GPS RESEARCH LIBRARY: Guidehouse System-Wide Assessment of the Georgia Department of Corrections (December 2024) ============================================================ Georgia Prisoners' Speak — gps.press Generated: 2026-07-11 13:31:57 EDT Research Date: 2026-07-01 Topic: Prison Operations & Staffing JSON: https://gps.press/research-data/guidehouse-system-wide-assessment-of-the-georgia-department-of-corrections-december-2024/?format=json SUMMARY ---------------------------------------- The Guidehouse assessment (draft), commissioned by Governor Brian Kemp in June 2024, examines the Georgia Department of Corrections' systemic challenges across four categories: workforce, safety and security, infrastructure, and innovative practices. Key findings include emergency-level staff vacancies (staffing dropped by 2,772 between 2019-2023), aging infrastructure with lock failures contributing to contraband, and a rising Security Threat Group population (from ~7,500 in 2014 to 14,800 in 2023, with 33.4% of the state prison population STG-identified as of November 2024). The report documents GDC managing approximately 49,000 offenders with 6,400 employees, and details significant capital investments including a $436.7 million new Washington State Prison and a $130 million women's facility in McRae. STATISTICS (14) ---------------------------------------- - [reported] GDC manages approximately 49,000 offenders Under Commissioner Oliver's leadership, GDC manages approximately 49,000 offenders with a workforce of 6,400 employees, making it the state's largest law enforcement agency. Value: 49000.0 offenders Date: 2024-01-01 Tags: demographics,operations Sources: Guidehouse Assessment of the Georgia Department of Corrections (Draft for Discussion) - [reported] GDC workforce of 6,400 employees GDC has a workforce of 6,400 employees, making it the state's largest law enforcement agency. Value: 6400.0 employees Date: 2024-01-01 Tags: staffing,operations Sources: Guidehouse Assessment of the Georgia Department of Corrections (Draft for Discussion) - [reported] Three GDC Commissioners appointed 2017-2022 From 2017 through 2022, GDC had three Commissioners appointed. In addition, many of the agency's tenured leaders left GDC during this period. Value: 3.0 commissioners Tags: staffing,operations Sources: Guidehouse Assessment of the Georgia Department of Corrections (Draft for Discussion) - [reported] GDC staffing decreased by 2,772 between 2019 and 2023 GDC's staffing numbers decreased by 2,772 individuals between 2019 and 2023 due in part to the COVID-19 pandemic. Currently, GDC has 6,830 staff members. Value: 2772.0 staff decrease (vs. 6830 Current staff members) Tags: staffing Sources: Guidehouse Assessment of the Georgia Department of Corrections (Draft for Discussion) - [reported] GDC currently has 6,830 staff members Currently, GDC has 6,830 staff members. Value: 6830.0 staff members Date: 2024-01-01 Tags: staffing Sources: Guidehouse Assessment of the Georgia Department of Corrections (Draft for Discussion) - [confirmed] Georgia incarceration rate rose from 427 to 435 (2021-2022) According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, Georgia's incarceration rate increased from 427 to 435 per 100,000 people from 2021 to 2022. Georgia is in the middle range of comparable southern states. Value: 435.0 per 100,000 residents (vs. 427 2021 rate) Tags: demographics Sources: Bureau of Justice Statistics Incarceration Rate Data - [confirmed] Georgia violent crime incidents totaled 36,170 in 2019 The most recent statistics available from the FBI from 2019 indicate Georgia had 36,170 total incidents of violent crime (340 per 100,000 people), a lower rate than some other southern states and the national average. Value: 36170.0 violent crime incidents (vs. 340 Per 100,000 people) Date: 2019-01-01 Tags: violence,demographics Sources: FBI Violent Crime Statistics 2019 - [reported] GDC admitted 144,374 male offenders 2014-2023 GDC admitted 144,374 male offenders between January 1, 2014, and December 31, 2023. Most male admissions are classified as 'Medium Security' and come from the 20-39 age group, with significant representation from those aged 40-49. Value: 144374.0 male admissions Tags: demographics Sources: Guidehouse Assessment of the Georgia Department of Corrections (Draft for Discussion) - [reported] GDC admitted 18,867 female offenders 2014-2023 GDC admitted 18,867 female offenders between January 1, 2014, and December 31, 2023. Most female admissions are classified as 'Minimum Security' and are 20-39 years old. Value: 18867.0 female admissions Tags: demographics Sources: Guidehouse Assessment of the Georgia Department of Corrections (Draft for Discussion) - [reported] 33.4% of GDC State Prison population identified as STG As of 11/01/2024, 33.4% of GDC's total State Prison population (34,901) identified as STG (Security Threat Group). Value: 33.4 percent (vs. 34901 Total State Prison population) Date: 2024-11-01 Tags: gangs,demographics Sources: Guidehouse Assessment of the Georgia Department of Corrections (Draft for Discussion) - [reported] GDC released 167,185 offenders 2014-2023 From January 1, 2014, to December 31, 2023, GDC released 167,185 offenders; 148,401 (88.7%) were male and 18,784 (11.3%) were female. Almost half (45.9%) were released because their sentence expired, with 37.9% released through a parole certificate. Value: 167185.0 releases Tags: demographics,reentry,parole Sources: Guidehouse Assessment of the Georgia Department of Corrections (Draft for Discussion) - [reported] 45.9% of releases due to expired sentence, 37.9% via parole Almost half (45.9%) of offenders were released because their sentence expired, with 37.9% released through a parole certificate. Value: 45.9 percent (vs. 37.9 Percent released via parole certificate) Tags: parole,reentry Sources: Guidehouse Assessment of the Georgia Department of Corrections (Draft for Discussion) - [reported] Capital improvement funding decreased to $8M in FY18 and $2.5M in FY19 Capital improvement budget requests remained relatively flat for years and did not increase with the growing needs of aging facilities. Funding levels decreased to $8 million in FY18 and $2.5 million in FY19, limiting GDC's ability to address planned upgrades and infrastructure projects. Value: 8000000.0 dollars (FY18) (vs. 2500000 FY19 funding) Tags: budget,infrastructure Sources: Guidehouse Assessment of the Georgia Department of Corrections (Draft for Discussion) - [reported] FY24 total capital planning budget of $684,453,005 The FY24 total capital budget was $684,453,005, including $135,385,847 for Cash Funding for Maintenance/Security/Renovations, $436,753,665 for New Construction at Washington State Prison, $52,349,549 for Security and Technology, and $14,734,088 for Fleet. Value: 684453005.0 dollars Tags: budget,infrastructure,facilities Sources: Guidehouse Assessment of the Georgia Department of Corrections (Draft for Discussion) CASE DETAILS (1) ---------------------------------------- - [confirmed] Governor Kemp announced system-wide GDC assessment June 17, 2024 On June 17, 2024, Governor Brian P. Kemp, in conjunction with the GDC, announced the initiation of an in-depth, system-wide assessment of Georgia's state corrections system to address critical operational challenges while building upon established successes. Date: 2024-06-17 Tags: policy,investigations Sources: Guidehouse Assessment of the Georgia Department of Corrections (Draft for Discussion) METHODOLOGY NOTES (1) ---------------------------------------- - [confirmed] Team Guidehouse assessment methodology The assessment, conducted by Team Guidehouse (comprising Guidehouse, Inc., The Moss Group, and CGL Companies), included six facility assessments and a training academy assessment, stakeholder listening sessions, benchmarking, interviews with leadership and contracted partners, data analysis, and document reviews. Date: 2024-01-01 Tags: operations,investigations Sources: Guidehouse Assessment of the Georgia Department of Corrections (Draft for Discussion) FINDINGS (5) ---------------------------------------- - [reported] Office of Research and Planning eliminated over a decade ago Due to budget cuts, an office tasked with research and planning was eliminated over a decade ago. Currently, GDC has a data collection system providing diagnostic and descriptive dashboards but lacks capacity for advanced analytics, strategic planning, and research and evaluation. Tags: budget,operations,data_gap Sources: Guidehouse Assessment of the Georgia Department of Corrections (Draft for Discussion) - [reported] Most Wardens have tenure of one year or less The assessment team noted that most of the Wardens interviewed have a tenure of one year or less in their current positions, and some noted that they are planning on retiring soon. Date: 2024-01-01 Tags: staffing,operations Sources: Guidehouse Assessment of the Georgia Department of Corrections (Draft for Discussion) - [reported] Most offenders lack high school level academic proficiency Based on WRAT 5 (Wide Range Achievement Test, 5th Edition) scores given at intake, most offenders in GDC facilities lack high school level academic proficiency in fundamental skills like reading, math, and spelling. Tags: demographics,reentry Sources: Guidehouse Assessment of the Georgia Department of Corrections (Draft for Discussion) - [reported] Lock failures contributing to contraband and STG concerns Lock failures are contributing to contraband and Security Threat Group (STG) concerns. Infrastructure recommendations include fixing locks and other security-related repairs and addressing aging operational systems such as plumbing. Date: 2024-01-01 Tags: contraband,gangs,infrastructure,facilities Sources: Guidehouse Assessment of the Georgia Department of Corrections (Draft for Discussion) - [reported] Emergency-level staff vacancies at GDC GDC faces emergency-level staff vacancies and aging infrastructure that impact facility operations and security. These challenges are compounded by historical budget constraints and limited opportunity to make major repairs due to bed space capacity. Date: 2024-01-01 Tags: staffing,infrastructure,conditions Sources: Guidehouse Assessment of the Georgia Department of Corrections (Draft for Discussion) DATA GAPS (1) ---------------------------------------- - [reported] GDC lacks capacity for advanced analytics and research GDC does not have capacity for advanced analytics (e.g., predictive prescriptive analytics), strategic planning, and research and evaluation. Date: 2024-01-01 Tags: data_gap,operations Sources: Guidehouse Assessment of the Georgia Department of Corrections (Draft for Discussion) TRENDS (3) ---------------------------------------- - [reported] Offender exits dropped from 18,000 in 2020 to 13,000 in 2023 Those exiting the system dropped from about 18,000 in 2020 to 13,000 in 2023, resulting in a largely stable offender population level. Tags: demographics,reentry Sources: Guidehouse Assessment of the Georgia Department of Corrections (Draft for Discussion) - [reported] Male admissions declined sharply in 2020 due to COVID-19 Total male admissions experienced a sharp decline in 2020, likely influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic, before steadily recovering in subsequent years. 'New Sentence' remains the dominant admission category. Date: 2020-01-01 Tags: demographics Sources: Guidehouse Assessment of the Georgia Department of Corrections (Draft for Discussion) - [reported] GDC STG population rose from ~7,500 (2014) to 14,800 (2023) The data indicates a consistent increase in the STG population within GDC, rising from approximately 7,500 in 2014 to 14,800 by 2023, underscoring the ongoing challenge of managing violence and STG activities. Tags: gangs,violence Sources: Guidehouse Assessment of the Georgia Department of Corrections (Draft for Discussion) LEGAL FACTS (2) ---------------------------------------- - [confirmed] Serious violent felony offenders ineligible for sentence-reducing programs Offenders convicted of a 'serious violent felony' as defined by statute are not eligible for earned time, early release, work release, leave, or other sentence-reducing programs administered by GDC. Additionally, offenders convicted of violent offenses have restrictions on when they may be considered for parole. Tags: legal,parole,policy Sources: O.C.G.A. § 17-10-6.1 - [confirmed] Parole consideration timelines by year of conviction Parole consideration for serious violent offenders varies by year of conviction: prior to 1995 after 7 years, after 1995 after 14 years, and after 2006 after 30 years. Tags: parole,legal Sources: Guidehouse Assessment of the Georgia Department of Corrections (Draft for Discussion) POLICYS (5) ---------------------------------------- - [confirmed] $436.7 million new Washington State Prison approved February 2024 In February 2024, a $436.7 million project was approved to build a new facility near the current prison in Washington, with innovative features including efficient security design, increased programming, single-cell capacity for 1,500 offenders, technology use, and increased medical/infirmary capacity. The goal is a flagship facility for the entire nation. Date: 2024-02-01 Tags: facilities,budget,infrastructure Sources: Guidehouse Assessment of the Georgia Department of Corrections (Draft for Discussion) - [confirmed] GDC purchased McRae facility for $130 million in 2022 GDC purchased a facility in McRae, Georgia in 2022 for $130 million, intending to use it as the classification and diagnostic center for female offenders. Its activation is imminent following renovation. This will allow the Lee Arrendale facility to be converted to a transitional center for women's reentry. Date: 2022-01-01 Tags: facilities,budget,infrastructure,reentry Sources: Guidehouse Assessment of the Georgia Department of Corrections (Draft for Discussion) - [reported] $13 million Metro Reentry Facility renovation The $13 million Metro Reentry Facility renovation demonstrates how facility design can integrate security requirements with programming needs, benefiting both staff and residents. Tags: facilities,budget,reentry,infrastructure Sources: Guidehouse Assessment of the Georgia Department of Corrections (Draft for Discussion) - [reported] Commissioner Oliver's culture initiative GDC has implemented positive measures including GDC Commissioner Tyrone Oliver's culture initiative, innovative vocational training programs, and dedicated STG tracking. The current enterprise-wide culture initiative works to address leadership turnover challenges. Date: 2024-01-01 Tags: staffing,operations,policy Sources: Guidehouse Assessment of the Georgia Department of Corrections (Draft for Discussion) - [confirmed] Criminal justice reform prioritizing prison space for serious offenders For over a decade, Georgia has prioritized criminal justice reform through legislation and initiatives such as the creation of the Georgia Council on Criminal Justice Reform. A goal has been to prioritize prison space for offenders convicted of the most serious offenses while strengthening evidence-based alternatives for less serious crimes. Date: 2018-01-01 Tags: policy,legal,reentry Sources: Report of the Georgia Council on Criminal Justice Reform - 2018 DATASETS (8) ---------------------------------------- # GDC Incarceration Rate Comparison by Southern State (2022) Incarceration rate per 100,000 U.S. residents by group in 2022, comparing Georgia to US and southern states, per Bureau of Justice Statistics. State Total Rate Male Rate Female Rate ------------------------------------------- GA 435 831 58 US 355 666 49 AL 311 584 43 AR 574 1068 90 FL 377 48 LA 596 1154 61 MS 661 1256 100 NC 268 508 38 SC 302 577 41 TN 334 617 61 # Incidents of Violent Crime by State (2019) Total incidents of violent crime and per 100,000 rate by state at yearend 2019, per FBI statistics. State Total Incidents Per 100,000 People -------------------------------------------- GA 36170 340 US 1245410 379 AL 25064 510 AR 17643 584 FL 81270 378 LA 25357 549 MS 8272 278 NC 38995 372 SC 26323 511 TN 40647 595 # GDC STG Population by Fiscal Year Security Threat Group population within GDC by fiscal year. Fiscal Year STG Population ----------------------------- 2018 9495 2018 13212 2021 14010 2024 15590 # GDC Number of Serious Violent Offenders (Last Day of Calendar Year) Number of serious violent offenders in GDC custody on the last day of selected calendar years. Year Serious Violent Offenders --------------------------------- 2015 13975 2020 15133 2024 15731 # Male Admissions by Age (CY14-CY23) Distribution of GDC male offender admissions by age group, calendar years 2014-2023. Age Group Population Percent -------------------------------- 1-19 3743 2.6 20-29 50462 32.9 30-39 46947 32.3 40-49 27262 18.9 50-59 14218 10.2 60-69 4168 2.7 70+ 563 0.4 # Female Admissions by Age (CY14-CY23) Distribution of GDC female offender admissions by age group, calendar years 2014-2023. Age Group Population Percent -------------------------------- 1-19 196 1 20-29 5128 27.2 30-39 7098 37.6 40-49 4265 22.6 50-59 1836 9.7 60-69 315 1.7 70+ 2 0.2 # WRAT 5 Educational Achievement Scores by Race at Admission Average WRAT 5 grade-level equivalent scores and standard deviations by race and subject at GDC intake. Race Subject Mean Grade Level Standard Deviation ---------------------------------------------------------- Asian Reading 9.9 3.8 Asian Math 8.1 3.4 Asian Spelling 8.9 4.4 Black Reading 8.6 4.1 Black Math 6.5 3.1 Hispanic Reading 8 4.8 Hispanic Math 5.9 3.3 Hispanic Spelling 5.9 4.3 White Reading 10.1 4.1 White Math 7.5 3.5 White Spelling 8.7 3.9 # FY24 Capital Planning Budget Breakdown Fiscal Year 2024 capital planning budget allocations for GDC. Category Amount -------------------------------------------------------------------- Cash Funding for Maintenance, Security, and Renovations 135385847 Maintenance, Security, and Renovations 38900800 August Transitional Center Purchase 4600000 Food and Farm: Equipment Replacement 1729146 Security and Technology 52349549 Fleet 14734088 New Construction: Washington State Prison 436753665 FY24 Total 684453005 KEY ENTITIES (11) ---------------------------------------- - Augusta State Medical Prison [facility]: Georgia state medical prison visited by DOJ during 2022-2023 investigation (aka: Augusta State Medical) - Brian P. Kemp [person]: Governor of Georgia who announced the initiation of the GDC system-wide assessment on June 17, 2024. (aka: Governor Kemp) - Bureau of Justice Statistics [organization]: Federal statistical agency within DOJ that collected and published mortality in correctional institutions data from approximately 2000 until 2019. (aka: BJS) - Federal Bureau of Investigation [organization]: Federal law enforcement agency that led Operation Ghost Guard investigation. (aka: FBI) - Georgia Council on Criminal Justice Reform [organization]: Reform body created under Governor Nathan Deal in 2013 that was a national model for evidence-based reform; influence waned after Deal left office in 2019 - 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) - Guidehouse [organization]: Consulting firm that conducted the Kemp Assessment of Georgia's prison system, publishing recommendations in January 2025. - Lee Arrendale State Prison [facility]: Georgia state prison where drug-coated paper was found being passed in November 2025. - McRae Facility [facility]: Facility purchased by GDC in 2022 for $130 million, intended as the classification and diagnostic center for female offenders. - Metro Reentry Facility [facility]: A reopened state prison facility remissioned to function as a re-entry facility for the Metro Atlanta area, focusing on recidivism reduction. (aka: Re-Entry Facility) - 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) SOURCES (6) ---------------------------------------- - Bureau of Justice Statistics Incarceration Rate Data, Bureau of Justice Statistics (2022-01-01) [data_portal, primary] - FBI Violent Crime Statistics 2019, Federal Bureau of Investigation (2019-01-01) [data_portal, primary] - GDC Policy: 107.13, Georgia Department of Corrections [official_report, primary] - Guidehouse Assessment of the Georgia Department of Corrections (Draft for Discussion), Guidehouse by Team Guidehouse (Guidehouse, Inc., The Moss Group, CGL Companies) (2024-01-01) [official_report, primary] - O.C.G.A. § 17-10-6.1, Official Code of Georgia Annotated [legislation, primary] - Report of the Georgia Council on Criminal Justice Reform - 2018, Georgia Council on Criminal Justice Reform (2018-01-01) [official_report, primary] URL: https://dcs.georgia.gov/document/publication/2017-2018-criminal-justice-reform-council-report/download