GPS RESEARCH LIBRARY: Close-custody men in four Medium prisons: Calhoun, Dooly, Washington and Wilcox ============================================================ Georgia Prisoners' Speak — gps.press Generated: 2026-11-13 14:36:09 EST Research Date: 2026-11-11 Topic: Prison conditions JSON: https://gps.press/research-data/close-custody-men-in-four-medium-prisons-calhoun-dooly-washington-and-wilcox/?format=json SUMMARY ---------------------------------------- County siting deals, designation, rules and record for Close-custody men held at Calhoun, Dooly, Washington and Wilcox. STATISTICS (71) ---------------------------------------- - [reported] Dooly SP security level Medium (2012 Special Examination table) A Georgia state prison performance data table in the February 2012 Special Examination lists Dooly SP with a Security Level of Medium. Source text: "Dooly SP 305,404 1,704 7 Medium 18 Southwest $395.18 $2.20 179 243 43,629". Date: 2012-02-01 Tags: facilities,policy Sources: DOAA Maintenance of State Prisons Audit (2012-02) - [reported] Wilcox State Prison PREA audit custody breakdown Wilcox State Prison's PREA audit reports inmate custody levels of Minimum 30, Medium 1,321, and Close 497. The source text sums to 1,848 (30+1,321+497). Value: 1848.0 inmates Tags: facilities,demographics,operations Sources: PREA Facility Audit Report: Final, prea wilcox sp audit cycle 5 - [reported] Washington SP security level Medium (2012 Special Examination table) A Georgia state prison performance data table in the February 2012 Special Examination lists Washington SP with a Security Level of Medium. Source text: "Washington SP 344,694 1,548 9 Medium 20 Central $489.69 $2.20 223 172 38,299". Date: 2012-02-01 Tags: facilities,policy Sources: DOAA Maintenance of State Prisons Audit (2012-02) - [reported] Wilcox State Prison close-custody count Wilcox State Prison's PREA audit reports 497 inmates at Close custody level. Value: 497.0 inmates Tags: facilities,demographics Sources: PREA Facility Audit Report: Final, prea wilcox sp audit cycle 5 - [reported] Wilcox SP security level Medium (2012 Special Examination table) A Georgia state prison performance data table in the February 2012 Special Examination lists Wilcox SP with a Security Level of Medium. Source text: "Wilcox SP 316,180 1,862 9 Medium 18 Southwest $370.02 $2.18 170 207 35,131". Date: 2012-02-01 Tags: facilities,policy Sources: DOAA Maintenance of State Prisons Audit (2012-02) - [reported] Calhoun State Prison FY2018 bed counts DOAA's FY2018 inventory of state prisons lists Calhoun State Prison as Male, Medium risk level, with an FY18 average standard bed count of 1,438, special use bed count of 170, and physical bed count of 1,608. Value: 1608.0 beds Tags: facilities,operations Sources: DOAA Bed Demand & Agency Strategy Report (2018-12) - [reported] Wilcox State Prison medium-custody count Wilcox State Prison's PREA audit reports 1,321 inmates at Medium custody level. Value: 1321.0 inmates Tags: facilities,demographics Sources: PREA Facility Audit Report: Final, prea wilcox sp audit cycle 5 - [reported] $41 million appropriated in FY1989 for 800-bed Washington County prison A U.S. DOJ abstract of the GDC FY1989 Annual Report states that $41 million was appropriated in fiscal year 1989 to construct a new 800-bed, medium-security prison in Washington County and a 200-bed boot camp prison in Treutlen County. Value: 41.0 million dollars Tags: budget,facilities,policy Sources: Georgia Department of Corrections , Annual Report FY 1989 | Office of Justice Programs - [reported] Dooly State Prison FY2018 bed counts DOAA's FY2018 inventory of state prisons lists Dooly State Prison as Male, Medium risk level, with an FY18 average standard bed count of 1,590, special use bed count of 56, and physical bed count of 1,645. Value: 1645.0 beds Tags: facilities,operations Sources: DOAA Bed Demand & Agency Strategy Report (2018-12) - [reported] Wilcox State Prison minimum-custody count Wilcox State Prison's PREA audit reports 30 inmates at Minimum custody level. Value: 30.0 inmates Tags: facilities,demographics Sources: PREA Facility Audit Report: Final, prea wilcox sp audit cycle 5 - [reported] Washington County prison planned as 800-bed medium-security facility The GDC FY1989 annual report described appropriations 'to construct a new 800 bed medium security prison in Washington County and a 200 bed boot-camp style prison in Treutlen County.' Value: 800.0 beds Tags: facilities,policy Sources: If you have issues viewing or accessing this file contact us at NCJRS.gov., 141118NCJRS [1] - [reported] Calhoun SP capacity 1,677 GDC's own facility page lists Calhoun State Prison's capacity as 1,677. Value: 1677.0 beds Tags: facilities Sources: Calhoun State Prison | Georgia Department of Corrections - [reported] Washington State Prison FY2018 bed counts DOAA's FY2018 inventory of state prisons lists Washington State Prison as Male, Medium risk level, with an FY18 average standard bed count of 1,223, special use bed count of 123, and physical bed count of 1,346. Value: 1346.0 beds Tags: facilities,operations Sources: DOAA Bed Demand & Agency Strategy Report (2018-12) - [reported] Wilcox State Prison design capacity Wilcox State Prison's PREA audit lists a designed facility capacity of 1,838. Value: 1838.0 beds Tags: facilities,operations Sources: PREA Facility Audit Report: Final, prea wilcox sp audit cycle 5 - [reported] California misconduct rates: 29% at Level I vs 53% at Level III Camp & Gaes (Federal Bureau of Prisons) report that Berk et al. found institutional misconduct rates of 29 percent for California inmates housed at Level I (lowest security) prisons versus 53 percent for inmates housed at Level III prisons, a 24 percentage point difference. Value: 24.0 percentage points Tags: violence,operations,facilities Sources: Criminogenic Effects of the Prison Environment on Inmate Behavior - [reported] Calhoun SP opened 1994 GDC's own facility page states Calhoun State Prison opened in 1994. Value: 1994.0 year Date: 1994-01-01 Tags: facilities Sources: Calhoun State Prison | Georgia Department of Corrections - [reported] Wilcox State Prison FY2018 bed counts DOAA's FY2018 inventory of state prisons lists Wilcox State Prison as Male, Medium risk level, with an FY18 average standard bed count of 1,659, special use bed count of 124, and physical bed count of 1,783. Value: 1783.0 beds Tags: facilities,operations Sources: DOAA Bed Demand & Agency Strategy Report (2018-12) - [reported] Wilcox State Prison housing units Wilcox State Prison's PREA audit records 9 inmate/resident/detainee housing units at the facility. Value: 9.0 housing units Tags: facilities,operations Sources: PREA Facility Audit Report: Final, prea wilcox sp audit cycle 5 - [reported] Calhoun SP renovated 2008 GDC's own facility page states Calhoun State Prison was renovated in 2008. Value: 2008.0 year Date: 2008-01-01 Tags: facilities Sources: Calhoun State Prison | Georgia Department of Corrections - [reported] Dooly State Prison PREA Cycle 2 capacity and population A PREA audit of Dooly State Prison recorded facility capacity as 1678 and current population as 1666. Value: 1666.0 people (vs. 1678 capacity) Tags: facilities,operations Sources: PREA Dooly - Audit (Cycle 2) - [reported] FY2025 capital outlay for Washington State Prison and new prison design GDC's FY2025 Annual Report lists $100,003,375 in capital outlay for vehicle replacements, new Washington State Prison furniture, fixtures, and equipment, and design for a new state prison. Value: 100003375.0 USD Tags: budget,facilities,policy Sources: FY25 (gdc.georgia.gov) - [reported] Dooly State Prison PREA Cycle 2 custody levels A PREA Dooly audit report lists among facility security level/inmate custody levels: 'Medium (1503)' and 'Close (19)'. Value: 1503.0 inmates Tags: facilities,operations Sources: PREA Dooly - Audit (Cycle 2) - [reported] Serious misconduct: 33% Level I vs 36% Level III among randomly assigned inmates Camp & Gaes found that among Level III inmates randomly assigned to Level I or Level III prisons, serious misconduct occurred in 97 (33%) of those in Level I prisons and 94 (36%) of those in Level III prisons, for a combined total of 191 (34%) with misconduct out of 297 (100%) totals. Value: 33.0 percent (vs. 36 Level III serious misconduct percent) Tags: violence,operations,facilities Sources: Criminogenic Effects of the Prison Environment on Inmate Behavior - [reported] Dooly State Prison PREA Cycle 1 capacity and population A PREA audit of Dooly State Prison recorded 'Designed facility capacity: 1689' and 'Current population of facility: 1672.' Value: 1672.0 people (vs. 1689 capacity) Tags: facilities,operations Sources: Prea Audit Report r Ini'erim ~final - [reported] Calhoun SP constructed 1993 GDC's current facility page for Calhoun State Prison lists CONSTRUCTED: 1993, CAPACITY: 1,677, OPENED: 1994, SECURITY LEVEL: MEDIUM, RENOVATED: 2008. Value: 1993.0 year Date: 1993-01-01 Tags: facilities Sources: Calhoun State Prison | Georgia Department of Corrections - [disputed] Dooly State Prison PREA Cycle 1 narrative capacity A PREA Dooly audit report's narrative separately describes the facility as 'classified as a medium security level, 762 inmate capacity facility.' Value: 762.0 inmates Tags: facilities,operations Sources: Prea Audit Report r Ini'erim ~final - [reported] Tahamont: Level II inmates ~11 points more likely to be written up than Level III Tahamont found using a regression discontinuity design that inmates placed in Level II (medium security) California prisons are approximately 11 percentage points more likely to be written up (receive serious rules violation reports) than inmates placed in Level III (close security) prisons. Value: 11.0 percentage points Date: 2019-01-01 Tags: violence,operations,facilities Sources: Journal of Quantitative Criminology (2019) 35:767–796 - [reported] Calhoun State Prison PREA Cycle 2 capacity and population A PREA audit of Calhoun State Prison recorded 'Designated Facility Capacity: 1639' and 'Current Population of Facility: 1582.' Value: 1582.0 people (vs. 1639 capacity) Tags: facilities,operations Sources: Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) Audit Report - [reported] Dooly SP opened 1994 GDC's own facility page states Dooly State Prison opened in 1994. Value: 1994.0 year Date: 1994-01-01 Tags: facilities Sources: Dooly State Prison | Georgia Department of Corrections - [reported] Calhoun State Prison PREA Cycle 2 security level The PREA Calhoun audit report lists 'Facility security level/inmate custody levels: 4/Medium.' Value: 4.0 security level Tags: facilities,operations Sources: Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) Audit Report - [reported] FY1990 GDC annual report: almost 5,000 beds under construction plus 8,400 new beds funded The FY1990 Georgia DOC annual report stated that almost 5,000 previously-funded beds were already under construction at state prisons and probation centers, and that the FY90 budget provided additional funding for construction of another 8,400 new prison and probation center beds, with completion of these construction programs "within the next two years." Source text: "During a time when almost 5,000 previously- funded beds already were under construction at state prisons and probation centers, in the FY90 budget you wisely provided additional funding for construction of another 8,400 new prison and proba- those offenders who qualify. To your credit, Georgia tion center beds. With completion of these historic is the recognized leader in the United States in pio- construction programs within the next two years," Value: 8400.0 beds (vs. 5000 beds already under construction) Tags: budget,facilities,policy Sources: 1990 annual report - Digital Library of Georgia - [reported] Systemwide CO vacancy rate over 50% The DOJ report states that with a systemwide correctional officer vacancy rate over 50%, GDC cannot, and does not, staff the most critical posts or conduct other basic correctional operations in its prisons. Value: 50.0 percent Date: 2024-01-01 Tags: staffing,operations Sources: DOJ Findings Report: Investigation of Georgia Prisons (October 2024) - [reported] Dooly SP capacity 1702 and security level MEDIUM GDC's own facility page lists Dooly State Prison's security level as MEDIUM and capacity as 1702. Value: 1702.0 beds Tags: facilities,policy Sources: Dooly State Prison | Georgia Department of Corrections - [reported] California study: 60% of Level III inmates committed misconduct regardless of housing A study cited in Tahamont found that 60% of inmates classified under a new California system as Level III engaged in misconduct of some kind within a two-year follow-up period regardless of whether they were housed in Level I (minimum security) or Level III (close security), and that inmates classified as Level III but housed in Level I were no more likely to commit serious misconduct than inmates classified and housed as Level III. Value: 60.0 percent Tags: violence,operations,facilities Sources: Journal of Quantitative Criminology (2019) 35:767–796 - [reported] Close-security population over 11,000, about 23% of GDC total The DOJ report states that all incarcerated persons classified as close security, over 11,000 incarcerated people, about 23% of GDC's total population, always require supervision by a correctional officer according to GDC. Value: 11000.0 people (vs. 23 percent of GDC total population) Date: 2024-01-01 Tags: demographics,classification,staffing Sources: DOJ Findings Report: Investigation of Georgia Prisons (October 2024) - [reported] Dooly SP constructed 1993 GDC's current facility page for Dooly State Prison lists CONSTRUCTED: 1993, CAPACITY: 1702, OPENED: 1994, SECURITY LEVEL: MEDIUM. Value: 1993.0 year Date: 1993-01-01 Tags: facilities Sources: Dooly State Prison | Georgia Department of Corrections - [reported] Steiner et al.: maximum security strongest association with misconduct (78% of models) A systematic review by Steiner et al., reviewing close to 100 studies comprising more than 300 model specifications, found that maximum security placement had the strongest and most consistent association with misconduct, with a positive association estimated in 78% of models reviewed. Value: 78.0 percent Date: 2014-01-01 Tags: violence,operations,facilities Sources: Journal of Quantitative Criminology (2019) 35:767–796 - [reported] CO vacancy over 60% at 18 medium/close prisons; over 70% at ten The DOJ report states that in December 2023, the correctional officer vacancy rate was over 60% at 18 medium- and close-security prisons, and ten of these prisons had vacancy rates above 70%. Value: 18.0 prisons (vs. 10 prisons with vacancy above 70%) Date: 2023-12-01 Tags: staffing,facilities Sources: DOJ Findings Report: Investigation of Georgia Prisons (October 2024) - [reported] GDC incarcerates almost 50,000 people in 34 state-operated and 4 private prisons GDC incarcerates almost 50,000 people in 34 state-operated prisons and 4 private prisons. Source text: "GDC incarcerates almost 50,000 people in 34 stateoperated prisons and 4 private prisons" Value: 50000.0 people Date: 2024-01-01 Tags: demographics,facilities,operations Sources: DOJ Findings Report: Investigation of Georgia Prisons (October 2024) - [reported] Correctional officer vacancy rates around 50% systemwide and over 70% at ten largest facilities Correctional officer vacancy rates are around 50% systemwide and over 70% at ten of the largest GDC facilities. Source text: "(CO) vacancy rates around 50% systemwide and over 70% at ten of the largest facilities." Value: 50.0 percent (vs. 70 percent vacancy at ten largest facilities) Date: 2024-01-01 Tags: staffing,operations Sources: DOJ Findings Report: Investigation of Georgia Prisons (October 2024) - [reported] Over 1,400 violent incidents Jan 2022-Apr 2023; 19.7% weapon, 45.1% serious injury, 30.5% offsite care The DOJ report found that from January 2022 through April 2023, there were more than 1,400 reported incidents of violence, including fights, assaults, hostage incidents, and homicides, across the close-security prisons and most of the medium-security prisons. Of these incidents, 19.7% involved a weapon, 45.1% resulted in serious injury, and 30.5% resulted in offsite medical treatment. Value: 1400.0 incidents Tags: violence,medical,weapons Sources: DOJ Findings Report: Investigation of Georgia Prisons (October 2024) - [reported] Wilcox CI FY1994 start-up average daily count and cost The FY1994 GDC cost-per-inmate table lists Wilcox CI as an institution in start-up phase for the period July 1993-June 1994, with an average daily inmate count of 240, 87,600 inmate days, total annual costs of $14,948, and a cost per inmate per day of $40.95. Value: 240.0 average daily inmate count (vs. 40.95 cost per inmate per day (dollars)) Tags: facilities,budget Sources: 1994 annual report - [reported] More than 32,000 medium-security and more than 11,600 close-security people in GDC More than 32,000 of GDC's population are classified as medium security and more than 11,600 are classified as close security. Source text: "More than 32,000 of GDC’s population are classified as medium security and more than 11,600 are classified as close security." Value: 32000.0 people (vs. 11600 close security population) Date: 2024-01-01 Tags: demographics,operations Sources: DOJ Findings Report: Investigation of Georgia Prisons (October 2024) - [reported] 24 of ~34 GDC prisons house close- and medium-security levels The DOJ report states that Calhoun State Prison, Dooly State Prison, Wilcox State Prison and other named prisons constitute 24 of the approximately 34 prisons in GDC housing incarcerated men or women at the close- and medium-security levels. Value: 24.0 prisons (vs. 34 approximately total GDC prisons) Date: 2024-01-01 Tags: facilities,classification Sources: DOJ Findings Report: Investigation of Georgia Prisons (October 2024) - [reported] Washington SP constructed 1991 GDC's own facility page states Washington State Prison was constructed in 1991. Value: 1991.0 year Date: 1991-01-01 Tags: facilities Sources: Washington State Prison | Georgia Department of Corrections - [reported] Dooly CI FY1994 start-up average daily count and cost Dooly Correctional Institution, listed by GDC as an institution in start-up phase, had an average daily inmate count of 211, 77,015 inmate days, total annual costs of $16,142, and a cost per inmate per day of $44.23. Value: 211.0 average daily inmate count (vs. 44.23 cost per inmate per day (dollars)) Tags: facilities,budget Sources: 1994 annual report - [reported] Washington SP opening dates 1991 males, 1992 females, 2005 males GDC's own facility page states Washington State Prison opened in 1991 for males, 1992 for females, and 2005 for males. Tags: facilities,demographics Sources: Washington State Prison | Georgia Department of Corrections - [reported] Washington SP capacity 1548 and security level MEDIUM GDC's current facility page for Washington State Prison lists CONSTRUCTED: 1991, CAPACITY: 1548, OPENED: 1991/Males, 1992/Females, 2005/Males, SECURITY LEVEL: MEDIUM. Value: 1548.0 beds Tags: facilities,policy Sources: Washington State Prison | Georgia Department of Corrections - [reported] Wilcox SP constructed 1993 GDC's own facility page states Wilcox State Prison was constructed in 1993. Value: 1993.0 year Date: 1993-01-01 Tags: facilities Sources: Wilcox State Prison | Georgia Department of Corrections - [reported] Wilcox SP opened 1994 GDC's own facility page states Wilcox State Prison opened in 1994. Value: 1994.0 year Date: 1994-01-01 Tags: facilities Sources: Wilcox State Prison | Georgia Department of Corrections - [reported] Wilcox SP capacity 1827 and security level MEDIUM GDC's current facility page for Wilcox State Prison lists CAPACITY: 1827, OPENED: 1994, SECURITY LEVEL: MEDIUM. Value: 1827.0 beds Tags: facilities,policy Sources: Wilcox State Prison | Georgia Department of Corrections - [reported] Calhoun facility expansion planned beds and costs A Georgia Department of Corrections expansion project at the Calhoun state facility was planned to add 192 beds at a start-up cost of $776,802 and estimated annual operating cost of $2,556,124. Value: 192.0 additional beds (vs. 776802 start-up costs (dollars)) Tags: facilities,budget Sources: DOAA County Jail Subsidy Program Audit (2005-11) - [reported] New Davisboro prison to support services for up to 3,000 inmates A Washington County radio-station news article states the new Davisboro/Washington County prison is described as a state-of-the-art facility that will support services for up to 3,000 inmates, including housing, administration, educational opportunities, medical care and more. Value: 3000.0 inmates Tags: facilities,budget,operations Sources: Mega Prison Under Construction in Washington County - [reported] Dooly facility expansion planned beds and costs GDC-reported State Prison System Facility Expansion Projects listed Dooly as planned to add 192 beds, with start-up costs of $776,802 and estimated annual operating costs of $2,556,124. Value: 192.0 additional beds (vs. 776802 start-up costs (dollars)) Tags: facilities,budget Sources: DOAA County Jail Subsidy Program Audit (2005-11) - [reported] Morgan population figure includes Calhoun County State Prison population Calhoun County's Comprehensive Plan Update reports Morgan's total population as 1,464, with a footnote stating the Calhoun County State Prison population is counted in that figure. Value: 1464.0 people Tags: demographics,facilities Sources: Introduction………………………………………………………………………………………...3 (dca.georgia.gov) - [reported] Calhoun State Prison PREA designed capacity Calhoun State Prison's PREA audit lists a designed facility capacity of 1,651. Value: 1651.0 designed capacity Tags: facilities Sources: PREA Facility Audit Report: Final, prea calhoun sp audit cycle 4 - [reported] Calhoun State Prison PREA housing unit count Calhoun State Prison's PREA audit records the number of inmate/resident/detainee housing units at the facility as 7. Value: 7.0 housing units Tags: facilities Sources: PREA Facility Audit Report: Final, prea calhoun sp audit cycle 4 - [reported] 2012 audit lists Calhoun SP security level as Medium A Georgia state prison performance data table in the February 2012 Special Examination lists Calhoun SP with a 'Security Level' of Medium. Date: 2012-01-01 Tags: facilities,classification Sources: DOAA Maintenance of State Prisons Audit (2012-02) - [reported] GDC fact sheet: 14 medium-security prisons statewide GDC's Medium Security Facilities fact sheet states there are 14 medium-security prisons statewide and lists Calhoun (Morgan), Dooly (Unadilla), Washington (Davisboro), and Wilcox (Abbeville) among the state prison locations under that designation. Value: 14.0 prisons Tags: facilities,policy Sources: Medium Security Georgia - [reported] Dooly State Prison PREA designed capacity and custody levels Dooly State Prison's PREA audit lists a designed facility capacity of 1,706 and facility security levels/inmate custody levels of Close, Medium, Minimum. Value: 1706.0 designed capacity Tags: facilities,policy Sources: PREA Dooly Audit Cycle 4 - [reported] Dooly State Prison PREA housing units and youthful inmates Dooly State Prison's PREA audit records the number of inmate/resident/detainee housing units at the facility as 11, and states the facility does hold youthful inmates. Value: 11.0 housing units Tags: facilities,demographics Sources: PREA Dooly Audit Cycle 4 - [reported] Calhoun SP established 1994 (fact sheet) GDC's Medium Security Facilities fact sheet identifies Calhoun State Prison as "established 1994." Value: 1994.0 year Date: 1994-01-01 Tags: facilities Sources: Medium Security Georgia - [reported] Washington State Prison PREA designed capacity and custody levels Washington State Prison's PREA audit lists a designed facility capacity of 1,550 and facility security levels/inmate custody levels of Minimum, Medium, Close. Value: 1550.0 designed capacity Tags: facilities,policy Sources: PREA Facility Audit Report: Final, prea washington sp audit cycle 4 - [reported] December 2023: 100+ officer vacancies at each of eleven close- and medium-security GDC prisons In December 2023, at eleven close- and medium-security GDC prisons, 100 or more officer positions per facility remained vacant. Source text: "supervision. In December 2023, at eleven close- and mediumsecurity GDC prisons, 100 or more officer positions per facility remained vacant." Value: 11.0 prisons (vs. 100 vacant officer positions per facility) Date: 2023-12-01 Tags: staffing,operations,facilities Sources: DOJ Findings Report: Investigation of Georgia Prisons (October 2024) - [reported] Washington State Prison PREA housing units and youthful inmates Washington State Prison's PREA audit records the number of inmate/resident/detainee housing units at the facility as 16, and states the facility does hold youthful inmates. Value: 16.0 housing units Tags: facilities,demographics Sources: PREA Facility Audit Report: Final, prea washington sp audit cycle 4 - [reported] About 67% of surveyed individuals at one large medium-security prison stood in front of cells not matching GDC roster At one large medium-security prison, about 67% of the individuals surveyed in several different general population housing units were standing in front of cells other than those identified as theirs on GDC's roster. Source text: "At one large medium-security prison, our expert found that about 67% of the individuals surveyed in several different general population housing units were standing in front of cells other than those identified as theirs on GDC’s roster." Value: 67.0 percent Date: 2024-01-01 Tags: operations,classification,facilities Sources: DOJ Findings Report: Investigation of Georgia Prisons (October 2024) - [reported] Calhoun SP physical capacity 1,663 and operational capacity 1,560 A Georgia Department of Corrections facility-description document lists Calhoun State Prison's security level as medium and gives its physical capacity as 1,663 and operational capacity as 1,560. Value: 1663.0 beds (vs. 1560 operational capacity) Date: 2013-01-01 Tags: facilities Sources: Digital Library of Georgia, GDC Facility Descriptions - [reported] Dooly SP bed inventory (2018 DOAA): 1,590 + 56 = 1,645 A DOAA report's bed-inventory table lists Dooly State Prison with a facility Risk Level of Medium. Source text: "Dooly State Prison Male Medium 1,590 56 1,645". Value: 1645.0 beds Date: 2018-01-01 Tags: facilities Sources: DOAA Bed Demand & Agency Strategy Report (2018-12) - [reported] Washington SP bed inventory (2018 DOAA): 1,223 + 123 = 1,346 A DOAA report's bed-inventory table lists Washington State Prison with a facility Risk Level of Medium. Source text: "Washington State Prison Male Medium 1,223 123 1,346". Value: 1346.0 beds Date: 2018-01-01 Tags: facilities Sources: DOAA Bed Demand & Agency Strategy Report (2018-12) - [reported] Wilcox SP bed inventory (2018 DOAA): 1,659 + 124 = 1,783 A DOAA report's bed-inventory table lists Wilcox State Prison with a facility Risk Level of Medium. Source text: "Wilcox State Prison Male Medium 1,659 124 1,783". Value: 1783.0 beds Date: 2018-01-01 Tags: facilities Sources: DOAA Bed Demand & Agency Strategy Report (2018-12) - [reported] Calhoun SP bed inventory (2018 DOAA): 1,438 + 170 = 1,608 A DOAA report's bed-inventory table lists Calhoun State Prison with a facility Risk Level of Medium. Source text: "Calhoun State Prison Male Medium 1,438 170 1,608". Value: 1608.0 beds Date: 2018-01-01 Tags: facilities Sources: DOAA Bed Demand & Agency Strategy Report (2018-12) POLICYS (62) ---------------------------------------- - [reported] GDC target for close-security offenders in medium facilities A DOAA special examination report states GDC 'attempts to house offenders in minimum or medium level facilities and strives to keep the percentage of close (or high risk) offenders in these facilities at or below 5%. The majority of offenders in close risk facilities are high-risk offenders; approximately 10-40% of the offenders in these same facilities are classified as medium or low risk.' Date: 2018-01-01 Tags: policy,facilities,operations Sources: DOAA Bed Demand & Agency Strategy Report (2018-12) - [confirmed] GDC SOP 220.02 defines Override in security classification GDC policy defines an Override as a determination that, upon analysis and investigation, may result in the evaluator recommending a higher or lower custody level status, beyond any mandatory considerations within the classification instrument. Source text: "Upon analysis and investigation, an Override may result in the evaluator recommending a higher or lower custody level status. This consideration is beyond any mandatory considerations within the classification instrument; along with the reviewer’s assessment regarding an offender’s observed and documented behavior." Tags: policy,legal,operations Sources: Georgia Department of Corrections SOP 220.02, Security Classification (passage checked against GPS's copy) - [confirmed] GDC SOP 220.02 defines Threshold/Override Review every 12 months GDC policy defines a Threshold/Override Review as one conducted every twelve months on offenders whose security level resulted from an Override or whose system-generated security level crossed the threshold from one security level to another. Source text: "A Threshold/Override Review is conducted every twelve (12) months on those offenders whose security level was the result of an Override or when the offender’s system-generated security level changes by crossing the threshold from one security level to another." Tags: policy,legal,operations Sources: Georgia Department of Corrections SOP 220.02, Security Classification (passage checked against GPS's copy) - [reported] Dooly State Prison mission statement GDC describes Dooly State Prison's mission as housing medium security general population inmates who may not be suitable for a county prison due to their offense or physical limitations, and providing Medical, Counseling, Education, Recreation, Library, Chapel, Fire Services, Farm Services, and General Work Programs. Date: 2013-01-01 Tags: facilities,policy,medical Sources: Facility descriptions / Georgia Department of Corrections - [confirmed] GDC SOP 220.02 limits number of Override requests; Central Office has final authority GDC classification policy states that the classification system allows only a limited number of request Overrides, and that Central Office will review Override requests and has final authority. Source text: "The system allows for a limited number of request Overrides. The request is submitted through SCRIBE which will produce a list of acceptable Override reasons. Supporting comments are necessary to facilitate a change in security status. Comments should include supporting data, justification for the request, and details citing documented information. Central Office will review and has final authority." Tags: policy,legal,operations Sources: Georgia Department of Corrections SOP 220.02, Security Classification (passage checked against GPS's copy) - [reported] Calhoun SP housing configuration GDC describes Calhoun State Prison's housing as nine housing units with 24 triple-bunked cells each and 24 double-bunked cells each, plus eight open dormitories with a total of 480 beds and 95 segregation/isolation cells. Tags: facilities,conditions,solitary Sources: Calhoun State Prison | Georgia Department of Corrections - [confirmed] GDC SOP 220.02 requires Central Office/Facility Operations review of Override requests within 10 business days GDC classification policy requires Central Office/Facility Operations review of all Override requests to be completed within ten business days of submission. Source text: "Central Office/ Facility Operations shall review and approve all Override requests. These reviews shall be completed within ten (10) business days upon submission of the Override." Tags: policy,legal,operations Sources: Georgia Department of Corrections SOP 220.02, Security Classification (passage checked against GPS's copy) - [reported] Custody levels defined as minimum, medium, close, maximum The NIC guide lists the custody-level categories used in internal classification as minimum, medium, close, or maximum. Tags: policy,operations Sources: Nt of J, 017381 - [confirmed] GDC SOP 220.02: Life Without Parole and Death Sentence offenders never below CLOSE security GDC classification policy provides that the security level of an offender sentenced to Life Without Parole shall never be lower than CLOSE, and offenders currently under Death Sentence shall never be reduced and must remain CLOSE security. Source text: "Life Without Parole: The security level of an offender sentenced to Life Without Parole shall never be lower than CLOSE. b. Under Death Sentence: Offenders currently under Death Sentence shall never be reduced and must remain CLOSE security." Tags: policy,legal,operations Sources: Georgia Department of Corrections SOP 220.02, Security Classification (passage checked against GPS's copy) - [confirmed] GDC SOP 220.02: sentences over 15 years and sex offenders never below MEDIUM; sexual predators never below CLOSE GDC classification policy provides that offenders serving sentences exceeding 15 years, including Life with Parole, shall never receive a security level lower than MEDIUM, and that a sex offender's security level shall never be lower than MEDIUM (or below CLOSE if identified as a sexual predator). Source text: "Time Restriction: Offenders serving sentences that exceed 15 years, to include Life with Parole, shall never receive a security level lower than MEDIUM. An Override can be requested to reduce or raise an offender’s security level, but it shall never go below MEDIUM security. e. Sex Offender: The security level of an offender whose current sentence is a sex offense shall never be lower than MEDIUM. If the offender has been identified as a sexual predator, then that offender’s security level shall never be below CLOSE." Tags: policy,legal,operations Sources: Georgia Department of Corrections SOP 220.02, Security Classification (passage checked against GPS's copy) - [confirmed] GDC SOP 220.03: limited override capability submitted through SCRIBE for NGA Classification Manager final approval A GDC classification committee SOP states that the system allows limited override capability submitted through SCRIBE for the NGA Classification Manager at Central Office to review and give final approval. Source text: "b. The system also allows limited override capability that is submitted through SCRIBE for the NGA Classification Manager at Central Office to review and give final approval;" Tags: policy,legal,operations Sources: Georgia Department of Corrections SOP 220.03, Classification Committee (passage checked against GPS's copy) - [reported] Calhoun SP security level MEDIUM GDC's own facility page lists Calhoun State Prison's security level as MEDIUM. Tags: facilities,policy Sources: Calhoun State Prison | Georgia Department of Corrections - [confirmed] GDC SOP 220.03: Classification Committee responsible for assignments, reclassification, transfers, housing, segregation hearings A GDC classification committee SOP states the Classification Committee is responsible for all offender initial assignments, reclassification actions, and movements regarding work details, program assignments, transfer requests, housing assignments and facility segregation hearings, subject to the review and approval of the Warden/Superintendent. Source text: "4. The Classification Committee shall be responsible for all offender initial assignments, reclassification actions and movements regarding work details, program assignments, transfer requests, housing assignments and facility segregation hearings. The Classification Committee's decisions are subject to the review and approval of the Warden/Superintendent." Tags: policy,legal,operations Sources: Georgia Department of Corrections SOP 220.03, Classification Committee (passage checked against GPS's copy) - [reported] Calhoun SP serves adult male felons, medium security GDC's current official facility page for Calhoun State Prison lists it as serving Adult Male Felons and designates it Medium Security. Tags: facilities,demographics Sources: Calhoun State Prison | Georgia Department of Corrections - [confirmed] GDC SOP 220.03: Classification Committee Chairperson must be DWCT or Chief Counselor GDC classification policy requires the Classification Committee Chairperson to be the DWCT or Chief Counselor. Source text: "1. Chairperson: DWCT or Chief Counselor;" Tags: policy,legal,operations Sources: Georgia Department of Corrections SOP 220.03, Classification Committee (passage checked against GPS's copy) - [confirmed] GDC SOP 220.03: Classification Committee Security Member must be Sergeant or higher GDC classification policy requires the Classification Committee's Security Member to be a Sergeant or higher rank. Source text: "3. Security Member: Sergeant or higher rank; and" Tags: policy,legal,operations Sources: Georgia Department of Corrections SOP 220.03, Classification Committee (passage checked against GPS's copy) - [reported] Dooly SP operating capacity 1702 and housing configuration GDC describes Dooly State Prison's operating capacity as 1702, with housing consisting of nine living units (bottom range 24 triple-bunked cells, top range double-bunked cells, 120 beds per dorm), one open living unit with four separate living areas containing 368 beds, one isolation/segregation unit with 71 beds, and a Fast Track Unit that is double bunked and houses 256 beds. Tags: facilities,conditions,solitary Sources: Dooly State Prison | Georgia Department of Corrections - [confirmed] GDC SOP 220.03: offenders not classified or housed based on race, religion, national origin, sex, disability, or political views GDC classification policy states that offenders will not be classified or housed based on race, religion, national origin, sex, disability, or political views. Source text: "Offenders will not be classified or housed based on race, religion, national origin, sex, disability, or political views" Tags: policy,legal,operations Sources: Georgia Department of Corrections SOP 220.03, Classification Committee (passage checked against GPS's copy) - [reported] GDC Next Generation Assessment (NGA) classification tool The DOJ report describes GDC's computerized classification system, the 'Next Generation Assessment' (NGA) tool, which uses data entered into GDC's correctional management database to calculate a security-level score for each incarcerated person. Date: 2024-01-01 Tags: classification,policy,operations Sources: DOJ Findings Report: Investigation of Georgia Prisons (October 2024) - [confirmed] GDC facility design SOP requires perimeter security matched to facility security level GDC SOP 410.04 requires that facility perimeter fencing, lighting and sally ports be designed to match the facility's security level, with adequate lighting and clearance adjacent to the perimeter. Tags: policy,facilities,operations Sources: GDC SOP 410.04, Facility Design and Space Planning - [reported] DOJ recommendation: objective classification system based on risk and needs The DOJ report's recommendations include that GDC ensure it has, and is following, policies and procedures for an appropriate, objective classification system that ensures incarcerated persons are housed based on their risk and needs and are protected from unreasonable risk of harm. Date: 2024-01-01 Tags: classification,policy,legal Sources: DOJ Findings Report: Investigation of Georgia Prisons (October 2024) - [reported] FY1996 Level V definition In GDC's FY1996 annual report, Level V is defined as: the primary mission of this level prison is secure housing for inmates with management problems, in combination with inside-the-perimeter work details and programming. Tags: policy,facilities Sources: Annual report, fiscal year 1996 - [reported] Georgia Power easement for Washington State Prison compost site A Georgia Board of Corrections resolution granted Georgia Power Company a temporary revocable lease agreement and non-exclusive utility easement to install new three-phase electric service to the compost site at Washington State Prison because the current service needed to be relocated from the new building site. Tags: facilities,operations,policy Sources: Board of Corrections, board meeting minutes june 2024 - [reported] ACA standard: at least three custody levels, least restrictive necessary ACA Performance-Based Standards for Adult Correctional Institutions (5th ed.) state, in the standard governing classification, that a correctional system should provide at least three levels of custodial control and all inmates should be assigned to the least restrictive custody level necessary. Tags: policy,operations Sources: Performance-Based Standards and Expected Practices for Adult Correctional Institutions, 5th Edition - [confirmed] County facility placement requires medium or below security level GDC SOP 222.02 requires that an offender's security level be medium or below to be eligible for placement in a county facility (and requires a GED or high school diploma). Tags: policy,facilities,operations Sources: Georgia Department of Corrections SOP 222.02, County Facility Placement (passage checked against GPS's copy) - [reported] Washington SP housing configuration GDC describes Washington State Prison's housing as eleven general population dorms with 2 and 3 man cells, one isolation/segregation dorm housing 92 inmates with 1 and 2 man cells, and one 200-bed Annex with four 50-bed open bay dormitories. Tags: facilities,conditions,solitary Sources: Washington State Prison | Georgia Department of Corrections - [reported] FY1996 Level IV definition In GDC's FY1996 annual report, Level IV is defined as: medium security inmates (and lower) perform work details and Correctional Industries operations both inside and outside the fence. Tags: policy,facilities Sources: Annual report, fiscal year 1996 - [reported] ACA standard: no more surveillance or secure status than risk requires ACA Performance-Based Standards for Adult Correctional Institutions (5th ed.) state that no inmate should receive more surveillance or assistance than required or be kept in a more secure status than potential risk requires. Tags: policy,operations Sources: Performance-Based Standards and Expected Practices for Adult Correctional Institutions, 5th Edition - [confirmed] GDC uses Next Generation Assessment to recommend close, medium, or minimum classification GDC SOP 220.02 applies the Next Generation Assessment instrument to all offenders to assess institutional risk and recommend a security classification of close, medium, or minimum, applicable to state, private, county facilities and transitional centers. Tags: policy,operations Sources: Georgia Department of Corrections SOP 220.02, Security Classification (passage checked against GPS's copy) - [reported] FY1996 Level III definition In GDC's FY1996 annual report, Level III is defined as: these prisons house select inmate populations and focus upon particular work or program missions. Tags: policy,facilities Sources: Annual report, fiscal year 1996 - [reported] Dooly State Prison backup water well and sewage lift station project The Greater Dooly Comprehensive Plan lists coordinating with the Georgia Department of Corrections to install a backup water well and sewage lift station for Dooly State Prison as a City of Unadilla Public Works project, with a $50 cost estimate. Tags: facilities,budget,operations Sources: Greater Dooly Comprehensive - [reported] ACA standard: classification system specifies custody level and regular review ACA's Performance-Based Standards and Expected Practices for Adult Correctional Institutions (5th ed.) states that a correctional system should provide at least three levels of custodial control, and that all inmates should be assigned to the least restrictive custody level necessary, with the classification system specifying the level of custody required and providing for regular review. Tags: policy,operations Sources: Performance-Based Standards and Expected Practices for Adult Correctional Institutions, 5th Edition - [confirmed] GDC SOP defines security classification Override GDC SOP 220.02 defines an Override as, upon analysis and investigation, resulting in the evaluator recommending a higher or lower custody level status, beyond any mandatory considerations within the classification instrument, along with the reviewer's assessment of observed and documented behavior. Tags: policy,operations Sources: Georgia Department of Corrections SOP 220.02, Security Classification (passage checked against GPS's copy) - [reported] FY2015 hardening of six large medium-security prisons As of the GDC FY2015 annual report, Washington, Calhoun, Dooly and Wilcox State Prisons (along with Autry and Johnson) were described as the state's six large medium security state prisons undergoing facility 'hardening,' after the agency completed hardening of all Level V (close security) state prisons. Tags: facilities,policy,operations Sources: Fiscal year 2015 annual report - [reported] ACA custody level criteria: Level III (Maximum) vs Level I (Minimum) ACA's Performance-Based Standards Appendix A classification guidelines describe Custody Level III (Maximum) as characterized by 'Conduct that indicates high probability of escape attempts' and 'History of escape or escape attempts from secure setting during the past ten years,' with 'Length of sentence is ten years or more to projected release date,' compared to Custody Level I (Minimum), characterized by 'No history of escape or escape attempts from secure or nonsecure settings (within past five years)' and 'Length of sentence is three years or less to projected release date.' Tags: policy,operations Sources: Performance-Based Standards and Expected Practices for Adult Correctional Institutions, 5th Edition - [confirmed] Wardens may request Override; Central Office has final authority GDC SOP 220.02 states that if the Warden/Superintendent or Designee does not concur with the system-generated security level, an Override request can be submitted through SCRIBE, and Central Office will review and has final authority over the request. Tags: policy,operations Sources: Georgia Department of Corrections SOP 220.02, Security Classification (passage checked against GPS's copy) - [confirmed] Central Office Override reviews due within ten business days GDC SOP 220.02 requires that Central Office Override reviews be completed within ten business days of submission of the Override. Tags: policy,operations Sources: Georgia Department of Corrections SOP 220.02, Security Classification (passage checked against GPS's copy) - [confirmed] GDC SOP 209.09: Tier III offenders classified Close Security A GDC SOP for the Special Management Unit Tier III Program states that all offenders assigned to the Tier III Program are classified as Close Security. Tags: classification,solitary,policy Sources: SOP 209.09: Special Management Unit - Tier III Program (effective 6/18/2026) - [reported] Wilcox SP housing configuration GDC describes Wilcox State Prison's housing as four and one-half buildings with 120 per dorm in 24 double-bunked and 24 triple-bunked cells each, three housing units of four open dormitories (two housing approximately 48 per dorm and the other approximately 94 per dorm), 22 isolation cells and 24 double-bunked segregation cells. Tags: facilities,conditions,solitary Sources: Wilcox State Prison | Georgia Department of Corrections - [confirmed] Life Without Parole and Death Sentence offenders never below CLOSE GDC SOP 220.02 states that the security level of an offender sentenced to Life Without Parole shall never be lower than CLOSE, and that offenders currently under a Death Sentence shall never be reduced and must remain CLOSE security. Tags: policy,operations Sources: Georgia Department of Corrections SOP 220.02, Security Classification (passage checked against GPS's copy) - [confirmed] GDC SOP 209.09: Tier III transport requires three COs, two armed A GDC SOP for the Special Management Unit Tier III Program requires that offenders be escorted by at least three Correctional Officers when being transported, two of whom must be armed, with the unarmed officer tasked with removing the offender's restraints. Tags: transfers,policy,staffing Sources: SOP 209.09: Special Management Unit - Tier III Program (effective 6/18/2026) - [confirmed] ICE detainers and sentences over 15 years never below MEDIUM GDC SOP 220.02 states that offenders with an active ICE detainer shall never receive a security level lower than MEDIUM, and offenders serving sentences exceeding 15 years, including Life with Parole, shall never receive a security level lower than MEDIUM. Tags: policy,operations Sources: Georgia Department of Corrections SOP 220.02, Security Classification (passage checked against GPS's copy) - [confirmed] GDC SOP 209.09: Tier III transfer restraint equipment requirements A GDC SOP for the Special Management Unit Tier III Program requires that transfer officers restrain all offenders utilizing handcuffs with a Black Box, waist chains, leg irons, and the Bandit or R.E.A.C.T. remote electronically activated control technology restraint system. Tags: transfers,policy Sources: SOP 209.09: Special Management Unit - Tier III Program (effective 6/18/2026) - [reported] FY1999 Level V definition In GDC's FY1999 annual report, Level V is defined as: the primary mission of this level prison is secure housing for inmates with management problems, in combination with inside-the-perimeter work details and programming. Tags: policy,facilities Sources: 1999 annual report - Digital Library of Georgia - [confirmed] Mental health counselor staffing ratios by security level GDC mental health staffing policy sets different Mental Health Counselor ratios for medium security facilities versus close security facilities: at least 1.0 FTE per 75 Level II offenders at medium security facilities versus 1.0 FTE per 60 Level II offenders at close security facilities. Tags: mental_health,staffing,policy Sources: SOP 508.01: Mental Health Organization and Administration - [reported] New Mexico classification policy cites ACA Standard 5-ACI-5B-04 The New Mexico Corrections Department's institutional classification policy cites ACA Standard 5-ACI-5B-04 as its basis for using pre-institutional assessment information about an inmate's progress and adjustment. Tags: policy,operations Sources: CD-080100 Institutional Classification and Central Office Issued: 2/1/01 Reviewed: 06/03/24 - [confirmed] Sex offense sentences never below MEDIUM; sexual predators never below CLOSE GDC SOP 220.02 states that the security level of an offender whose current sentence is a sex offense shall never be lower than MEDIUM, and if identified as a sexual predator, that offender's security level shall never be below CLOSE. Tags: policy,operations Sources: Georgia Department of Corrections SOP 220.02, Security Classification (passage checked against GPS's copy) - [reported] FY1999 Level IV/III definition In GDC's FY1999 annual report, Level IV/III is defined as: medium security inmates perform work details and Correctional Industries operations both inside and outside the fence, and Level III prisons focus upon particular work or program missions. Tags: policy,facilities Sources: 1999 annual report - Digital Library of Georgia - [confirmed] Threshold/Override Review every twelve months GDC SOP 220.02 requires a Threshold/Override Review every twelve months for offenders whose security level was set by an Override, and also when an offender's system-generated security level crosses the threshold from one security level to another, such as from medium to close or close to medium. Tags: policy,operations Sources: Georgia Department of Corrections SOP 220.02, Security Classification (passage checked against GPS's copy) - [reported] GDC medium-security facilities document lists twelve prisons A Georgia Department of Corrections publication titled "Medium Security Facilities" lists Washington and Wilcox among twelve state prisons named as its medium-security facilities (Autry, Calhoun, Central, Dodge, Dooly, Johnson, Lee, Montgomery, Rogers, Rutledge, Washington, Wilcox). Tags: facilities,policy Sources: Georgia Department of Corrections medium security facilities, Digital Library of Georgia - [reported] Washington SP special work details The GDC medium-security-facilities document lists Washington State Prison's special work details as including the City of Davisboro, DOT, and Central State Hospital. Tags: facilities,operations Sources: Georgia Department of Corrections medium security facilities, Digital Library of Georgia - [reported] FY1989 plan: 800-bed medium prison in Washington County, 200-bed boot camp in Treutlen The Georgia Department of Corrections' FY1989 annual report states plans to construct a new 800-bed medium security prison in Washington County and a 200-bed boot-camp style prison in Treutlen County. Date: 1989-01-01 Tags: facilities,budget Sources: 1989 annual report - Digital Library of Georgia - [reported] Wilcox SP special work details The GDC Medium Security Facilities document lists Wilcox State Prison's special work details as including DOT, City of Cordele, the Farmers Market, and a fire station. Tags: facilities,operations Sources: Georgia Department of Corrections medium security facilities, Digital Library of Georgia - [reported] State allocated funds for new Washington County prison to replace Washington State Prison The State recently allocated funds for a new state prison in Washington County to replace the current Washington State Prison. Source text: "The State also recently allocated funds for a new state prison in Washington County, to replace the current Washington State Prison, as well as some increased funding for facility maintenance and repairs statewide." Date: 2024-01-01 Tags: budget,facilities,policy Sources: DOJ Findings Report: Investigation of Georgia Prisons (October 2024) - [reported] GDC classification process drives facility placement GDC's own fact sheet states that upon arrival into GDC custody, all offenders are classified and given a security level, and that security level drives which prison an offender will be housed. Tags: policy,facilities Sources: Medium Security Georgia - [reported] GDC close security fact sheet lists seven prisons, excluding the four GDC's current Close Security Facilities fact sheet states there are seven close security prisons statewide, and its table of close-security state prisons lists Hancock, Hays, Macon, Smith, Telfair, Valdosta, and Ware, a list that does not include Calhoun, Dooly, Washington, or Wilcox State Prisons. Tags: facilities,policy Sources: Georgia Department of Corrections, "Close Security Facility Fact Sheet" - [reported] NIC essential components of objective classification NIC's guide 'Objective Prison Classification' lists a formal housing plan with a security/custody designation for each housing unit, and adherence to that housing plan, among the essential components of an objective prison classification system. Tags: policy,operations,legal Sources: U.S. Department of Justice, Objective Prison Classification A Guide for Correctional Agencies (July 2004) - [reported] Close security classification criteria GDC's current Close Security Facilities fact sheet states offenders classified as close security typically fall in one or more categories: escape risk, assault history, deemed dangerous, or have detainers for other serious crimes. Tags: facilities,policy,violence Sources: Georgia Department of Corrections, "Close Security Facility Fact Sheet" - [reported] NIC standard for discretionary overrides NIC's objective classification guide sets a general standard that 5-15 percent of a prison population's custody levels are based on discretionary overrides rather than original classification/reclassification scores, and that approximately 50 percent of discretionary overrides should assign a lower custody level and 50 percent a higher custody level. Tags: policy,operations Sources: U.S. Department of Justice, Objective Prison Classification A Guide for Correctional Agencies (July 2004) - [reported] Dooly SP mission statement A GDC facility-description document describes Dooly State Prison's mission as housing medium security general population inmates not suitable for a county prison due to their offense or physical limitations, and provides Medical, Counseling, Education, Recreation, Library, Chapel, Fire Services, Farm Services, and General Work Programs. Date: 2013-01-01 Tags: facilities,medical,operations Sources: Digital Library of Georgia, GDC Facility Descriptions - [reported] NIC definition of non-discretionary overrides NIC's classification guide defines non-discretionary overrides as static policies that typically restrict placement of certain individuals from minimum- or low-security facilities, such as prohibiting someone convicted of a sex offense from residing in a minimum-security unit until within six months of release, or prohibiting anyone with more than two years to serve from a minimum-security level unit. Tags: policy,operations,legal Sources: U.S. Department of Justice, GOVPUB J16 100 PURL gpo172076 - [reported] NIC definitions of external and internal classification NIC's classification guide defines 'external classification' as determining an individual's custody classification and facility assignment, while 'internal classification' governs facility-level decisions such as where and with whom the individual will be housed within that facility. Tags: policy,operations Sources: U.S. Department of Justice, GOVPUB J16 100 PURL gpo172076 FINDINGS (53) ---------------------------------------- - [reported] NIC standard: discretionary overrides for 5-15% of custody levels NIC's classification guide states the general standard is that initial classification or reclassification scores require a discretionary override for 5 to 15 percent of a prison population's custody levels. Tags: policy,operations Sources: U.S. Department of Justice, GOVPUB J16 100 PURL gpo172076 - [reported] DOJ: GDC does not enforce classification housing assignments The DOJ Civil Rights Division's findings report states that GDC does not enforce classification housing assignments, enabling gangs and other security threat groups (STG) or other incarcerated individuals to dictate housing assignments and other aspects of daily life. Date: 2024-01-01 Tags: gangs,classification,policy,investigations Sources: DOJ Findings Report: Investigation of Georgia Prisons (October 2024) - [reported] NIC standard: ~50% of overrides should lower custody, 50% raise NIC's classification guide states that in general, approximately 50 percent of discretionary overrides should assign individuals to custody levels lower than that derived from their original scores, and 50 percent should assign individuals to higher custody levels. Tags: policy,operations Sources: U.S. Department of Justice, GOVPUB J16 100 PURL gpo172076 - [reported] NIC definition of false positive (overclassification) NIC's classification guide defines a false positive error, or overclassification, as occurring 'when someone is classified as positive for high-risk behavior but does not exhibit such behavior,' giving as an example someone placed in administrative segregation for alleged drug distribution activities who was not involved in such activities. Tags: policy,solitary,operations Sources: U.S. Department of Justice, GOVPUB J16 100 PURL gpo172076 - [reported] Overcrowding in GDC facilities described as 'no secret' The article states that overcrowding in correctional facilities operated by the Georgia Department of Corrections is 'no secret,' framing the mega prison appropriation as a response to overcrowding. Tags: conditions,facilities,budget Sources: Mega Prison Under Construction in Washington County - [reported] NIC definition of false negative (under-classification) NIC's classification guide defines a false negative error, or under-classification, as occurring 'when a potentially disruptive individual is classified as low risk...but exhibits high-risk behavior.' Tags: policy,operations Sources: U.S. Department of Justice, GOVPUB J16 100 PURL gpo172076 - [reported] Washington County prison use about two years away at FY1989 The GDC FY1989 annual report stated that 'the use of the new prison in Washington County was about two years away,' while other fast-track construction was designed to make space available within six months. Tags: facilities,policy Sources: If you have issues viewing or accessing this file contact us at NCJRS.gov., 141118NCJRS [1] - [reported] California quasi-experiment: equal misconduct regardless of Level I or III assignment Camp & Gaes's quasi-experimental analysis of a subsample of California male inmates whose risk scores jumped from Level I to Level III found inmates were equally likely to commit institutional misconduct in prison regardless of whether they were assigned to a Level I or a Level III prison. Tags: violence,operations,facilities Sources: Criminogenic Effects of the Prison Environment on Inmate Behavior - [reported] California experiment: 561 inmates randomly assigned to Level I or III Camp & Gaes found that among 561 male inmates with equivalent classification scores randomly assigned by a California experimental classification system to either the lowest security-level (Level I) or Level III prisons (one step down from the highest security level, Level IV), inmates were equally likely to commit misconduct regardless of whether they were assigned to a Level I or a Level III prison. Tags: violence,operations,facilities Sources: Criminogenic Effects of the Prison Environment on Inmate Behavior - [reported] Washington County prison construction timeline as of FY1989 GDC's FY1989 annual report stated the new prison being built in Washington County was about two years away from use, while other fast-tracked construction was expected to add space within six months. Tags: facilities,operations Sources: If you have issues viewing or accessing this file contact us at NCJRS.gov., 141118NCJRS [3] - [reported] Life-threatening violence witnessed at 16 of 17 prisons visited The DOJ report states that in interviews at 16 of the 17 GDC prisons visited in 2022 and 2023, incarcerated people consistently reported that they have witnessed life-threatening violence, including stabbings. Tags: violence,investigations Sources: DOJ Findings Report: Investigation of Georgia Prisons (October 2024) - [reported] Hancock CI and Washington CI near completion in FY1992 GDC's FY1992 annual report states Hancock CI and Washington CI neared completion, with inmates to be assigned beginning in September 1992. Tags: facilities,operations Sources: 1992 annual report - [reported] Camp & Gaes caveat: inmate culture effect may be overcome by security measures Camp & Gaes caveat their finding by stating this analysis provides evidence that the types of inmates housed together 'may not be as important as often thought, or at least that the effect can be overcome with adequate security and custody measures and other environmental influences,' while acknowledging their limited analysis does not demonstrate 'once and for all' that inmate culture has no impact on inmate conduct. Tags: operations,facilities Sources: Criminogenic Effects of the Prison Environment on Inmate Behavior - [reported] DOJ: GDC fails to provide minimum physical safety at medium and close security The DOJ report finds GDC fails to provide incarcerated persons housed at the medium- and close-security levels with the constitutionally required minimum of reasonable physical safety, and that staffing levels at prisons housing people at those levels are inadequate to protect incarcerated people from harm. The report also finds GDC fails to provide LGBTI incarcerated persons reasonable protection from sexual abuse. Date: 2024-01-01 Tags: violence,staffing,legal,conditions Sources: DOJ Findings Report: Investigation of Georgia Prisons (October 2024) - [reported] Washington CI listed among female inmate facilities in FY1992 GDC's FY1992 annual report lists Washington CI among facilities providing services for female inmates, alongside Georgia Women's Correctional Institution and Milan Women's Center. Tags: facilities,demographics Sources: 1992 annual report - [reported] DOJ: classification and segregation reviews untimely due to staffing and incomplete data The DOJ report finds that GDC's classification and housing systems do not function properly; GDC does not conduct timely and accurate classification and segregation reviews due to staffing shortages and incomplete data in GDC's automated systems, and does not enforce classification housing assignments. Date: 2024-01-01 Tags: classification,staffing,policy,data_gap Sources: DOJ Findings Report: Investigation of Georgia Prisons (October 2024) - [reported] Washington CI listed as farm facility in development in FY1991 GDC's FY1991 annual report lists Washington CI as a farm facility that was still 'in development.' Tags: facilities,operations Sources: 1991 annual report - [reported] Steiner et al.: medium security placement results most mixed The Steiner et al. systematic review found the results for medium security placement were the most mixed, with placement in medium security facilities found to be fairly evenly split between positive (38%), inverse (33%) and nonsignificant (29%) correlations with misconduct. Date: 2014-01-01 Tags: violence,operations,facilities Sources: Journal of Quantitative Criminology (2019) 35:767–796 - [reported] Administrative overrides almost always raise security level Tahamont notes that administrative overrides occur when classification staff place an inmate in a facility that does not match the security level indicated by the classification instrument, and can result in placement either above or below the classification score's suggested level, but almost always result in placement at a higher security level than the classification instrument suggests. Date: 2019-01-01 Tags: policy,operations Sources: Journal of Quantitative Criminology (2019) 35:767–796 - [reported] Washington State Prison PREA Cycle 3 security levels The PREA Washington audit report lists 'Facility security levels/inmate custody levels: Minimum, Medium, Close.' Tags: facilities,operations Sources: PREA Facility Audit Report: Final, prea washington audit cycle 3 - [reported] Wilcox, Calhoun, Dooly in FY1996 Level IV/III GDC's FY1996 annual report lists Wilcox SP under 'Level IV / III' facilities, described as where 'Medium security inmates (and lower) perform work details and Correctional Industries operations both inside and outside the fence,' alongside Calhoun SP and Dooly SP. Tags: facilities,operations Sources: Annual report, fiscal year 1996 - [reported] Violent offenders housed in medium security facilities The Georgia Senate DOC Facilities Study Committee's final report states that some violent offenders are housed in medium security facilities because the classification of "violent offenders" includes convicted offense and prison disciplinary record, and in medium security an offender may access positive influences and opportunities. Date: 2024-01-01 Tags: facilities,policy,violence Sources: senate.ga.gov: 2024SenateStudyCommDOCFinalReport - [reported] Washington SP in FY1996 Level V GDC's FY1996 annual report lists Washington SP under 'Level V' facilities, whose 'primary mission... is secure housing for inmates with management problems, in combination with inside-the-perimeter work details and programming.' Tags: facilities,operations Sources: Annual report, fiscal year 1996 - [reported] Wilcox State Prison opening as major economic change The Joint Wilcox County Comprehensive Plan describes the opening of Wilcox State Prison in 1994 as the biggest economic base structural change in Wilcox County in recent years. Date: 1994-01-01 Tags: facilities,operations Sources: The Joint Wilcox County Comprehensive Plan - [reported] Tahamont: no detectable effect of Level IV maximum security on rules violations Tahamont's abstract states that using administrative records of roughly 60,000 inmates in the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, the study found no detectable effect of Level IV (maximum security) prisons on rules violation reports, in contrast to prior work, and that the fuzzy regression discontinuity design 'provides an evidence base for policy-makers facing capacity constraints within the prison system.' Date: 2019-01-01 Tags: violence,operations,facilities Sources: Journal of Quantitative Criminology (2019) 35:767–796 - [reported] Seven close security prisons statewide, each at least 30 years old The Georgia Senate DOC Facilities Study Committee's final report states Georgia has seven close security prisons statewide, each at least 30 years old, housing individuals who represent an escape risk or have a history of assault, dangerous, or serious crimes. Date: 2024-01-01 Tags: facilities,policy Sources: senate.ga.gov: 2024SenateStudyCommDOCFinalReport - [reported] Dooly State Prison listed as stakeholder in Dooly County plan The Georgia Department of Corrections (Dooly State Prison) was listed as a stakeholder organization in the Community Participation Program for the Greater Dooly Comprehensive Plan. Tags: facilities,operations Sources: Community Participation Program - [reported] Wilcox, Calhoun, Dooly in FY1997 Level IV/III GDC's FY1997 annual report lists Wilcox SP under 'Level IV/III' facilities alongside Calhoun SP and Dooly SP. Tags: facilities,operations Sources: Annual report, fiscal year 1997 - [reported] Dooly State Prison imminent major expansion The Greater Dooly Comprehensive Plan states that Dooly State Prison, in the northeastern corner of the City of Unadilla, had an imminent major expansion being planned and accounted for on the Future Development Map. Tags: facilities,operations Sources: Greater Dooly Comprehensive - [reported] OPS found policy violations in 2022 Calhoun homicide housing The DOJ report states that OPS's investigation of a 2022 homicide at Calhoun State Prison identified multiple policy violations and other errors by staff that contributed to inappropriately housing the victim with the person who allegedly murdered him in their shared cell. Date: 2022-01-01 Tags: violence,death,staffing,investigations Sources: DOJ Findings Report: Investigation of Georgia Prisons (October 2024) - [reported] Washington SP in FY1997 Level V GDC's FY1997 annual report lists Washington SP under 'Level V' facilities, whose 'primary mission... is secure housing for inmates with management problems.' Tags: facilities,operations Sources: Annual report, fiscal year 1997 - [reported] NIC: classification system is the 'brain' of prison management NIC's Internal Prison Classification Systems: Case Studies report states that a properly functioning classification system governs important decisions including fiscal matters such as staffing levels, bed space, and programming, and describes it as 'the brain of prison management.' Tags: policy,operations,staffing,budget Sources: Nt of J, 05 internal - [reported] Dooly SP photo caption 'Medium Security' in FY1999 GDC's FY1999 annual report includes a photo caption reading 'Dooly State Prison, Unadilla, Georgia' on the same page as 'Medium Security' printed beneath it, on the page listing facilities by security level (Level IV/III lists Dooly SP as medium security). Tags: facilities Sources: 1999 annual report - Digital Library of Georgia - [reported] New Jersey study: classification reduced overclassification, violence, walkaways A New Jersey Department of Corrections study cited in NIC's Internal Prison Classification Systems report found that empirical research demonstrated the state's classification system had effectively reduced the overclassification of inmates, institutional violence, and walkaways from minimum-security facilities. Date: 1997-01-01 Tags: policy,violence,operations Sources: Nt of J, 05 internal - [reported] Washington and Wilcox in FY1999 Level V; Dooly and Calhoun in Level IV/III The Georgia Department of Corrections FY1999 annual report lists Washington SP and Wilcox SP under a 'Level V' security-level heading described as prisons whose primary mission is secure housing for inmates with management problems combined with inside-the-perimeter work details and programming, while listing Dooly SP and Calhoun SP under a separate 'Level IV/III' heading described as medium security. Tags: facilities,operations Sources: 1999 annual report - Digital Library of Georgia - [reported] Calhoun County State Prison among largest employers Calhoun County's Comprehensive Plan Update states that Calhoun County State Prison and the local school system are the largest employment in the county. Tags: facilities,operations Sources: Introduction………………………………………………………………………………………...3 (dca.georgia.gov) - [reported] NIC: crowding increases importance of internal classification decisions NIC's Internal Prison Classification Systems report states that the widespread use of double-celling in high-security units and the expanding use of dormitories for low- and medium-custody inmates have triggered the need for a systematic process for assigning inmates to beds or cells, as internal classification decisions play a more significant role when correctional facilities become more crowded. Tags: policy,operations,facilities Sources: Nt of J, 05 internal - [reported] Calhoun County State Prison described as welcome addition providing jobs Calhoun County's Comprehensive Plan Update states the prison was a welcome addition and has provided numerous jobs to local residents. Tags: facilities,operations Sources: Introduction………………………………………………………………………………………...3 (dca.georgia.gov) - [reported] Traffic increase in Morgan attributed to Calhoun County State Prison Calhoun County's Comprehensive Plan Update states that traffic in the City of Morgan has increased substantially due to the construction of the Calhoun County State Prison, with the increase coming from employees who travel to Calhoun County and the City of Morgan. Tags: facilities,operations Sources: Introduction………………………………………………………………………………………...3 (dca.georgia.gov) - [reported] Calhoun State Prison listed as community opportunity Calhoun County's Comprehensive Plan Update lists Calhoun State Prison as an opportunity alongside education and an improved water and sewage system. Tags: facilities,operations Sources: Introduction………………………………………………………………………………………...3 (dca.georgia.gov) - [reported] SART investigation rejected Dooly sexual assault claim because cellmate assigned to different cell One SART investigation concluded that an individual's allegation that his cellmate at Dooly State Prison sexually assaulted him must be false because the two men were assigned to different cells, without considering that the cellmate may not have been in his assigned cell. Source text: "One SART investigation concluded that an individual’s allegation that his cellmate at Dooly State Prison sexually assaulted him must be false because the two men were assigned to different cells, apparently failing to consider the possibility that the cellmate was not in his assigned cell" Date: 2024-01-01 Tags: investigations,violence,facilities Sources: DOJ Findings Report: Investigation of Georgia Prisons (October 2024) - [reported] FY1989 construction as stopgap for overcrowding pending 1990s prison buildout Georgia's FY1989 Department of Corrections annual report described the FY1989 construction as a stopgap 'to relieve as soon as possible some of the system's dire overcrowding problems until a host of large new prisons could be built in the decade of the 1990s in anticipation of massive growth in the criminal population by the year 2000.' Date: 1989-01-01 Tags: facilities,budget,policy Sources: 1989 annual report - Digital Library of Georgia - [reported] Wilcox State Prison facility profile (archived GDC page) GDC's facility page for Wilcox State Prison listed it as constructed 1993, opened 1994, capacity 1827, and security level MEDIUM, describing its mission as housing medium security, general population inmates who may not be suitable for a county facility. Tags: facilities,operations Sources: Georgia Department of Corrections, S 50000203 - [reported] 2012 audit: most state prisons operate at medium security level A Georgia Department of Audits and Accounts report states that most Georgia state prisons operate at the medium security level, designated to house minimum and medium custody level inmates, while close security level prisons house all types of offenders including those requiring close monitoring. Date: 2012-01-01 Tags: facilities,classification Sources: DOAA Maintenance of State Prisons Audit (2012-02) - [disputed] GDC medium-security document states 12 close security prisons (apparent error) A Georgia Department of Corrections document titled "MEDIUM SECURITY FACILITIES" states in its overview text that there are 12 close security prisons in the state and lists Autry, Calhoun, Central, Dodge, Dooly, Johnson, Lee, Montgomery, Rogers, Rutledge, Washington and Wilcox as the state prisons under that heading. The document appears to conflate medium- and close-security designations. Tags: facilities,policy Sources: Georgia Department of Corrections medium security facilities, Digital Library of Georgia - [reported] Dooly State Prison facility profile (archived GDC page) GDC's facility page for Dooly State Prison listed it as constructed 1993, opened 1994, capacity 1702, and security level MEDIUM. Tags: facilities,operations Sources: Georgia Department of Corrections, S 50000205 - [reported] Wilcox segregation: incarcerated people reported no required services, programs, or outside recreation Incarcerated individuals at Wilcox State Prison reported that in segregation they did not receive any required services, programs, or outside recreation. Source text: "Likewise, incarcerated individuals at Wilcox State Prison reported that in segregation they did not receive any required services, programs, or outside recreation." Date: 2024-01-01 Tags: solitary,conditions,facilities Sources: DOJ Findings Report: Investigation of Georgia Prisons (October 2024) - [reported] Dozens of GDC prisons as old or older than Washington State Prison; physical condition problems persist Dozens of GDC prisons are roughly as old as or older than Washington State Prison, and serious problems with the physical condition of GDC's facilities persist due to aging buildings and ongoing maintenance problems. Source text: "However, dozens of GDC prisons are roughly as old as or older than Washington, and serious problems with the physical condition of GDC’s facilities persist due to the aging buildings, ongoing maintenance problems, and failure to adequately supervise the population, as described elsewhere in this Findings Report." Date: 2024-01-01 Tags: conditions,facilities Sources: DOJ Findings Report: Investigation of Georgia Prisons (October 2024) - [reported] Chen and Shapiro finding on harsher prison conditions and recidivism Chen and Shapiro's study of federal prisoners found that inmates housed in higher security levels are no less likely to recidivate than those housed in minimum security, and their estimates suggest harsher prison conditions may lead to more post-release crime. Tags: policy,reentry,legal Sources: Do Harsher Prison Conditions Reduce - [reported] NIC on overclassification from static reclassification NIC's objective classification guide states that a reclassification process that does not allow prisoners to work their way to lower custody levels over time results in significant overclassification of prisoners who were originally assigned higher custody levels because they were convicted of serious crimes. Tags: policy,operations Sources: U.S. Department of Justice, Objective Prison Classification A Guide for Correctional Agencies (July 2004) - [reported] Review of 16 GDC prisons Jan 2022–Aug 2023: most failed to fully staff counselors; several at 50% or lower In a review of data from 16 GDC prisons from January 2022 to August 2023, most of the prisons reviewed failed to fully staff allotted counselor positions, and several had counselor staffing rates in the 50% range or lower. Source text: "In a review of data from 16 GDC prisons from January 2022 to August 2023, we found that most of the prisons reviewed failed to fully staff allotted counselor positions, and several had counselor staffing rates in the 50% range or lower." Tags: staffing,operations,facilities Sources: DOJ Findings Report: Investigation of Georgia Prisons (October 2024) - [reported] NIC on outcomes of objective classification adoption NIC's objective classification guide states that adoption of objective prison classification systems since the 1980s produced reduced overclassification and declining institutional violence, alongside more validated and consistent custody decisions. Tags: policy,violence,operations Sources: U.S. Department of Justice, Objective Prison Classification A Guide for Correctional Agencies (July 2004) - [reported] Facility risk classification denotes majority population; close offenders in lower-security facilities ~5% A 2018 DOAA special examination of GDC states that a facility's risk classification denotes the classification of the majority of the population within it, that facilities can technically house most offenders, and that the percentage of close (or high risk) offenders in lower security facilities can approximate 5%. The report also noted that approximately 10-40% of offenders in closed facilities were minimum or medium risk offenders according to a June 30, 2018 offender count. Date: 2018-01-01 Tags: facilities,policy,methodology Sources: DOAA Bed Demand & Agency Strategy Report (2018-12) LEGAL FACTS (16) ---------------------------------------- - [confirmed] Board of Corrections has sole rule-making authority over inmate assignment and housing OCGA § 42-2-11 provides that the Georgia Board of Corrections 'shall adopt rules governing the assignment, housing, working, feeding, clothing, treatment, discipline, rehabilitation, training, and hospitalization of all inmates coming under its custody.' The section states no statutory requirement of local input. Tags: legal,policy,operations Sources: Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 42-2-11 (GPS's copy of the Code) - [confirmed] Board rules govern correctional institution contracts with no stated local-hearing requirement OCGA § 42-2-11 states the Board of Corrections 'shall also adopt rules and regulations governing the negotiation and execution of any contract for the land acquisition, design, construction, operation, maintenance, use, lease, or management of a state correctional institution or for any services pertaining to the custody, care, and control of inmates.' No statutory local-hearing or county-consent requirement is stated in this section. Tags: legal,policy,facilities Sources: Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 42-2-11 (GPS's copy of the Code) - [confirmed] Rule 125-3-1-.02 defines CLOSE custody Georgia Board of Corrections Rule 125-3-1-.02 defines CLOSE custody as inmates who are suspected escape risks, habitual rule violators, have assaultive criminal or institutional history, or are unreliable, and requires constant supervision by an armed correctional officer outside the security boundaries and regular supervision inside. Such inmates must remain at this level for one year before being considered for reduction. Tags: legal,policy,operations Sources: Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 125-3-1-.02, Inmate Security Classification (Georgia Board of Corrections rule; passage checked against GPS's copy of the rule) - [confirmed] Rule 125-3-1-.02 defines MEDIUM custody Georgia Board of Corrections Rule 125-3-1-.02 defines MEDIUM custody as inmates who have established reliability, have no major adjustment problems and no current alcohol or drug addiction problems, requiring constant supervision outside the security boundaries by trained and approved staff and regular supervision inside. These inmates must remain at this level for six months before being considered for reduction. Tags: legal,policy,operations Sources: Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 125-3-1-.02, Inmate Security Classification (Georgia Board of Corrections rule; passage checked against GPS's copy of the rule) - [confirmed] Rule 125-3-1-.02 defines MINIMUM custody Georgia Board of Corrections Rule 125-3-1-.02 defines MINIMUM custody as inmates who have shown they can abide by rules and present minimum risk of escape and minimum risk to community and institutional safety, subject to hourly checks inside and outside the security boundaries, and must remain at this level for at least three months before being considered for reduction. Tags: legal,policy,operations Sources: Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 125-3-1-.02, Inmate Security Classification (Georgia Board of Corrections rule; passage checked against GPS's copy of the rule) - [confirmed] Rule 125-3-1-.02 defines MAXIMUM custody Georgia Board of Corrections Rule 125-3-1-.02 defines MAXIMUM custody as inmates estimated to be extremely assaultive or dangerous or high escape risks, who require constant supervision by correctional officers and shall not be assigned to routine work outside the institution. Tags: legal,policy,operations Sources: Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 125-3-1-.02, Inmate Security Classification (Georgia Board of Corrections rule; passage checked against GPS's copy of the rule) - [confirmed] Rule 125-3-1-.02 requires housing and privileges consistent with security classification GDC Board Rule 125-3-1-.02 requires each inmate to be assigned to quarters, subjected to institutional controls, and permitted institutional privileges in a manner consistent with the degree of control indicated by their individual security classification. Tags: legal,policy,conditions Sources: Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 125-3-1-.02, Inmate Security Classification (Georgia Board of Corrections rule; passage checked against GPS's copy of the rule) - [confirmed] Close-classified inmates must remain one year before reduction consideration GDC Board Rule 125-3-1-.02 requires Close-classified inmates to remain at that level for one year before being considered for a security reduction. Tags: legal,policy Sources: Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 125-3-1-.02, Inmate Security Classification (Georgia Board of Corrections rule; passage checked against GPS's copy of the rule) - [confirmed] Medium-classified inmates must remain six months before reduction consideration GDC Board Rule 125-3-1-.02 requires Medium-classified inmates to remain at that level for six months before being considered for a security reduction. Tags: legal,policy Sources: Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 125-3-1-.02, Inmate Security Classification (Georgia Board of Corrections rule; passage checked against GPS's copy of the rule) - [confirmed] Minimum-classified inmates must remain three months before reduction consideration GDC Board Rule 125-3-1-.02 requires Minimum-classified inmates to remain at that level for at least three months before being considered for a security reduction. Tags: legal,policy Sources: Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 125-3-1-.02, Inmate Security Classification (Georgia Board of Corrections rule; passage checked against GPS's copy of the rule) - [confirmed] Facility buildings must conform to security requirements of housed classification Georgia Board of Corrections Rule 125-2-2-.01 requires that the physical aspects of each building housing offenders conform to the security requirements dictated by the classification of offenders to be housed therein. Tags: legal,policy,facilities Sources: Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 125-2-2-.01, Facilities (Georgia Board of Corrections rule; passage checked against GPS's copy of the rule) - [confirmed] DOJ findings report on Georgia prisons dated October 1, 2024 The DOJ Civil Rights Division's findings report on Georgia prisons is dated October 1, 2024. Source text: "October 1, 2024" Date: 2024-10-01 Tags: investigations,legal Sources: DOJ Findings Report: Investigation of Georgia Prisons (October 2024) - [confirmed] Board Rule 125-2-4-.03 Classification Committee composition GDC Board Rule 125-2-4-.03 requires the Warden/Superintendent to appoint a Classification Committee, consisting at minimum of a Deputy Warden/Superintendent or senior counselor as Chairperson, at least one member of security staff, and at least one treatment staff member, which reviews security status as stipulated in Rule 125-3-1-.02. Tags: legal,policy,operations Sources: Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 125-2-4-.03, Identification and Classification (Georgia Board of Corrections rule; passage checked against GPS's copy of the rule) - [confirmed] Board Rule 125-3-2-.12 authorized restraint use GDC Board Rule 125-3-2-.12 provides that handcuffs, leg chains, waist chains, and waist belts may be used in transferring violent or potentially dangerous inmates within a prison or between facilities, and in securing violent or potentially dangerous inmates in public and private areas such as hospitals and clinics. Tags: legal,policy,transfers,conditions Sources: Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 125-3-2-.12, Use of Certain Restraints (Georgia Board of Corrections rule; passage checked against GPS's copy of the rule) - [confirmed] Board rule: additional counts for maximum, close, medium security inmates A Georgia Board of Corrections rule requires that additional inmate counts be made of all inmates who are maximum, close, or medium security risks, beyond the minimum of four master counts per 24-hour period. Tags: policy,legal,operations Sources: Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 125-3-1-.05, Institutional Procedures (Georgia Board of Corrections rule; passage checked against GPS's copy of the rule) - [confirmed] Board rule: minimum two security staff on duty, one certified CO A Georgia Board of Corrections rule requires that all state and county institutions and state transitional centers have no less than two security staff on duty at the facility at any time, with at least one of them a certified Correctional Officer. Tags: staffing,legal,policy Sources: Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 125-3-1-.05, Institutional Procedures (Georgia Board of Corrections rule; passage checked against GPS's copy of the rule) METHODOLOGY NOTES (3) ---------------------------------------- - [reported] DOAA definitions of standard, special use, and physical beds The Georgia Department of Audits and Accounts defines 'Standard (Operational) beds' as those beds available within a facility for general offender assignment, 'Special use beds' as beds for offenders with an identified need (e.g., infirmary, isolation/segregation, mental health observation beds), and 'Physical beds' as the two bed types combined. Date: 2018-01-01 Tags: facilities,operations Sources: DOAA Bed Demand & Agency Strategy Report (2018-12) - [reported] NIC guide: internal classification handles intrainstitutional placement and programs NIC's guide on internal prison classification systems states that internal classification systems complement external custody-classification systems; the task of an internal system is to devise appropriate housing plans and program interventions within a particular facility for inmates who share a common custody level (minimum, medium, close, or maximum). External classification models influence interinstitutional placement, whereas internal management systems focus on intrainstitutional placement and program assignment. Tags: policy,operations,facilities Sources: Nt of J, 017381 - [reported] DOJ visited 17 GDC prisons in 2022 and 2023 The DOJ report lists the prisons DOJ visited in 2022 and 2023 as including Lee Arrendale State Prison, Ware State Prison, Hays State Prison, Walker State Prison, Calhoun State Prison, Pulaski State Prison, Baldwin State Prison, Georgia Diagnostic and Classification Prison, Macon State Prison, Coastal State Prison, Smith State Prison, Telfair State Prison, Rogers State Prison, Dooly State Prison, Wilcox State Prison, and others. Tags: investigations,facilities Sources: DOJ Findings Report: Investigation of Georgia Prisons (October 2024) CASE DETAILS (35) ---------------------------------------- - [reported] Dooly State Prison construction and opening Dooly State Prison in Unadilla, GA was constructed in 1993 and opened in 1994, with a security level of medium. Tags: facilities Sources: Facility descriptions / Georgia Department of Corrections - [reported] Mega prison construction began near Washington State Prison in Davisboro Construction of the new mega prison began a few months before the article, near the existing Washington State Prison in Davisboro, Washington County, on land already owned by the State of Georgia. Tags: facilities,operations Sources: Mega Prison Under Construction in Washington County - [reported] Calhoun restrictive-housing death: emergency responders delayed at gates DOJ's Georgia prisons report found that in February 2023, an incarcerated person was found dead in his restrictive-housing cell at Calhoun State Prison, leaning against the door and wrapped in mattress padding. Emergency responders arrived at 1:04 p.m. but were not let inside until 1:11 p.m. due to delays waiting for staff to open the prison gates. Date: 2023-02-01 Tags: death,conditions,solitary,staffing,facilities Sources: DOJ Findings Report: Investigation of Georgia Prisons (October 2024) - [reported] Calhoun cellmate homicide after STG housing warning ignored The DOJ report describes a Calhoun State Prison incident in which an individual was killed by his cellmate after an officer had previously reported the two men should not have been in the same cell because of the STG status of both and because the assailant was seven feet tall and 340 pounds; a supervisor failed to verify the room status of the men. Tags: violence,death,gangs,classification,staffing Sources: DOJ Findings Report: Investigation of Georgia Prisons (October 2024) - [reported] Calhoun State Prison construction and capacity Calhoun State Prison (Morgan, GA) was constructed in 1993 and opened in 1994, with physical capacity 1663 and operational capacity 1560, at a MEDIUM security level. Tags: facilities Sources: Facility descriptions / Georgia Department of Corrections - [reported] Former Calhoun officer sentenced for smuggling meth and phones The DOJ report states that in September 2022, a former Calhoun correctional officer received a five-year federal prison sentence for attempting to smuggle two pounds of methamphetamine and eight cellphones into the prison. Date: 2022-09-01 Tags: corruption,contraband,drugs,staffing Sources: DOJ Findings Report: Investigation of Georgia Prisons (October 2024) - [reported] Wilcox State Prison construction year Wilcox State Prison was constructed in 1993. Date: 1993-01-01 Tags: facilities Sources: Facility descriptions / Georgia Department of Corrections - [reported] Dooly gang fight while STG sergeant post vacant three months The DOJ report states that on June 23, 2023, a gang fight broke out at Dooly State Prison, and around the same time, the STG sergeant's position had been vacant for three months. Date: 2023-06-23 Tags: gangs,violence,staffing Sources: DOJ Findings Report: Investigation of Georgia Prisons (October 2024) - [reported] Calhoun State Prison housing configuration Calhoun State Prison housing consists of nine housing units with 24 triple-bunked cells each and 24 double-bunked cells each, plus eight open dormitories with a total of 480 beds and 95 segregation/isolation cells. Date: 2013-01-01 Tags: facilities,solitary,conditions Sources: Facility descriptions / Georgia Department of Corrections - [reported] Wilcox assault video on contraband cellphone; officers used warden's orderly The DOJ report states that shortly before DOJ visited Wilcox State Prison for a site visit in June 2023, a video shot on a contraband cellphone circulated on social media appearing to show an incarcerated person assaulting another incarcerated person outdoors on a prison walkway while an officer watched. GDC records confirm multiple officers, including those in supervisory positions, brought an incarcerated 'warden's orderly' to the victim's housing unit to help move the victim. Date: 2023-06-01 Tags: violence,contraband,staffing,investigations Sources: DOJ Findings Report: Investigation of Georgia Prisons (October 2024) - [reported] Wilcox State Prison opening year Wilcox State Prison opened in 1994. Date: 1994-01-01 Tags: facilities Sources: Facility descriptions / Georgia Department of Corrections - [reported] Dooly State Prison capacity figures Dooly State Prison (Unadilla, GA) was constructed in 1993 and opened in 1994, with physical capacity 1702 and operational capacity 1623, at a MEDIUM security level. Tags: facilities Sources: Facility descriptions / Georgia Department of Corrections - [reported] Wilcox State Prison capacity figures Wilcox State Prison's security level is Medium, with physical capacity 1862 and operational capacity 1782. Date: 2013-01-01 Tags: facilities Sources: Facility descriptions / Georgia Department of Corrections - [reported] Dooly State Prison housing configuration Dooly State Prison housing consists of nine living units where the bottom range are 24 triple bunked cells and the top range are double-bunked cells, 120 beds per dorm, plus one open living unit with four separate living areas containing 368 beds, one isolation/segregation unit with 71 beds, and a Fast Track Unit that is double bunked and houses 256 beds. Date: 2013-01-01 Tags: facilities,solitary,conditions Sources: Facility descriptions / Georgia Department of Corrections - [reported] Washington State Prison construction and capacity Washington State Prison (Davisboro, GA) was constructed in 1991 and opened in 1991, with physical capacity 1548 and operational capacity 1456, at a MEDIUM security level. Date: 1991-01-01 Tags: facilities Sources: Facility descriptions / Georgia Department of Corrections - [reported] October 3, 2022 segregation cell homicide: STG member killed sexually aggressive cellmate The DOJ report describes an incident on October 3, 2022, in which a validated STG member was placed in a segregation cell with a non-gang member who was classified as sexually aggressive, and the STG member killed the cellmate. DOJ notes that putting two individuals with these classification factors together in a segregation cell is risky and would not normally be defensible under a classification scheme. Date: 2022-10-03 Tags: violence,death,gangs,classification,solitary Sources: DOJ Findings Report: Investigation of Georgia Prisons (October 2024) - [reported] Washington State Prison housing configuration Washington State Prison housing consists of eleven general population dorms with 2- and 3-man cells, one isolation/segregation dorm housing 92 inmates with 1- and 2-man cells, and one 200-bed Annex with four 50-bed open bay dormitories. Date: 2013-01-01 Tags: facilities,solitary,conditions Sources: Facility descriptions / Georgia Department of Corrections - [reported] Wilcox State Prison location and capacity Wilcox State Prison (Abbeville, GA) was constructed in 1993 and opened in 1994, with physical capacity 1862 and operational capacity 1782, at a MEDIUM security level. Tags: facilities Sources: Facility descriptions / Georgia Department of Corrections - [reported] Wilcox State Prison housing configuration Wilcox State Prison housing consists of four and one-half buildings with 120 per dorm in 24 double-bunked and 24 triple-bunked cells each, three housing units of four open dormitories (two housing approximately 48 per dorm and the other housing approximately 94 per dorm), 22 isolation cells and 24 double-bunked segregation cells. Date: 2013-01-01 Tags: facilities,solitary,conditions Sources: Facility descriptions / Georgia Department of Corrections - [reported] Abbeville wastewater ponds upgraded for prison in 1992 The City of Abbeville's wastewater oxidation ponds were upgraded in 1992 to accommodate the prison. Date: 1992-01-01 Tags: facilities,operations Sources: The Joint Wilcox County Comprehensive Plan - [reported] Calhoun State Prison renovation year A GDC facility descriptions document lists Calhoun State Prison as constructed in 1993, opened in 1994, and renovated in 2008. Date: 2008-01-01 Tags: facilities Sources: Facility descriptions / Georgia Department of Corrections - [reported] Five new prisons opened in FY94 Calhoun Correctional Institution was one of five new prisons opened by the Georgia Department of Corrections in FY94: Calhoun, Dooly, Macon, Smith and Wilcox Correctional Institutions. Tags: facilities Sources: 1994 annual report - [reported] Calhoun State Prison decedent died of dehydration with renal failure after water shut off and no meals for two days The Calhoun State Prison decedent's cause of death was dehydration with renal failure, after staff had shut off the water supply to his cell and did not deliver meals for two days. Source text: "His cause of death was dehydration with renal failure." Date: 2024-01-01 Tags: death,conditions,medical,facilities Sources: DOJ Findings Report: Investigation of Georgia Prisons (October 2024) - [reported] Calhoun grievance: moved to 'the hole' over safety concerns and extortion The DOJ report states that in February 2023, an incarcerated person at Calhoun State Prison filed a grievance alleging that he had been removed from his housing unit to 'the hole' because of safety concerns and that he had been the victim of attempted extortion. Date: 2023-02-01 Tags: solitary,conditions,violence Sources: DOJ Findings Report: Investigation of Georgia Prisons (October 2024) - [reported] May 2022: 21-year-old killed by cellmate at Calhoun State Prison after classification and housing failures In May 2022, a 21-year-old man was killed by his cellmate at Calhoun State Prison following multiple failures in GDC's classification and housing systems. Source text: "In May 2022, a 21-year-old man was killed by his cellmate at Calhoun State Prison following multiple failures in GDC’s classification and housing systems." Date: 2022-05-01 Tags: death,violence,classification,facilities Sources: DOJ Findings Report: Investigation of Georgia Prisons (October 2024) - [reported] Calhoun CI construction completion reported by GDC Engineering and Maintenance Calhoun CI was named among several major institutions whose construction the Georgia Department of Corrections' Engineering and Maintenance section reported as completed, alongside Hancock CI, Washington CI, Autry CI, Johnson CI, and Phillips CI Phase II. Tags: facilities Sources: If you have issues viewing or accessing this file contact us at NCJRS.gov., 144314NCJRS - [reported] Calhoun segregation-unit killing by known gang member cellmate after lieutenant approved placement without Unit Manager review An individual was killed in a segregation unit in Calhoun State Prison by his cellmate, a known gang member, after a lieutenant approved the placement without review by a Unit Manager as required by procedure. Source text: "In another instance, an individual was killed in a segregation unit in Calhoun State Prison by his cellmate, a known gang member. A later investigation showed that the assailant requested that staff place him in the victim’s cell. A lieutenant approved the placement. The placement was not reviewed by a Unit Manager as required by procedure." Date: 2024-01-01 Tags: death,violence,gangs,classification,facilities Sources: DOJ Findings Report: Investigation of Georgia Prisons (October 2024) - [reported] Calhoun killing by 7-foot, 340-pound cellmate after officer flagged incompatible STG status A third individual incarcerated at Calhoun State Prison was killed by his cellmate, who was seven feet tall and 340 pounds, after an officer had previously reported the two men should not have been housed together because of their STG status. Source text: "In a third instance, an individual incarcerated at Calhoun State Prison was killed by his cellmate. An officer had previously reported that the two men should not have been in the same cell because of the STG status of both, and because the assailant was significantly bigger (seven feet tall and 340 pounds)." Date: 2024-01-01 Tags: death,violence,gangs,classification,facilities Sources: DOJ Findings Report: Investigation of Georgia Prisons (October 2024) - [reported] February 2023: incarcerated person found dead in restrictive-housing cell at Calhoun State Prison In February 2023, an incarcerated person was found dead in his restrictive-housing cell at Calhoun State Prison, leaning against the door and wrapped in a mattress padding. Source text: "In February 2023, an incarcerated person was found dead in his restrictive-housing cell at Calhoun State Prison, leaning against the door and wrapped in a mattress padding." Date: 2023-02-01 Tags: death,solitary,conditions,facilities Sources: DOJ Findings Report: Investigation of Georgia Prisons (October 2024) - [reported] June 23, 2023 gang fight at Dooly State Prison while STG sergeant position vacant three months On June 23, 2023, a gang fight broke out at Dooly State Prison, and around the same time the STG sergeant's position at Dooly had been vacant for three months. Source text: "For example, on June 23, 2023, a gang fight broke out at Dooly State Prison. Around the same time, the STG sergeant’s position had been vacant for three" Date: 2023-06-23 Tags: violence,gangs,staffing,facilities Sources: DOJ Findings Report: Investigation of Georgia Prisons (October 2024) - [reported] Mid-June 2022 Gangster Disciples vs. Bloods fight at Dooly State Prison: 4 windows broken, 7 hospitalized On a morning in mid-June 2022, a large gang fight between Gangster Disciples and Bloods erupted at Dooly State Prison, involving gang members from multiple housing units; four windows were broken and seven incarcerated people were transported to outside hospitals for lacerations and puncture wounds. Source text: "On a morning in mid-June 2022, a large gang fight between Gangster Disciples and Bloods erupted at Dooly State Prison, involving gang members from multiple housing units. Four windows were broken in the melee, and seven incarcerated people were transported to outside hospitals for lacerations and puncture wounds." Date: 2022-06-01 Tags: violence,gangs,medical,facilities Sources: DOJ Findings Report: Investigation of Georgia Prisons (October 2024) - [reported] Calhoun State Prison PREA security/custody levels Calhoun State Prison's PREA audit lists the facility's security levels/inmate custody levels as Minimum, Medium, Closed. Tags: facilities,policy Sources: PREA Facility Audit Report: Final, prea calhoun sp audit cycle 4 - [reported] Contraband cellphone video before June 2023 DOJ Wilcox visit showed assault while officer watched Shortly before DOJ visited Wilcox State Prison for a site visit in June 2023, a video shot on a contraband cellphone circulated on social media appearing to show an incarcerated person assaulting another incarcerated person outdoors on a prison walkway while an officer watched. Source text: "Shortly before DOJ visited Wilcox State Prison for a site visit in June 2023, a video shot on a contraband cellphone circulated on social media, appearing to show an incarcerated person assaulting another incarcerated person outdoors on a prison walkway, while an officer watched." Date: 2023-06-01 Tags: violence,contraband,staffing,facilities Sources: DOJ Findings Report: Investigation of Georgia Prisons (October 2024) - [reported] Two Wilcox correctional officers terminated after allowing assailant to strike and drag victim Two Wilcox correctional officers were terminated from GDC employment shortly after prison staff allowed an assailant to strike a victim and drag him along an outdoor walkway with one bare foot dragging on the pavement. Source text: "foot dragging on the pavement. Two Wilcox COs were terminated from GDC employment shortly thereafter." Date: 2023-01-01 Tags: violence,staffing,facilities Sources: DOJ Findings Report: Investigation of Georgia Prisons (October 2024) - [reported] October 3, 2022: validated STG member placed in segregation cell with sexually aggressive non-gang member and killed him On October 3, 2022, a validated STG member was placed in a segregation cell with a non-gang member who was classified as sexually aggressive, and the STG member killed the cellmate. Source text: "On October 3, 2022, a validated STG member was placed in a segregation cell with a non-gang member who was classified as sexually aggressive." Date: 2022-10-03 Tags: death,violence,gangs,classification,solitary Sources: DOJ Findings Report: Investigation of Georgia Prisons (October 2024) DATA GAPS (1) ---------------------------------------- - [confirmed] Document contains no population or capacity data for the four medium prisons The document names Calhoun, Dooly, Washington and Wilcox as medium prisons holding close-custody men but provides no population counts, capacity figures, or percentage-of-capacity data for any of them. Tags: facilities,operations,demographics Sources: Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 42-2-11 (GPS's copy of the Code) QUOTES (2) ---------------------------------------- - [reported] Commissioner Oliver on violent offenders in medium security GDC Commissioner Tyrone Oliver told the Senate Study Committee that some violent offenders are housed in medium security facilities because classification as a violent offender is based on convicted offense and prison disciplinary record, and that in medium security an offender may access positive influences and opportunities. Date: 2024-01-01 Tags: policy,operations,legal Sources: senate.ga.gov: 2024SenateStudyCommDOCFinalReport, 2024SenateStudyCommDOCFinalReport [2] - [reported] Commissioner Oliver on close security prisons GDC Commissioner Tyrone Oliver told the Senate Study Committee that the state has seven close security prisons statewide, that close security prisons include individuals who represent an escape risk or have a history of assault, dangerous, or serious crimes, and that each close security prison is at least 30 years old. Date: 2024-01-01 Tags: policy,facilities,operations Sources: senate.ga.gov: 2024SenateStudyCommDOCFinalReport, 2024SenateStudyCommDOCFinalReport [2] DATASETS (6) ---------------------------------------- # 2012 Special Examination prison performance table (four medium prisons) Facility performance data for Dooly, Washington, and Wilcox SP from the February 2012 Special Examination, including gross square footage, capacity, staff, security level, age, region, and per-inmate costs. Facility Gross Sq Ft Capacity Staff Security Level Age Region Inmate Cost Sq Ft per Inmate Staff per Inmate Inmate per Staff Total Sq Ft ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Dooly SP 305404 1704 7 Medium 18 Southwest 395.18 2.2 179 243 43629 Washington SP 344694 1548 9 Medium 20 Central 489.69 2.2 223 172 38299 Wilcox SP 316180 1862 9 Medium 18 Southwest 370.02 2.18 170 207 35131 # FY2018 Bed Counts for Four Medium Prisons (DOAA) Standard, special use, and physical bed counts for Calhoun, Dooly, Washington, and Wilcox state prisons from DOAA's FY2018 inventory. Facility Gender Risk Level Standard Bed Count Special Use Bed Count Physical Bed Count ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Calhoun State Prison Male Medium 1438 170 1608 Dooly State Prison Male Medium 1590 56 1645 Washington State Prison Male Medium 1223 123 1346 Wilcox State Prison Male Medium 1659 124 1783 # FY1994 GDC cost per state prison inmate per day — start-up institutions Cost-per-inmate table for institutions in start-up phase, July 1993-June 1994, showing average daily inmate count, inmate days, total annual costs, and cost per inmate per day. Institution Average Daily Inmate Count Inmate Days Total Annual Costs Cost Per Inmate Per Day --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Wilcox CI 240 87600 14948 40.95 Dooly CI 211 77015 16142 44.23 # Wilcox State Prison custody levels (PREA audit cycle 5) Custody-level breakdown of inmates at Wilcox State Prison as reported in its PREA facility audit. Custody Level Inmates ------------------------ Minimum 30 Medium 1321 Close 497 # 2018 DOAA bed inventory for four medium prisons Bed inventory by facility, gender, and risk level from the December 2018 DOAA Special Examination, showing base beds, additional beds, and total. Facility Gender Risk Level Base Beds Additional Beds Total Beds ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Dooly State Prison Male Medium 1590 56 1645 Washington State Prison Male Medium 1223 123 1346 Wilcox State Prison Male Medium 1659 124 1783 Calhoun State Prison Male Medium 1438 170 1608 # GDC State Prison System Facility Expansion Projects — Calhoun and Dooly Planned expansion projects listing additional beds, start-up costs, and estimated annual operating costs. Facility Additional Beds Start-Up Costs Estimated Annual Operating Costs ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Calhoun 192 776802 2556124 Dooly 192 776802 2556124 KEY ENTITIES (33) ---------------------------------------- - American Correctional Association [organization]: One of three national bodies offering voluntary accreditation to correctional facilities (aka: ACA) - Bloods [organization]: A gang involved in violence at Ware State Prison. - Calhoun State Prison [facility]: Georgia state prison where two female correctional officers were arrested in 2020 for allegedly smuggling methamphetamine in Hot Pockets; cases dismissed due to GDC failure to test evidence. - California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation [organization]: California state agency responsible for operating the state prison system; defendant in Brown v. Plata litigation (aka: CDCR, California prisons) - Davisboro mega prison [facility]: New state-of-the-art prison under construction in Davisboro, Washington County, Georgia, designed to support up to 3,000 inmates. (aka: Washington County prison, new prison in Davisboro) - Department of Audits and Accounts [organization]: Georgia state agency that conducts performance audits and financial audits of state entities including GDC. (aka: DOAA, State Auditor) - DOJ Civil Rights Division [organization]: Federal agency that conducted the investigation of Georgia prisons resulting in the October 2024 findings report (aka: U.S. Department of Justice, DOJ) - Dooly State Prison [facility]: Georgia state prison where Jackie Kavaskia McMillan led drug trafficking network; second highest cell phone seizure count by end of 2016 (1,342 phones). - Federal Bureau of Prisons [organization]: Federal agency responsible for operating federal prisons in the United States. (aka: BOP, Federal BOP) - Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 125-2-2-.01 [legislation]: Board of Corrections rule requiring building physical aspects to conform to the security requirements of the housed classification. (aka: Rule 125-2-2-.01, Facilities rule) - Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 125-3-1-.02 [legislation]: Board of Corrections rule defining Maximum, Close, Medium and Minimum custody and minimum duration at each level. (aka: Rule 125-3-1-.02, Inmate Security Classification rule) - Gangster Disciples [organization]: Gang identified in DOJ findings as responsible for an assault on an incarcerated person at Baldwin State Prison. - GDC SOP 220.02, Security Classification [program]: GDC standard operating procedure governing use of the Next Generation Assessment, overrides, and mandatory minimum custody floors. (aka: SOP 220.02) - GDC SOP 222.02, County Facility Placement [program]: GDC standard operating procedure requiring medium-or-below security level and a GED/high school diploma for county facility placement. (aka: SOP 222.02) - GDC SOP 410.04, Facility Design and Space Planning [program]: GDC SOP effective 8/30/2022 setting a 68-78 degree Fahrenheit thermostat range for training-academy work areas and dorms with HVAC. (aka: SOP 410.04) - Georgia Board of Corrections [organization]: Governing board that issues rules for Georgia prison operations, including Rule 125-4-2-.08 (Library) and Rule 125-2-4-.17 - 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 Department of Corrections SOP 220.02, Security Classification [legislation]: GDC standard operating procedure governing security classification, overrides, and mandatory minimum custody levels. (aka: SOP 220.02) - Georgia Department of Corrections SOP 220.03, Classification Committee [legislation]: GDC standard operating procedure governing the Classification Committee's responsibilities and membership. (aka: SOP 220.03) - Georgia General Assembly [organization]: Georgia state legislature. Has not advanced legislation to address prison labor compensation or remove the state's slavery exception. A two-thirds vote in both chambers would be required to place a constitutional amendment on the ballot. - Georgia Power Company [organization]: Utility company involved in a revocable lease agreement and utility easement for switching cubicles replacement at Calhoun State Prison, per January 2023 Board minutes. (aka: Georgia Power Company Energy) - Georgia Senate DOC Facilities Study Committee [organization]: Committee established through Senate Resolution 570, chaired by Sen. Randy Robertson, that adopted a final report recommending all single-person, single-cell facilities. (aka: Department of Corrections Facilities Senate Study Committee, Georgia Senate Study Committee on Department of Corrections Facilities) - National Institute of Corrections [organization]: Federal agency that provides classification resources and standards; states the primary goal of classification is managing inmate risk and ensuring safety. (aka: NIC) - New Jersey Department of Corrections [organization]: Operates a fully independent corrections ombudsperson office. - New Mexico Corrections Department [organization]: New Mexico state corrections agency whose classification failures serve as a cautionary parallel to Georgia, including the 1999 Santa Rosa guard murder and 1980 PNM riot. (aka: NMCD) - Next Generation Assessment (NGA) [program]: GDC computerized classification tool that calculates security-level scores. (aka: NGA) - Office of Professional Standards [organization]: GDC's primary investigative division responsible for internal investigation of serious incidents including felonies related to deaths, assaults, riots, and drugs (aka: OPS) - Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 42-2-11 [legislation]: Statute granting the Board of Corrections rule-making authority over inmate assignment, housing and treatment, and over correctional institution contracts. (aka: OCGA § 42-2-11) - Tier III Program [program]: A GDC tier segregation program governed by SOP 209.09, including quarterly over-24-month panel reviews and an Electronic Logbook recording out-of-cell and recreation times. (aka: Special Management Unit: Tier III Program) - 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) - Wilcox State Prison [facility]: Georgia state prison visited by DOJ during 2022-2023 investigation (aka: Wilcox) SOURCES (68) ---------------------------------------- - 1989 annual report - Digital Library of Georgia, Digital Library of Georgia (1989-01-01) [official_report, primary] URL: https://dlg.galileo.usg.edu/id:dlg_ggpd_y-ga-br300-b-pa1-b1989 - 1990 annual report - Digital Library of Georgia, Georgia Department of Corrections (1990-01-01) [official_report, primary] URL: https://dlg.galileo.usg.edu/id:dlg_ggpd_y-ga-br300-b-pa1-b1990 - 1991 annual report, Georgia Department of Corrections (1991-01-01) [official_report, primary] URL: https://dlg.galileo.usg.edu/id:dlg_ggpd_y-ga-br300-b-pa1-b1991 - 1992 annual report, Georgia Department of Corrections / Digital Library of Georgia (1992-01-01) [official_report, primary] URL: https://dlg.galileo.usg.edu/id:dlg_ggpd_y-ga-br300-b-pa1-b1992 - 1994 annual report, Georgia Department of Corrections (1994-01-01) [official_report, primary] URL: https://dlg.galileo.usg.edu/id:dlg_ggpd_y-ga-br300-b-pa1-b1994 - 1999 annual report - Digital Library of Georgia, Digital Library of Georgia (1999-01-01) [official_report, primary] URL: https://dlg.galileo.usg.edu/id:dlg_ggpd_y-ga-br300-b-pa1-b1999-belec-p-btext - Annual report, fiscal year 1996, Georgia Department of Corrections (1996-01-01) [official_report, primary] URL: https://dlg.galileo.usg.edu/id:dlg_ggpd_y-ga-br300-b-pa1-b1996 - Annual report, fiscal year 1997, Georgia Department of Corrections (1997-01-01) [official_report, primary] URL: https://dlg.galileo.usg.edu/id:dlg_ggpd_y-ga-br300-b-pa1-b1997 - Board of Corrections, board meeting minutes june 2024, Georgia Board of Corrections (2024-06-01) [official_report, primary] URL: https://gdc.georgia.gov/document/board-meeting-minutes/board-meeting-minutes-june-2024/download - Calhoun State Prison | Georgia Department of Corrections, Georgia Department of Corrections (2026-01-01) [official_report, primary] URL: https://gdc.georgia.gov/locations/calhoun-state-prison - CD-080100 Institutional Classification and Central Office Issued: 2/1/01 Reviewed: 06/03/24, New Mexico Corrections Department (2024-01-01) [official_report, primary] URL: https://www.cd.nm.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/CD-080100.pdf - Community Agenda (dca.georgia.gov), Georgia Department of Community Affairs (2012-01-01) [official_report, primary] URL: https://dca.georgia.gov/document/plans/dooly-county-cities-stwp-2012/download - Community Participation Program, Georgia Department of Community Affairs (2007-01-01) [official_report, primary] URL: https://dca.georgia.gov/document/plans/dooly-county-cities-community-participation-2007/download - Criminogenic Effects of the Prison Environment on Inmate Behavior, Federal Bureau of Prisons by Camp & Gaes [academic, primary] URL: https://www.bop.gov/resources/research_projects/published_reports/cond_envir/camp_gaes_c&d.pdf - Digital Library of Georgia, Digital Library of Georgia (1990-01-01) [data_portal, primary] URL: https://dlg.usg.edu/record/dlg_ggpd_y-ga-br300-b-pa1-b1990 - Digital Library of Georgia, GDC Facility Descriptions, Digital Library of Georgia [data_portal, primary] URL: https://dlg.usg.edu/record/dlg_ggpd_s-ga-br300-b-pm1-b2013-bf33-belec-p-btext - Do Harsher Prison Conditions Reduce, UCLA Anderson School of Management by Keith Chen, Jesse Shapiro [academic, primary] URL: https://www.anderson.ucla.edu/faculty/keith.chen/papers/Final_ALER07.pdf - DOAA Bed Demand & Agency Strategy Report (2018-12), Georgia Department of Audits and Accounts by Georgia Department of Audits and Accounts (2018-12-01) [official_report, primary] URL: https://www.audits.ga.gov/ReportSearch/download/21679 - DOAA County Jail Subsidy Program Audit (2005-11), Georgia Department of Audits and Accounts by Georgia Department of Audits and Accounts (2005-11-01) [official_report, primary] URL: https://www.audits.ga.gov/ReportSearch/download/4147 - DOAA Maintenance of State Prisons Audit (2012-02), Georgia Department of Audits and Accounts by Georgia Department of Audits and Accounts (2012-02-01) [official_report, primary] URL: https://www.audits.ga.gov/ReportSearch/download/14432 - DOJ Findings Report: Investigation of Georgia Prisons (October 2024), U.S. Department of Justice (2024-10-01) [official_report, primary] URL: https://www.justice.gov/d9/2024-09/findings_report_-_investigation_of_georgia_prisons.pdf - Dooly State Prison | Georgia Department of Corrections, Georgia Department of Corrections [official_report, primary] URL: https://gdc.georgia.gov/locations/dooly-state-prison - Facility descriptions / Georgia Department of Corrections, Digital Library of Georgia / Georgia Department of Corrections (2013-01-01) [official_report, primary] URL: https://dlg.galileo.usg.edu/id:dlg_ggpd_s-ga-br300-b-pm1-b2013-bf33-belec-p-btext - Fiscal year 2015 annual report, Georgia Department of Corrections (2015-01-01) [official_report, primary] URL: https://dlg.galileo.usg.edu/id:dlg_ggpd_y-ga-br300-b-pa1-b2015-belec-p-btext - FY25 (gdc.georgia.gov), Georgia Department of Corrections (2025-01-01) [official_report, primary] URL: https://gdc.georgia.gov/document/gdc-annual-fiscal-report/gdc-annual-fiscal-report-2025/download - Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 125-2-2-.01, Facilities (Georgia Board of Corrections rule; passage checked against GPS's copy of the rule), Georgia Secretary of State, Rules and Regulations (2026-09-26) [legislation, primary] URL: https://rules.sos.ga.gov/gac/125-2-2-.01 - Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 125-2-4-.03, Identification and Classification (Georgia Board of Corrections rule; passage checked against GPS's copy of the rule), Georgia Secretary of State by Georgia Board of Corrections [legislation, primary] URL: https://rules.sos.ga.gov/gac/125-2-4-.03 - Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 125-3-1-.02, Inmate Security Classification (Georgia Board of Corrections rule; passage checked against GPS's copy of the rule), Georgia Secretary of State, Rules and Regulations (2026-09-26) [legislation, primary] URL: https://rules.sos.ga.gov/gac/125-3-1-.02 - Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 125-3-1-.05, Institutional Procedures (Georgia Board of Corrections rule; passage checked against GPS's copy of the rule), Georgia Secretary of State [legal_document, primary] URL: https://rules.sos.ga.gov/gac/125-3-1-.05 - Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 125-3-2-.12, Use of Certain Restraints (Georgia Board of Corrections rule; passage checked against GPS's copy of the rule), Georgia Secretary of State by Georgia Board of Corrections [legislation, primary] URL: https://rules.sos.ga.gov/gac/125-3-2-.12 - GDC SOP 410.04, Facility Design and Space Planning, Georgia Department of Corrections (2022-08-30) [official_report, primary] URL: https://public.powerdms.com/GADOC/documents/177361 - Georgia Department of Corrections , Annual Report FY 1989 | Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs [official_report, secondary] URL: https://www.ojp.gov/ncjrs/virtual-library/abstracts/georgia-department-corrections-annual-report-fy-1989 - Georgia Department of Corrections medium security facilities, Digital Library of Georgia, Digital Library of Georgia (2013-01-01) [official_report, primary] URL: https://dlg.usg.edu/record/dlg_ggpd_s-ga-br300-b-pm1-b2013-bs438-belec-p-btext - Georgia Department of Corrections SOP 220.02, Security Classification (passage checked against GPS's copy), Georgia Department of Corrections [official_report, primary] URL: https://public.powerdms.com/GADOC/documents/105806 - Georgia Department of Corrections SOP 220.03, Classification Committee (passage checked against GPS's copy), Georgia Department of Corrections [official_report, primary] URL: https://public.powerdms.com/GADOC/documents/105815 - Georgia Department of Corrections SOP 222.02, County Facility Placement (passage checked against GPS's copy), Georgia Department of Corrections (2026-09-26) [official_report, primary] URL: https://public.powerdms.com/GADOC/documents/105756 - Georgia Department of Corrections, "Close Security Facility Fact Sheet", Georgia Department of Corrections [official_report, primary] URL: https://gdc.georgia.gov/document/fact-sheets/close-security-facility-fact-sheet/download - Georgia Department of Corrections, S 50000203, Georgia Department of Corrections (archived) [data_portal, primary] URL: https://web.archive.org/web/20220126114223id_/http://www.dcor.state.ga.us/GDC/FacilityMap/html/S_50000203.html - Georgia Department of Corrections, S 50000205, Georgia Department of Corrections (archived) [data_portal, primary] URL: https://web.archive.org/web/20210506171003id_/http://www.dcor.state.ga.us/GDC/FacilityMap/html/S_50000205.html - Greater Dooly Comprehensive, Georgia Department of Community Affairs (2007-01-01) [official_report, primary] URL: https://dca.georgia.gov/document/plans/dooly-county-cities-community-agenda-2007/download - If you have issues viewing or accessing this file contact us at NCJRS.gov., 141118NCJRS [1], National Criminal Justice Reference Service [official_report, primary] URL: https://www.ojp.gov/pdffiles1/Digitization/141118NCJRS.pdf - If you have issues viewing or accessing this file contact us at NCJRS.gov., 141118NCJRS [3], National Criminal Justice Reference Service [official_report, primary] URL: https://www.ncjrs.gov/pdffiles1/Digitization/141118NCJRS.pdf - If you have issues viewing or accessing this file contact us at NCJRS.gov., 144314NCJRS, National Criminal Justice Reference Service [official_report, primary] URL: https://www.ncjrs.gov/pdffiles1/Digitization/144314NCJRS.pdf - Introduction………………………………………………………………………………………...3 (dca.georgia.gov), Georgia Department of Community Affairs (2017-01-01) [official_report, primary] URL: https://dca.georgia.gov/document/plans/plan-update-2017-6/download - Journal of Quantitative Criminology (2019) 35:767–796, Journal of Quantitative Criminology by Tahamont (2019-01-01) [academic, primary] URL: https://ccjs.umd.edu/sites/ccjs.umd.edu/files/pubs/Tahamont2019_Article_TheEffectOfFacilitySecurityCla.pdf - Medium Security Georgia, Georgia Department of Corrections [official_report, primary] URL: https://gdc.georgia.gov/document/fact-sheets/medium-security-facilities-fact-sheet/download - Mega Prison Under Construction in Washington County, Southeast Georgia Today (2024-01-01) [journalism, secondary] URL: https://southeastgeorgiatoday.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=97195:mega-prison-under-construction-in-washington-county&catid=1023:newsbreak&Itemid=101 - Nt of J, 017381, National Institute of Corrections [official_report, primary] URL: https://web.archive.org/web/20240616054332id_/https://info.nicic.gov/nicrp/system/files/017381.pdf - Nt of J, 05 internal, National Institute of Corrections [official_report, primary] URL: http://jfa-associates.com/__static/58bd43121fdfb68a00cc8e7d809f302c/05_internal.pdf - Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 42-2-11 (GPS's copy of the Code), Georgia Prisoners' Speak [legal_document, primary] URL: https://gps.press/ocga/42-2-11/ - Performance-Based Standards and Expected Practices for Adult Correctional Institutions, 5th Edition, American Correctional Association by American Correctional Association (2021-03-01) [official_report, primary] URL: https://hcsoc.hawaii.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Perf-Based-Stds_Adult-Corr.-Inst.-5th-ed_March-2021_SECURE.pdf - Prea Audit Report r Ini'erim ~final, Georgia Department of Corrections (2015-01-01) [official_report, primary] URL: https://gdc.georgia.gov/document/prea-audit-location-report/prea-dooly-audit-cycle-1/download - PREA Dooly - Audit (Cycle 2), Georgia Department of Corrections [official_report, primary] URL: https://gdc.georgia.gov/document/prea-audit-location-report/prea-dooly-audit-cycle-2/download - PREA Dooly Audit Cycle 4, Georgia Department of Corrections [official_report, primary] URL: https://gdc.georgia.gov/document/prea-audit-location-report/prea-dooly-audit-cycle-4/download - PREA Facility Audit Report: Final, prea calhoun sp audit cycle 4, Georgia Department of Corrections by Darla P OConnor (2025-06-19) [official_report, primary] URL: https://gdc.georgia.gov/document/prea-audit-location-report/prea-calhoun-sp-audit-cycle-4/download - PREA Facility Audit Report: Final, prea washington audit cycle 3, Georgia Department of Corrections by Mable P. Wheeler (2021-01-12) [official_report, primary] URL: https://gdc.georgia.gov/document/prea-audit-location-report/prea-washington-audit-cycle-3/download - PREA Facility Audit Report: Final, prea washington sp audit cycle 4, Georgia Department of Corrections by Mable P. Wheeler (2023-03-02) [official_report, primary] URL: https://gdc.georgia.gov/document/prea-audit-location-report/prea-washington-sp-audit-cycle-4/download - PREA Facility Audit Report: Final, prea wilcox sp audit cycle 5, Georgia Department of Corrections [official_report, primary] URL: https://gdc.georgia.gov/document/prea-audit-location-report/prea-wilcox-sp-audit-cycle-5/download - Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) Audit Report, Georgia Department of Corrections [official_report, primary] URL: https://gdc.georgia.gov/document/prea-audit-location-report/prea-calhoun-audit-cycle-2/download - senate.ga.gov: 2024SenateStudyCommDOCFinalReport, Georgia State Senate (2024-01-01) [official_report, primary] URL: https://web.archive.org/web/2025/https://www.senate.ga.gov/committees/Documents/2024SenateStudyCommDOCFinalReport.pdf - senate.ga.gov: 2024SenateStudyCommDOCFinalReport, 2024SenateStudyCommDOCFinalReport [2], Georgia Senate (2024-01-01) [official_report, primary] URL: https://web.archive.org/web/20260205110629id_/https://www.senate.ga.gov/committees/Documents/2024SenateStudyCommDOCFinalReport.pdf - SOP 209.09: Special Management Unit - Tier III Program (effective 6/18/2026), Georgia Department of Corrections (2026-06-18) [official_report, primary] URL: https://public.powerdms.com/GADOC/documents/105973 - SOP 508.01: Mental Health Organization and Administration, Georgia Department of Corrections (2023-01-01) [official_report, primary] URL: https://public.powerdms.com/GADOC/documents/106264 - The Joint Wilcox County Comprehensive Plan, Georgia Department of Community Affairs [official_report, primary] URL: https://dca.georgia.gov/document/plans/plan-update-2005-18/download - U.S. Department of Justice, GOVPUB J16 100 PURL gpo172076, U.S. Government Publishing Office [official_report, primary] URL: https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/GOVPUB-J16_100-PURL-gpo172076/pdf/GOVPUB-J16_100-PURL-gpo172076.pdf - U.S. Department of Justice, Objective Prison Classification A Guide for Correctional Agencies (July 2004), National Institute of Corrections (2004-01-01) [official_report, primary] URL: https://www.scstatehouse.gov/CommitteeInfo/HouseLegislativeOversightCommittee/AgencyWebpages/Corrections/Objective%20Prison%20Classification%20-%20A%20Guide%20for%20Correctional%20Agencies%20(July%202004).pdf - Washington State Prison | Georgia Department of Corrections, Georgia Department of Corrections [data_portal, primary] URL: https://gdc.georgia.gov/locations/washington-state-prison - Wilcox State Prison | Georgia Department of Corrections, Georgia Department of Corrections (2026-01-01) [official_report, primary] URL: https://gdc.georgia.gov/locations/wilcox-state-prison