half is consistent across all facilities while the remaining half is specific to a facility and position. Date: 2024-01-01 Tags: staffing,policy Sources: Correctional Peace Officer Foundation Programs - [confirmed] Committee Recommendation: Convert all facilities to single-cell The committee recommends converting all existing facilities and constructing all new facilities as single person, single cell facilities. Date: 2024-01-01 Tags: facilities,policy,violence - [confirmed] Committee Recommendation: Advocate for cell phone and drone jamming The committee recommends advocating the federal government to allow state prisons to use cell phone and drone jamming technology. Date: 2024-01-01 Tags: contraband,policy,legal - [confirmed] Committee Recommendation: Increase mental health services The committee recommends increasing mental health services available to incarcerated population and staff; increase availability of counselors and mental health care for officers, staff, and the incarcerated through the RFP process. Date: 2024-01-01 Tags: mental_health,policy,staffing Sources: Georgia Department of Corrections Presentation to Senate Study Committee (August 23, 2024); GDC Presentation on Contracts and Procurement (November 22, 2024); Correctional Peace Officer Foundation Programs - [confirmed] Committee Recommendation: Audit contract renewals for runaway costs The committee recommends asking 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,policy Sources: American Correctional Association (ACA) Accreditation Standards - [confirmed] Committee Recommendation: Implement pay study for all GDC employees The committee recommends implementing a pay study for all Georgia Department of Corrections employees. Date: 2024-01-01 Tags: staffing,budget,policy Sources: Senate Resolution 570, 157th General Assembly, Regular Session (Georgia 2024) - [confirmed] Committee Recommendation: Prioritize hardening existing facilities The committee recommends prioritizing the hardening of existing corrections facilities to ensure their longevity while ensuring upcoming facilities are built to modern standards of security. Date: 2024-01-01 Tags: facilities,policy,budget - [confirmed] Committee Recommendation: Ensure consistent warden policies The committee recommends ensuring wardens adhere to consistent policies across facilities to prevent cultural differences within corrections facilities. Date: 2024-01-01 Tags: policy,facilities - [confirmed] Committee Recommendation: Leverage public-private partnerships The committee recommends leveraging public-private partnerships to expand the capacity of the Georgia Department of Corrections. Date: 2024-01-01 Tags: policy,facilities,budget Sources: Senate Resolution 570, 157th General Assembly, Regular Session (Georgia 2024) - [confirmed] Committee Recommendation: Invest in correctional officer recruitment and retention The committee recommends investing in correctional officer recruitment and retention. Date: 2024-01-01 Tags: staffing,policy,budget Sources: Guidehouse, Inc. System-Wide Study of GDC Operations - [reported] West Central nine-month substance use recovery 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,facilities Sources: Georgia Department of Corrections Presentation to Senate Study Committee (August 23, 2024) - [reported] Coastal State Prison nine-month RSAT program Coastal State Prison provides a nine-month Residential Substance Abuse Treatment program (RSAT). Date: 2024-01-01 Tags: drugs,facilities - [reported] Private prison medical costs capped with state covering excess The medical costs attributed to private facilities is capped, so when an individual requires more expensive care, they are paid by the Department. The state may transfer inmates who require costly care back to its facilities. Date: 2024-01-01 Tags: medical,budget,facilities - [reported] GDC healthcare contract transition with nine renewal waivers The healthcare services contracts are so large that a single full-time office oversees them, and the contract has a waiver for up to nine renewals instead of the typical four to allow greater continuity of services. Date: 2024-01-01 Tags: medical,policy,budget Sources: Southern Center for Human Rights Litigation re: Medical Staff and Sepsis Death (2016) - [reported] GDC coordinates with Ryan White HIV program for post-release care GDC coordinates with the Ryan White HIV programs for individuals to receive ongoing treatment after release from prison. Date: 2024-01-01 Tags: medical,reentry Sources: Ryan White HIV Programs FINDINGS (19) ---------------------------------------- - [reported] Single-cell policy reduces inmate-on-inmate violence The Commissioner highlighted a reduction of inmate-on-inmate violence in close security prisons due to the implementation of single-cell policies. Smith State Prison saw reduced violence by reducing its population and transitioning to single-man cells. Date: 2024-01-01 Tags: violence,facilities,policy Sources: Georgia Department of Corrections Presentation to Senate Study Committee (August 23, 2024) - [reported] Cell phones classified as deadly weapons inside prisons The Commissioner stated that cell phones are deadly weapons inside of prisons. The Department is undertaking anti-drone technology measures such as detection devices but it is difficult to compete with the constant progress of technology. Date: 2024-01-01 Tags: contraband,operations - [reported] Drug-soaked paper 'strips' entering through mail Drugs sometimes come through the mail in the form of drug-soaked paper called 'strips.' GDC is working to centralize mail facilities and use technology that identifies those substances. Much of these drug crimes inside prisons is organized by gangs both inside and outside of the prisons. Date: 2024-01-01 Tags: drugs,contraband,gangs,operations - [reported] Meth identified as prevalent cause for substance treatment Anecdotally, Chief of Staff Watson stated that meth is a prevalent cause for needing treatment in prisons. Date: 2024-01-01 Tags: drugs,medical - [reported] Homicides largely between roommates A large proportion of homicides in GDC facilities are between roommates, and means vary and include homemade weapons, lacerations, and fights. Date: 2024-01-01 Tags: violence,death Sources: GDC Incarceration and Violence Statistics - [reported] Guidehouse Inc. conducting system-wide operations study The Department is currently waiting for the results of a system-wide study of its operations being conducted by Guidehouse, Inc. that should include a comprehensive analysis of its salary structures related to recruitment and retention. The report was undertaken in conjunction with the Governor's office and should be delivered by the end of December 2024. Date: 2024-12-01 Tags: staffing,policy,operations Sources: Guidehouse, Inc. System-Wide Study of GDC Operations - [reported] Majority of separations occur within less than one year The majority of separations, whether voluntary or involuntary, occur in less than a year, so a substantial effort is placed in getting a new employee past that point. Date: 2024-07-01 Tags: staffing - [reported] Contraband more often introduced by visitors than staff Contraband is more often introduced by visitors than it is by any staff, according to GDC. Date: 2024-01-01 Tags: contraband,corruption - [reported] Drones identified as greatest contraband threat The greater threat currently for contraband introduction is the impact of drones causing large quantities of contraband to enter facilities. Date: 2024-01-01 Tags: contraband,operations - [reported] GDC reduced programming attributed to COVID staffing and funding GEO Group acknowledged a reduction of programming it offers over recent years and stated it is due to a reduction of staff and funding after COVID. Tags: staffing,policy,reentry Sources: GEO Group Presentation to Senate Study Committee (August 23, 2024); GDC Presentation on Operations and Personnel (August 28, 2024); First Step Act (2018); GDC Annual Report on Program Completion Rates - [reported] Substance abuse treatment increases recidivism due to addiction The Department only sees increased recidivism rates among the population who goes through its residential substance abuse treatment programs, which is attributed to addiction. Date: 2024-01-01 Tags: drugs,reentry Sources: GDC Presentation on Staffing and Inmate Administration (November 15, 2024); GDC Data on Recidivism Rates (2021) - [reported] AC systems in administrative, medical, and mental health units only Currently all facilities have AC systems in administrative facilities, medical units, and mental health housing, while GDC is adding AC to other facilities. Date: 2024-01-01 Tags: conditions,facilities Sources: Georgia Department of Corrections Presentation to Senate Study Committee (August 23, 2024) - [reported] Solitary confinement defined as 22+ hours in cell per day Ms. Hollie defined solitary confinement as an individual being held in their cells for 22 or more hours per day. Date: 2024-01-01 Tags: solitary,conditions Sources: Southern Center for Human Rights Testimony and Presentation to Senate Study Committee; Southern Center for Human Rights Settlement and Litigation re: Special Management Unit at Jackson Diagnostic; Dr. Craig Haney Assessment of Special Management Unit at Jackson Diagnostic (2015) - [reported] States with independent prison oversight models Independent prison oversight ombudsman models are present in Indiana, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Virginia, meant to work with corrections agencies to review and address challenges, typically reporting to state attorneys general, governors, and legislatures. Date: 2024-01-01 Tags: policy,legal Sources: National Incarceration Association Testimony to Senate Study Committee; Families Against Mandatory Minimums Testimony to Senate Study Committee; Federal Prison Oversight Act (FPOA) of 2024; Incarceration Rates Comparative Data (2022) - [reported] SCHR: staffing, limited programming, longer sentences contribute to violence Ms. Hollie responded that persistent staffing issues are a contributing factor to increasing violence in addition to limited programming, longer sentences, and a lack of alternatives to solitary confinement. Date: 2024-01-01 Tags: violence,staffing,solitary Sources: GDC Presentation on Operations and Personnel (August 28, 2024); Southern Center for Human Rights Testimony and Presentation to Senate Study Committee; Southern Center for Human Rights Settlement and Litigation re: Special Management Unit at Jackson Diagnostic; Dr. Craig Haney Assessment of Special Management Unit at Jackson Diagnostic (2015); First Step Act (2018); GDC Annual Report on Program Completion Rates - [reported] Corrections not viewed as a calling affecting recruitment GDC highlighted that corrections faces the challenge of not being viewed as a calling unlike other public safety agencies. Many individuals come to the agency for a job that meets their financial needs rather than due to the value of the mission and public service. Date: 2024-01-01 Tags: staffing - [reported] Privatized food services saving money at 7 facilities 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: budget,conditions,facilities - [reported] PREA compliance largely meeting and exceeding requirements GDC facilities are largely meeting and exceeding the requirements under Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) audit procedures, including investigation of events by Sexual Assault Response Teams (SART) located at each facility. Date: 2024-01-01 Tags: violence,policy,legal Sources: GDC Presentation on Staffing and Inmate Administration (November 15, 2024); Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) - [reported] Some prisons are triple bunked The Commissioner stated that some prisons are triple bunked, in contrast to the modern best practice of single-man cells. Date: 2024-01-01 Tags: conditions,facilities LEGAL FACTS (7) ---------------------------------------- - [reported] Federal regulations prevent states from using cell phone jammers 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,legal,policy Sources: Incarceration Rates Comparative Data (2022) - [reported] Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security suspended for inmates 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,legal,budget - [reported] Federal judge found GDC in violation of solitary confinement settlement in April 2024 GDC in a settlement with the Southern Center for Human Rights ensures minimum time out-of-cell and access to programming at the Special Management Unit at Jackson Diagnostic. However, violation of that settlement agreement has been found by a federal judge in April 2024. This case is subject to ongoing litigation. Date: 2024-04-01 Tags: solitary,legal,conditions Sources: Southern Center for Human Rights Testimony and Presentation to Senate Study Committee; Southern Center for Human Rights Litigation re: Arrendale State Prison; Southern Center for Human Rights Settlement and Litigation re: Special Management Unit at Jackson Diagnostic; Dr. Craig Haney Assessment of Special Management Unit at Jackson Diagnostic (2015); First Step Act (2018); GDC Annual Report on Program Completion Rates - [reported] SCHR 2016 lawsuit over sepsis death due to lack of medical staff 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 Sources: Southern Center for Human Rights Testimony and Presentation to Senate Study Committee; Southern Center for Human Rights Litigation re: Medical Staff and Sepsis Death (2016) - [reported] SCHR lawsuit over shackling of postpartum women at Lee Arrendale After Lee Arrendale Prison was transitioned to a women's facility, the Southern Center for Human Rights represented postpartum women who alleged to have been shackled against state and federal law and given further inadequate medical care in the days and weeks after delivery. Date: 2024-01-01 Tags: medical,legal,conditions Sources: Southern Center for Human Rights Testimony and Presentation to Senate Study Committee; Southern Center for Human Rights Litigation re: Postpartum Shackling at Lee Arrendale Prison; GDC Annual Report on Program Completion Rates - [reported] 2011 lawsuit regarding unreasonable force at Hays State Prison The Southern Center for Human Rights previously participated in litigation regarding a 2011 lawsuit regarding unreasonable force by guards at Hays State Prison. Date: 2011-01-01 Tags: violence,legal Sources: Southern Center for Human Rights Testimony and Presentation to Senate Study Committee; Southern Center for Human Rights Litigation re: Arrendale State Prison; Southern Center for Human Rights Litigation re: Hays State Prison (2011) - [reported] Federal Prison Oversight Act of 2024 provisions The Federal Prison Oversight Act calls for independent prison oversight through an ombudsman and regular inspections by the Inspector General so that corrective actions for issues of health and safety can be taken within 60 days. Date: 2024-01-01 Tags: legal,policy Sources: Families Against Mandatory Minimums Testimony to Senate Study Committee; Federal Prison Oversight Act (FPOA) of 2024 TRENDS (4) ---------------------------------------- - [reported] Violent incident severity increasing despite declining overall numbers 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,facilities Sources: GDC Presentation on Operations and Personnel (August 28, 2024); GDC Incarceration and Violence Statistics - [reported] Most voluntary terminations occur within first two years A significant number of voluntary terminations by correctional officers, such as seeking other employment, occur within the first two years of hiring; however, the termination rate falls if an officer is retained beyond that timeframe. Date: 2024-01-01 Tags: staffing Sources: Correctional Peace Officer Foundation Programs - [reported] Annual homicide and suicide rates remain at similar levels since 2020 Since 2020, annual homicide and suicide rates within GDC facilities have remained at similar levels to the January-September 2020 period. Tags: death,violence,mental_health Sources: GDC Incarceration and Violence Statistics - [reported] Female violent population and gang affiliation also increasing When asked about the 'violent' population for females, the Commissioner indicated that those numbers are also increasing in addition to those with gang affiliation. Date: 2024-01-01 Tags: violence,gangs,demographics Sources: Georgia Department of Corrections Presentation to Senate Study Committee (August 23, 2024) CASE DETAILS (8) ---------------------------------------- - [reported] CoreCivic partnership with GDC since 1998 CoreCivic has been in partnership with the Department of Corrections since 1998. Tags: facilities,policy Sources: Senate Resolution 570, 157th General Assembly, Regular Session (Georgia 2024); CoreCivic Presentation to Senate Study Committee (August 23, 2024) - [reported] McRae facility sold by CoreCivic to state in 2022 CoreCivic's business model includes building facilities that it eventually sells to the state, as it did with the McRae facility in Helena, GA in 2022. Date: 2022-01-01 Tags: facilities,budget Sources: CoreCivic Presentation to Senate Study Committee (August 23, 2024); Incarceration Rates Comparative Data (2022) - [reported] Folkston ICE facility empty with 1,800 beds 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 Sources: GEO Group Presentation to Senate Study Committee (August 23, 2024) - [reported] Transition from Wellpath to Centurion for healthcare The transition from Wellpath to Centurion for healthcare services was smooth within 60 days of the contract being awarded. A year prior, Wellpath notified GDC of its intent not to renew without increasing pricing, triggering a new RFP process. Since then, care outcomes within facilities have improved. Date: 2024-01-01 Tags: medical,policy Sources: GDC Presentation on Contracts and Procurement (November 22, 2024); Southern Center for Human Rights Litigation re: Medical Staff and Sepsis Death (2016); Federal Prison Oversight Act (FPOA) of 2024 - [reported] Georgia State Prison solitary confinement used until closure in 2022 The SCHR pointed to the use of solitary confinement at Georgia State Prison, a special mission mental health facility, until its closing in 2022. Date: 2022-01-01 Tags: solitary,mental_health,facilities Sources: Georgia Department of Corrections Presentation to Senate Study Committee (August 23, 2024); Southern Center for Human Rights Testimony and Presentation to Senate Study Committee; Southern Center for Human Rights Settlement and Litigation re: Special Management Unit at Jackson Diagnostic; Dr. Craig Haney Assessment of Special Management Unit at Jackson Diagnostic (2015); Incarceration Rates Comparative Data (2022) - [reported] NIA CEO's son died of fentanyl overdose during recidivism period Ms. Boccia stated her son died in 2021 of a fentanyl overdose during the typical three-year recidivism period. He would be considered a recidivist based on his actions, but individuals who die within that period are not captured in recidivism datasets. Date: 2021-01-01 Tags: overdose,death,drugs,reentry Sources: National Incarceration Association Testimony to Senate Study Committee - [reported] Matthew Charles: first beneficiary of First Step Act Matthew Charles stated that 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 Sources: Families Against Mandatory Minimums Testimony to Senate Study Committee; First Step Act (2018) - [reported] Lee Arrendale has 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,policy DATA GAPS (5) ---------------------------------------- - [reported] SCHR concern over GDC ending death press releases Ms. Hollie expressed concern over GDC ending the practice of making press releases when someone dies in its facilities due to the absence of transparency. She also stated 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 Sources: Southern Center for Human Rights Testimony and Presentation to Senate Study Committee; GDC Annual Report on Program Completion Rates; Georgia Department of Corrections Mortality Review Reports - [reported] GDC mortality reports no longer include manner of death GDC has changed its publication of mortality review reports so that manner of death is no longer included when requested through open records, according to the Southern Center for Human Rights. Date: 2024-01-01 Tags: death,policy Sources: Southern Center for Human Rights Testimony and Presentation to Senate Study Committee; GDC Annual Report on Program Completion Rates; Georgia Department of Corrections Mortality Review Reports - [reported] Recidivism data gap: deaths during recidivism period not captured Individuals who die during the typical three-year recidivism period are not captured in recidivism datasets, according to NIA's Kate Boccia. Date: 2024-01-01 Tags: reentry,death,drugs Sources: National Incarceration Association Testimony to Senate Study Committee; U.S. Department of Justice Report on Conditions within Georgia Prisons; GDC Incarceration and Violence Statistics - [reported] GDC offender records not fully digitized Offender records are not fully digitized aside from medical records and are held by State Archives. Date: 2024-01-01 Tags: operations,policy - [reported] Statewide assessment of food privatization not yet undertaken A statewide assessment has not been undertaken to determine the effects of food service privatization efforts at all GDC facilities. Date: 2024-01-01 Tags: budget,conditions METHODOLOGY NOTES (1) ---------------------------------------- - [reported] GDC recidivism tracking methodology GDC tracks recidivism rates based on if an individual has a felony conviction within three years of release from GDC custody. As of 2021, the recidivism rate is about 26 percent in Georgia, but this does not include arrests without convictions or technical violations that cause return to prison. Date: 2021-01-01 Tags: reentry Sources: GDC Presentation on Staffing and Inmate Administration (November 15, 2024); Southern Center for Human Rights Settlement and Litigation re: Special Management Unit at Jackson Diagnostic; GDC Data on Recidivism Rates (2021) DATASETS (1) ---------------------------------------- # GDC Staffing Vacancy Trends Progression of open positions from pre-COVID through peak vacancy to current levels Period Open Positions ----------------------------------------- Pre-COVID (~2019) 1700 COVID Peak (~2020-2022) 3500 Current (August 2024) 2600 KEY ENTITIES (44) ---------------------------------------- - Ahmed Holt [person]: Assistant Commissioner of Facilities, Georgia Department of Corrections - Allan Watson [person]: Chief of Staff, Georgia Department of Corrections (aka: Alan Watson) - 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 State Medical Prison [facility]: Georgia state medical prison visited by DOJ during 2022-2023 investigation (aka: Augusta State Medical) - Autry State Prison [facility]: Georgia state prison with GCI shoe/boot manufacturing and garment operations. - 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 - Cliff Hogan [person]: Director of Data Management and Research, Georgia Department of Corrections - Coastal State Prison [facility]: Georgia state prison visited by DOJ during 2022-2023 investigation (aka: Coastal) - 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 - Dr. Craig Haney [person]: Expert on solitary confinement at the University of California, Santa Cruz, who in 2015 offered assessment of the Special Management Unit at Jackson Diagnostic - 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 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 Prison [facility]: Georgia state prison where Chad Ashley Allen, serving a life sentence for murder, operated drug trafficking enterprise with Ghost Face Gangsters. - Guidehouse Inc. [organization]: Consulting firm hired by Georgia to assess prison conditions. Along with The Moss Group and Carter Goble Lee, produced report (2024-2025) finding the system in 'emergency mode with no quick fix possible.' Report obtained via Georgia Open Records Act. (aka: Guidehouse, Guidehouse / The Moss Group / Carter Goble Lee) - Hays State Prison [facility]: Georgia state prison visited by DOJ during 2022-2023 investigation (aka: Hays) - Jay Sanders [person]: Assistant Commissioner of Inmate Services, Georgia Department of Corrections - 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 - McRae Correctional Facility [facility]: Facility in Helena, GA, sold by CoreCivic to the state in 2022, recently renovated with hardening techniques for female inmates (aka: McCrae, McRae facility) - 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 - Phillips State Prison [facility]: Georgia state prison visited by DOJ during 2022-2023 investigation (aka: Phillips) - Prison Rape Elimination Act [legislation]: Federal law requiring zero tolerance for sexual abuse and sexual harassment in prisons and mandating specific classification screening to protect vulnerable populations. (aka: PREA, 28 C.F.R. Part 115) - Pulaski State Prison [facility]: Georgia women's state prison where Christina Buttery died on December 21, 2022, from a methamphetamine and fentanyl overdose. - Randy Robertson [person]: Georgia State Senator, District 29, Chairman of the SR 570 Study Committee (aka: Senator Robertson) - Randy Sauls [person]: Assistant Commissioner of Health Services, Georgia Department of Corrections - Residential Substance Abuse Treatment [program]: Substance abuse treatment programs operated by GDC, with capacity severely limited relative to the 50-66% of incarcerated people with substance use disorders (aka: RSAT) - 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) - 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) - Walker State Prison [facility]: A Georgia state prison noted as a positive exception by the DOJ, with fewer incarcerated people reporting fear and a higher proportion of staff positions filled. - 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 (33) ---------------------------------------- - American Correctional Association (ACA) Accreditation Standards, American Correctional Association [official_report, primary] - Carl Vinson Institute Assessments for GDC Promotional Process, Carl Vinson Institute of Government [academic, primary] - CoreCivic Presentation to Senate Study Committee (August 23, 2024), CoreCivic by Jerry Lankford, Senior Director (2024-08-23) [official_report, primary] - Correctional Peace Officer Foundation Programs, Correctional Peace Officer Foundation [official_report, secondary] - Dr. Craig Haney Assessment of Special Management Unit at Jackson Diagnostic (2015), University of California, Santa Cruz by Dr. Craig Haney (2015-01-01) [academic, primary] - Families Against Mandatory Minimums Testimony to Senate Study Committee, Families Against Mandatory Minimums (FAMM) by Matthew Charles, Senior Policy Analyst (2024-11-22) [official_report, secondary] - Federal Prison Oversight Act (FPOA) of 2024, United States Congress (2024-01-01) [legislation, primary] - Final Report of the Senate Supporting Safety and Welfare of All Individuals in Department of Corrections Study Committee (SR 570), Georgia Senate Office of Policy and Legislative Analysis by Senate Office of Policy and Legislative Analysis (2024-01-01) [official_report, primary] - First Step Act (2018), United States Congress (2018-01-01) [legislation, primary] - GDC Annual Report on Program Completion Rates, Georgia Department of Corrections [official_report, primary] - GDC Data on Recidivism Rates (2021), Georgia Department of Corrections by Cliff Hogan, Director of Data Management and Research (2021-01-01) [data_portal, primary] - GDC Incarceration and Violence Statistics, Georgia Department of Corrections (2024-01-01) [data_portal, primary] - GDC Office of Professional Standards Arrest and Contraband Data (FY 2023-2024), Georgia Department of Corrections (2024-01-01) [data_portal, primary] - GDC Presentation on Contracts and Procurement (November 22, 2024), Georgia Department of Corrections by Alan Watson, Chief of Staff (2024-11-22) [official_report, primary] - GDC Presentation on Operations and Personnel (August 28, 2024), Georgia Department of Corrections by Tyrone Oliver, Commissioner (2024-08-28) [official_report, primary] - GDC Presentation on Staffing and Inmate Administration (November 15, 2024), Georgia Department of Corrections by Tyrone Oliver, Commissioner (2024-11-15) [official_report, primary] - GEO Group Presentation to Senate Study Committee (August 23, 2024), The GEO Group by James Black, Senior Vice President and President (2024-08-23) [official_report, primary] - Georgia Department of Corrections Mortality Review Reports, Georgia Department of Corrections [official_report, primary] - Georgia Department of Corrections Presentation to Senate Study Committee (August 23, 2024), Georgia Department of Corrections by Tyrone Oliver, Commissioner (2024-08-23) [official_report, primary] - Guidehouse, Inc. System-Wide Study of GDC Operations, Guidehouse, Inc. (2024-01-01) [official_report, primary] - Incarceration Rates Comparative Data (2022) by Southern Center for Human Rights (2022-01-01) [data_portal, secondary] - National Incarceration Association Testimony to Senate Study Committee, National Incarceration Association by Kate Boccia, CEO and President (2024-11-22) [official_report, secondary] - Octavius Holiday Public Testimony to Senate Study Committee by Octavius Holiday (2024-08-28) [gps_original, primary] - Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA), United States Congress [legislation, primary] - Ryan White HIV Programs, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services [official_report, primary] - 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 - Southern Center for Human Rights Litigation re: Arrendale State Prison, Southern Center for Human Rights [legal_document, primary] - Southern Center for Human Rights Litigation re: Hays State Prison (2011), Southern Center for Human Rights (2011-01-01) [legal_document, primary] - Southern Center for Human Rights Litigation re: Medical Staff and Sepsis Death (2016), Southern Center for Human Rights (2016-01-01) [legal_document, primary] - Southern Center for Human Rights Litigation re: Postpartum Shackling at Lee Arrendale Prison, Southern Center for Human Rights [legal_document, primary] - Southern Center for Human Rights Settlement and Litigation re: Special Management Unit at Jackson Diagnostic, Southern Center for Human Rights (2024-01-01) [legal_document, primary] - Southern Center for Human Rights Testimony and Presentation to Senate Study Committee, Southern Center for Human Rights by Atteeyah Hollie, Deputy Director (2024-11-22) [official_report, secondary] - U.S. Department of Justice Report on Conditions within Georgia Prisons, U.S. Department of Justice [official_report, primary]