GPS RESEARCH LIBRARY: Officers in Georgia's prisons: vacancies, pay, turnover, 2019 to 2026 ============================================================ Georgia Prisoners' Speak — gps.press Generated: 2026-11-13 14:36:11 EST Research Date: 2026-11-11 Topic: Staffing JSON: https://gps.press/research-data/officers-in-georgias-prisons-vacancies-pay-turnover-2019-to-2026/?format=json SUMMARY ---------------------------------------- Officer vacancies, pay and turnover in Georgia's prisons from 2019 to 2026. STATISTICS (101) ---------------------------------------- - [reported] Hancock State Prison CO vacancy rate 74.35% (Aug 2023) An AJC table of worst-staffed Georgia prisons lists Hancock State Prison, a high-security prison with 1,190 inmates, with a correctional officer vacancy rate of 74.35%. Staffing figures and inmate populations were taken from August 2023 reports. Value: 74.35 percent Date: 2023-08-01 Tags: staffing,facilities Sources: Violence, suicides mount in Georgia’s woefully understaffed prisons - [reported] System-wide GDC personnel deficit of about 2,600 Legislators at a budget hearing referenced GDC hiring and retention challenges that have resulted in a system-wide deficit of about 2,600 personnel. Value: 2600.0 personnel Tags: staffing,budget Sources: Kemp unveils plan to spend millions intended to restore order in Georgia prisons - The Current - [reported] About 2,000 correctional officer positions unfunded in GDC budget The Georgia Senate study committee report states that about 2,000 correctional officer positions are unfunded in GDC's budget, which the report says reduces the overall vacancy rate. Value: 2000.0 positions Date: 2024-01-01 Tags: staffing,budget,policy Sources: senate.ga.gov: 2024SenateStudyCommDOCFinalReport, 2024SenateStudyCommDOCFinalReport [2] - [reported] Cobb County Sheriff's Office deputy starting pay The Cobb County Sheriff's Office lists a Deputy Sheriff starting pay of $54,000 annually (based on 12-hour shifts), effective July 7, 2024. Value: 54000.0 USD per year Date: 2024-07-07 Tags: staffing,budget,operations Sources: Cobb County Sheriff's Office - Salary - [reported] Georgia Diagnostic and Classification State Prison CO vacancy rate 72.96% (Aug 2023) An AJC table of worst-staffed Georgia prisons lists Georgia Diagnostic and Classification State Prison, a high security/death row facility with 2,777 inmates, with a correctional officer vacancy rate of 72.96%. Staffing figures and inmate populations were taken from August 2023 reports. Note: the 2,777 inmate figure is an August 2023 facility count from the AJC table, not a GDC monthly GDCP count that includes the county-jail backlog. Value: 72.96 percent Date: 2023-08-01 Tags: staffing,facilities Sources: Violence, suicides mount in Georgia’s woefully understaffed prisons - [reported] Cost to hire and train a correctional officer cadet about $3,000 GDC told the Senate study committee that the cost of hiring and training a correctional officer cadet is about $3,000 per cadet, not including salaries. Value: 3000.0 dollars per cadet Date: 2024-01-01 Tags: staffing,budget,operations Sources: senate.ga.gov: 2024SenateStudyCommDOCFinalReport, 2024SenateStudyCommDOCFinalReport [2] - [reported] Baldwin State Prison CO vacancy rate 73.06% (Aug 2023) An AJC table of worst-staffed Georgia prisons lists Baldwin State Prison, a special mission prison with 563 inmates, with a correctional officer vacancy rate of 73.06%. Baldwin offers mental health Level III services. Staffing figures and inmate populations were taken from August 2023 reports. Value: 73.06 percent Date: 2023-08-01 Tags: staffing,facilities,mental_health Sources: Violence, suicides mount in Georgia’s woefully understaffed prisons - [reported] Average salary for new Georgia corrections officers $44,000 statewide The average salary for new corrections officers in Georgia is $44,000 statewide, with enhancements depending on location and certifications. Value: 44000.0 dollars per year Date: 2024-01-01 Tags: staffing,budget Sources: senate.ga.gov: 2024SenateStudyCommDOCFinalReport, 2024SenateStudyCommDOCFinalReport [2] - [reported] Medium security starting correctional officer salary of $40,044 GDC Board of Corrections minutes state a medium security facility starting correctional officer salary of $40,044. Value: 40044.0 dollars per year Date: 2022-01-01 Tags: staffing,budget Sources: Board of Corrections, board meeting minutes march 2022 - [reported] Wilcox State Prison CO vacancy rate 69.17% (Aug 2023) An AJC table of worst-staffed Georgia prisons lists Wilcox State Prison, a medium-security prison with 1,846 inmates, with a correctional officer vacancy rate of 69.17%. Staffing figures and inmate populations were taken from August 2023 reports. Value: 69.17 percent Date: 2023-08-01 Tags: staffing,facilities Sources: Violence, suicides mount in Georgia’s woefully understaffed prisons - [reported] Valdosta State Prison 80% CO vacancy as of April At Valdosta State Prison, which houses the GDC's highest percentages of prisoners who are both gang members and have mental health issues, as of April 80% of the correctional officer positions were vacant, the AJC found. Value: 80.0 percent Tags: staffing,facilities,gangs,mental_health Sources: Governor seeks $600M to fix Ga. prisons, improve staffing and safety - [reported] Close security starting correctional officer salary of $43,458 GDC Board of Corrections minutes state a close security facility starting correctional officer salary of $43,458. Value: 43458.0 dollars per year Date: 2022-01-01 Tags: staffing,budget Sources: Board of Corrections, board meeting minutes march 2022 - [reported] Ware State Prison CO vacancy rate 68.62% (Aug 2023) An AJC table of worst-staffed Georgia prisons lists Ware State Prison, a high-security prison with 1,441 inmates, with a correctional officer vacancy rate of 68.62%. Staffing figures and inmate populations were taken from August 2023 reports. Value: 68.62 percent Date: 2023-08-01 Tags: staffing,facilities Sources: Violence, suicides mount in Georgia’s woefully understaffed prisons - [reported] GDC turnover rate 40.6% in FY2022 (DOAS) The DOAS FY2022 Workforce Report's turnover rate calculation for the Department of Corrections entity shows a turnover rate of 40.6%, with average headcount of 6,189 and 2,419 separations. Value: 40.6 percent Tags: staffing Sources: State of Georgia, FY2022 Workforce Report - [reported] Lee Arrendale ratio: 1 officer per ~200 prisoners on a good day A correctional officer at Lee Arrendale State Prison testified to a Georgia House ad hoc committee that on a good day six to seven officers were on duty to supervise about 1,200 incarcerated people, a ratio GPB calculated as one officer for every 200 prisoners, compared to a Federal Bureau of Prisons baseline of one guard for every 15 inmates. Value: 200.0 prisoners per officer (vs. 15 BOP baseline prisoners per officer) Tags: staffing,facilities Sources: What's behind the understaffing at Georgia prisons? Ask the staff | Georgia Public Broadcasting - [reported] Hays State Prison CO vacancy rate 67.42% (Aug 2023) An AJC table of worst-staffed Georgia prisons lists Hays State Prison, a high-security prison with 1,097 inmates, with a correctional officer vacancy rate of 67.42%. Hays houses about 750 Level II mental health offenders. Staffing figures and inmate populations were taken from August 2023 reports. Value: 67.42 percent Date: 2023-08-01 Tags: staffing,facilities,mental_health Sources: Violence, suicides mount in Georgia’s woefully understaffed prisons - [confirmed] GDC correctional officer FTE: 4,060 in FY20, 3,050 in FY21, 2,516 in FY22 GDC's FY2022 Annual Fiscal Report's End of Fiscal Year FTE by Type table lists Correctional Officers at 4,060 in FY20, 3,050 in FY21, and 2,516 in FY22. Value: 4060.0 FTE (vs. 2516 FY22) Tags: staffing,budget Sources: 2O22 (gdc.georgia.gov) - [reported] 71% of FY2019 new guard hires had quit by year's end In fiscal year 2019, 78% of GDOC's new hires were guards, but by the year's end, 71% of them had quit. Value: 71.0 percent (vs. 78 percent of new hires who were guards) Tags: staffing Sources: Staff Shortages in Georgia Prisons Reach Crisis Levels - [confirmed] FY2021 budget: $8.96M for $1,000 raises at State Prisons The Governor's Budget Report for FY2021 includes a Department of Corrections State Prisons line item of $8,964,117 to increase funds to provide a $1,000 pay raise to full-time, regular employees with current salaries of $40,000 or less. Value: 8964117.0 USD (vs. 1000 per-employee raise (USD)) Tags: budget,staffing Sources: The Governor’s Budget Report - [reported] Coastal State Prison CO vacancy rate 75.28% (Aug 2023) An AJC table of worst-staffed Georgia prisons lists Coastal State Prison, a medium-security prison with 1,559 inmates, with a correctional officer vacancy rate of 75.28%. Staffing figures and inmate populations were taken from August 2023 reports. Value: 75.28 percent Date: 2023-08-01 Tags: staffing,facilities Sources: Violence, suicides mount in Georgia’s woefully understaffed prisons - [confirmed] GDC correctional officer FTE: 3,050 in FY21, 2,516 in FY22, 2,685 in FY23 GDC's FY2023 Annual Fiscal Report's End of Fiscal Year FTE by Type table lists Correctional Officers at 3,050 in FY21, 2,516 in FY22, and 2,685 in FY23. Value: 2685.0 FTE (vs. 2516 FY22) Tags: staffing,budget Sources: FY23 Annual Report - [reported] GDC turnover 31.5% and broader turnover 32.6% in FY2023 The DOAS FY2023 Annual Workforce Report's Broader Turnover by Company Code table shows the Department of Corrections with a turnover rate of 31.5% and a broader turnover rate of 32.6%. Value: 31.5 percent (vs. 32.6 broader turnover rate) Tags: staffing Sources: Annual Workforce Report - [confirmed] FY2021 budget: $1.04M for $1,000 raises at Detention Centers The Governor's Budget Report for FY2021 includes a Department of Corrections Detention Centers line item of $1,041,784 to increase funds to provide a $1,000 pay raise to full-time, regular employees with current salaries of $40,000 or less. Value: 1041784.0 USD (vs. 1000 per-employee raise (USD)) Tags: budget,staffing Sources: The Governor’s Budget Report - [reported] CO vacancy rates around 50% systemwide and over 70% at ten largest facilities The DOJ report states correctional officer (CO) vacancy rates were around 50% systemwide and over 70% at ten of the largest facilities. Value: 50.0 percent (vs. 70 vacancy rate at ten largest facilities) Date: 2023-01-01 Tags: staffing Sources: CRIPA Investigation of Georgia Prisons - [reported] Valdosta State Prison CO vacancy rate 75.11% (Aug 2023) An AJC table of worst-staffed Georgia prisons lists Valdosta State Prison, a high-security prison with 1,063 inmates, with a correctional officer vacancy rate of 75.11%. Staffing figures and inmate populations were taken from August 2023 reports. Value: 75.11 percent Date: 2023-08-01 Tags: staffing,facilities Sources: Violence, suicides mount in Georgia’s woefully understaffed prisons - [confirmed] GDC graduated 1,163 cadets from July 2022 to June 2023 GDC's FY2023 Annual Fiscal Report states GDC successfully graduated 1,163 cadets from 07/01/2022 to 6/31/2023 (Basic Correctional Officer Training). Value: 1163.0 cadets Tags: staffing,training Sources: FY23 Annual Report - [reported] 2,985 of 5,991 CO positions vacant Of GDC's 5,991 budgeted corrections officer positions, 2,985 were vacant, Commissioner Tyrone Oliver told lawmakers. Value: 2985.0 vacant positions (vs. 5991 budgeted CO positions) Date: 2024-01-01 Tags: staffing Sources: Corrections1, Georgia CO vacancies - [reported] GDC average CO vacancy rate 49.3% in 2021, 56.3% in 2022, 52.5% in 2023 GDC's average CO vacancy rate was 49.3% in 2021, 56.3% in 2022, and 52.5% in 2023. Value: 52.5 percent (vs. 49.3 2021 vacancy rate) Tags: staffing,trend Sources: CRIPA Investigation of Georgia Prisons - [reported] 18 GDC prisons had CO vacancy rates over 60% in December 2023 In December 2023, 18 GDC prisons had CO vacancy rates over 60%, and 10 of those were over 70%. Value: 18.0 prisons (vs. 10 prisons over 70% vacancy) Date: 2023-12-01 Tags: staffing,facilities Sources: CRIPA Investigation of Georgia Prisons - [reported] Pulaski State Prison CO vacancy rate 79.26% (Aug 2023) An AJC table of worst-staffed Georgia prisons reports a correctional officer vacancy rate of 79.26% at Pulaski State Prison, a medium-security prison with 1,145 inmates. Staffing figures and inmate populations were taken from August 2023 reports. Value: 79.26 percent Date: 2023-08-01 Tags: staffing,facilities Sources: Violence, suicides mount in Georgia’s woefully understaffed prisons - [reported] State government turnover fell 4.3% in FY2023 vs FY2022 Georgia's overall state government turnover rate decreased by 4.3% in FY 2023 compared to FY 2022, the most significant year-over-year improvement since 2020. Value: 4.3 percent Tags: staffing Sources: Annual Workforce Report - [reported] GDC requested $6.1 million to begin hiring 882 additional officers GDC requested an additional $6.1 million for the current budget to begin hiring an additional 882 correctional and security officers over the next several years. Value: 6.1 million dollars Tags: staffing,budget Sources: Kemp unveils plan to spend millions intended to restore order in Georgia prisons • Georgia Recorder - [reported] GDC hired only 118 officers per 800 applicants in recent six-month period The consultants' report found that GDC was on average only able to hire 118 officers for every 800 applicants in a recent six-month period. Value: 118.0 hires (vs. 800 applicants) Tags: staffing,hiring Sources: Georgia prisons are in crisis, say consultants hired by Gov. Kemp - [reported] GDC turnover 24.3% and broader turnover 24.7% in FY2025 The FY2025 DOAS State Workforce Report draft shows the Department of Corrections with a turnover rate of 24.3% and a broader turnover rate of 24.7%. Value: 24.3 percent (vs. 24.7 broader turnover rate) Tags: staffing Sources: Draft – for Doas Review - [reported] Recruiting campaign: applications 300 to 700+/month; 670 COs hired A GDC media recruiting campaign increased job applications from about 300 a month to more than 700 a month, and resulted in the hiring of 670 corrections officers since November 2022, Commissioner Oliver told lawmakers. Value: 670.0 corrections officers hired (vs. 700 monthly applications after campaign) Tags: staffing Sources: Corrections1, Georgia CO vacancies - [reported] GDC aimed to add 330 officer positions in one year to reduce 14-to-1 ratio In order to reduce the current staff-to-offender ratio of 14 to 1, the corrections department aimed to add 330 correctional and security officer positions over the next year. Value: 330.0 positions (vs. 14 staff-to-offender ratio) Tags: staffing Sources: Kemp unveils plan to spend millions intended to restore order in Georgia prisons • Georgia Recorder - [reported] Eleven close- and medium-security prisons had 100+ vacant officer positions in December 2023 In December 2023, at eleven close- and medium-security GDC prisons, 100 or more officer positions per facility remained vacant. Value: 11.0 prisons (vs. 100 vacant positions per facility) Date: 2023-12-01 Tags: staffing,facilities Sources: CRIPA Investigation of Georgia Prisons - [reported] VSP May 2026 vacancy: 73% COs, 68% security, 62% all staff The SCHR letter states that GDC's own official figures from May 2026 show vacancy rates at Valdosta State Prison of 73 percent for correctional officers, 68 percent for all security staff, and 62 percent for all staff. Value: 73.0 percent (vs. 68 percent security staff vacancy) Date: 2026-05-01 Tags: staffing,facilities Sources: October 1, 2026 - [reported] CO starting salaries: $40,000 minimum-security, $43,000 maximum-security As of the article's report, Georgia corrections officers' starting salaries were $40,000 for those working at minimum-security prisons and $43,000 for those working at maximum-security prisons. Value: 40000.0 USD (vs. 43000 maximum-security starting salary (USD)) Date: 2024-01-01 Tags: staffing,budget Sources: Corrections1, Georgia CO vacancies - [confirmed] FY2020 budget: $9.04M for merit pay/recruitment/retention at State Prisons The Governor's Budget Report for FY2020 includes a Department of Corrections State Prisons line item of $9,036,309 to provide funds for merit-based pay adjustments, employee recruitment, or retention initiatives effective July 1, 2019. Value: 9036309.0 USD Tags: budget,staffing Sources: Pu Tting (opb.georgia.gov) - [reported] System-wide GDC personnel deficit of about 2,600 Legislators referenced a system-wide deficit of about 2,600 personnel as part of GDC's hiring and retention challenges. Value: 2600.0 personnel Tags: staffing Sources: Kemp unveils plan to spend millions intended to restore order in Georgia prisons • Georgia Recorder - [reported] Smith State Prison had 44 of 162 authorized officers (Aug 2023) As of August 2023, Smith State Prison had just 44 correctional officers on staff to cover all shifts at a facility housing 1,400 men with high-security needs in 17 housing units. The prison is supposed to have 162 officers, according to its staffing records. Value: 44.0 officers (vs. 162 authorized officers) Date: 2023-08-01 Tags: staffing,facilities Sources: Violence, suicides mount in Georgia’s woefully understaffed prisons - [reported] VSP roster: 7 staff supervising 1,000+ people across 114 posts (144:1) The SCHR letter states that seven individuals on a Valdosta State Prison staffing roster were charged with supervising more than 1,000 incarcerated people across 114 staff posts, amounting to an incarcerated-person-to-security-staff ratio of 144:1 and a security staff vacancy rate of more than 93 percent. Value: 144.0 incarcerated persons per security staff (vs. 93 percent security staff vacancy) Date: 2026-01-01 Tags: staffing,facilities,conditions Sources: October 1, 2026 - [confirmed] FY2020 budget: $460,735 for merit pay/recruitment/retention at Transition Centers The Governor's Budget Report for FY2020 includes a Department of Corrections Transition Centers line item of $460,735 to provide funds for merit-based pay adjustments, employee recruitment, or retention initiatives effective July 1, 2019. Value: 460735.0 USD Tags: budget,staffing Sources: Pu Tting (opb.georgia.gov) - [reported] Guidehouse assessment covered ~50,000 inmates and ~9,000 employees Guidehouse Inc., appointed by Governor Kemp in June, produced an in-depth assessment of a Georgia prison system that houses about 50,000 inmates and employs about 9,000 people. Value: 50000.0 inmates (vs. 9000 employees) Tags: staffing,demographics,investigations Sources: Kemp unveils plan to spend millions intended to restore order in Georgia prisons • Georgia Recorder - [reported] Georgia CO starting salary rose from $31,040 (2019) to $40,040–$44,044 Pay increases pushed the starting salary for a Georgia correctional officer from $31,040 in 2019 to a range of $40,040 to $44,044 as of the AJC's reporting. Value: 31040.0 dollars (vs. 44044 top of current starting range) Tags: staffing,budget Sources: Violence, suicides mount in Georgia’s woefully understaffed prisons - [confirmed] GDC correctional officer FTE: 2,516 in FY22, 2,685 in FY23, 2,766 in FY24 GDC's FY2024 Annual Fiscal Report's End of Fiscal Year FTE by Type table lists Correctional Officers at 2,516 in FY22, 2,685 in FY23, and 2,766 in FY24. Value: 2766.0 FTE (vs. 2685 FY23) Tags: staffing,budget Sources: FY24 Annual Report - [reported] VSP correctional officer vacancy over 73% as of May 2026 The Southern Center for Human Rights' letter to GDC says that as of May 2026, the correctional officer vacancy rate at Valdosta State Prison was over 73 percent. Value: 73.0 percent Date: 2026-05-01 Tags: staffing,facilities Sources: October 1, 2026 - [reported] Three close-security men's prisons had CO vacancy rates near or over 50% by February 2020 By February 2020, three close-security men's prisons had CO vacancy rates near or over 50%. Value: 3.0 prisons (vs. 50 vacancy rate) Date: 2020-02-01 Tags: staffing,facilities Sources: CRIPA Investigation of Georgia Prisons - [confirmed] Correctional officer hires as percentage of recruitments: 74.3% FY23, 66% FY24 GDC's FY2024 Annual Report shows statewide Correctional Officers Hires of 74.3% in FY23 and 66% in FY24. Value: 66.0 percent (vs. 74.3 FY23) Tags: staffing,hiring Sources: FY24 Annual Report - [reported] VSP population 1,013 on June 1, 2026; 7-15 officers per shift SCHR's October 1, 2026 press release says that on June 1, 2026 there were 1,013 people incarcerated at Valdosta State Prison, and GDC's own staffing reports show that on any given day in the first weekend of that month there were no more than 15, and as few as 7, officers on duty at the prison on any given shift. Value: 1013.0 incarcerated people (vs. 7 minimum officers on duty per shift) Date: 2026-06-01 Tags: staffing,facilities,conditions Sources: Horrific Conditions Create Humanitarian Crisis at Valdosta State Prison – Southern Center for Human Rights – Equality. Dignity. Justice., horrific conditions create humanitarian crisis at valdosta state prison [1] - [reported] January 2020: GDC hired 146 COs and lost 175 In January 2020, GDC hired 146 COs and lost 175. Value: 146.0 hires (vs. 175 separations) Date: 2020-01-01 Tags: staffing Sources: CRIPA Investigation of Georgia Prisons - [confirmed] CO turnover decreased to 30.69% in FY24 from 39.93% in FY23; overall turnover 22.03% GDC's FY2024 Annual Report states that although CO hirings were 66% of GDC recruitments during FY24, 58.3% of separations also came from these positions, CO turnover decreased that fiscal year to 30.69% from 39.93% in FY23, and the agency's overall turnover rate fell to 22.03%. Value: 30.69 percent (vs. 39.93 FY23 CO turnover) Tags: staffing,turnover Sources: FY24 Annual Report - [reported] 2,600 vacant positions too many to fill in one year Commissioner Tyrone Oliver said the Georgia prison system currently had 2,600 vacant positions, too many to fill in a single year. Value: 2600.0 vacant positions Date: 2025-01-01 Tags: staffing Sources: Georgia prisons chief pitches spending hikes for staffing, infrastructure needs | Georgia Public Broadcasting - [reported] Valdosta State Prison: 1,013 incarcerated, as few as 7 officers on a shift On June 1, 2026, there were 1,013 people incarcerated at Valdosta State Prison. GDC's own staffing reports show that on any given day in the first weekend of that month there were no more than 15, and as few as 7, officers on duty at the prison on any given shift. Value: 1013.0 people incarcerated (vs. 7 minimum officers on duty per shift) Date: 2026-06-01 Tags: staffing,facilities,conditions Sources: Horrific Conditions Create Humanitarian Crisis at Valdosta State Prison – Southern Center for Human Rights – Equality. Dignity. Justice. - [reported] February 2020: GDC hired 134 COs and lost 131 In February 2020, GDC hired 134 COs and lost 131. Value: 134.0 hires (vs. 131 separations) Date: 2020-02-01 Tags: staffing Sources: CRIPA Investigation of Georgia Prisons - [confirmed] GDC correctional officer FTE: 2,685 in FY23, 2,766 in FY24, 2,975 in FY25 GDC's FY2025 Annual Fiscal Report's End of Fiscal Year FTE by Type table lists Correctional Officers at 2,685 in FY23, 2,766 in FY24, and 2,975 in FY25. Value: 2975.0 FTE (vs. 2766 FY24) Tags: staffing,budget Sources: FY25 (gdc.georgia.gov) - [confirmed] Correctional officer vacancy rate: 54.47% FY23, 50.92% FY24, 47.24% FY25 GDC's FY2025 Annual Fiscal Report's Recruitment and Turnover table lists Correctional Officer Vacancy at 54.47% for FY23, 50.92% for FY24, and 47.24% for FY25. Value: 47.24 percent (vs. 54.47 FY23) Tags: staffing,vacancy Sources: FY25 (gdc.georgia.gov) - [reported] Systemwide CO vacancy rate reached 60% in April 2023 with over 2,800 vacant positions Between 2018 and 2023, GDC staffing levels fell precipitously, reaching a systemwide CO vacancy rate of 60% in April 2023, with over 2,800 vacant officer positions. Value: 60.0 percent (vs. 2800 vacant officer positions) Date: 2023-04-01 Tags: staffing,trend Sources: CRIPA Investigation of Georgia Prisons - [reported] Entry-level Georgia corrections officer pay $27,936, proposed $30,730 An entry-level Georgia corrections officer at an adult or juvenile detention center made $27,936; under a proposed pay increase, officers starting out would make $30,730. Value: 27936.0 dollars (vs. 30730 proposed starting salary) Tags: staffing,budget Sources: Ga. officials hope pay raise will slow correctional officer turnover - [confirmed] Correctional officer separations: 61.60% FY23, 58.30% FY24, 57.20% FY25 GDC's FY2025 Annual Report shows statewide Correctional Officer Separations of 61.60% in FY23, 58.30% in FY24, and 57.20% in FY25. Value: 57.2 percent (vs. 61.6 FY23) Tags: staffing,turnover Sources: FY25 (gdc.georgia.gov) - [reported] Systemwide CO vacancy rate remained above 50% at end of 2023 with over 2,800 unfilled positions As of the end of 2023, GDC's systemwide correctional officer vacancy rate remained above 50% and GDC still had over 2,800 unfilled CO positions. Value: 50.0 percent (vs. 2800 unfilled CO positions) Date: 2023-12-01 Tags: staffing Sources: CRIPA Investigation of Georgia Prisons - [confirmed] CO salaries up 63.9% since FY2021; FY2026 adds 4% ($13.4M DOC, $3.1M DJJ) The House Budget and Research Office's FY2026 Conference Committee Highlights states that since FY2021 the General Assembly has increased correctional officer and juvenile correctional officer salaries by 63.9%, and that the Fiscal Year 2026 budget includes an additional 4% increase for these officers, totaling $13.4 million for the Department of Corrections and $3.1 million for the Department of Juvenile Justice. Value: 63.9 percent (vs. 4 FY2026 additional raise (percent)) Tags: budget,staffing Sources: House Budget and Research Office, fy 2026 highlights conference committee (hb 68) - [reported] April 2023: CO vacancy rate over 60% at 20 medium- and close-security prisons, 12 above 70% In April 2023, the CO vacancy rate was over 60% at 20 medium- and close-security prisons, and twelve of those prisons had vacancy rates above 70%. Value: 20.0 prisons (vs. 12 prisons above 70% vacancy) Date: 2023-04-01 Tags: staffing,facilities Sources: CRIPA Investigation of Georgia Prisons - [reported] GDC paid $429,005 in back wages to 1,257 employees for overtime violations A Georgia Public Broadcasting report quoted a U.S. Department of Labor spokesman stating the Georgia Department of Corrections paid $429,005 in back wages to 1,257 employees. Value: 429005.0 USD (vs. 1257 employees) Tags: legal,staffing,budget Sources: State Corrections Ordered To Follow Federal Overtime Laws | Georgia Public Broadcasting - [confirmed] Amended FY2025: 330 CO positions funded at $28.5M in conference agreement The Amended FY2025 House and Senate Differences tracking document shows that the final Conference Agreement for the Department of Corrections State Prisons item to add 330 correctional officer positions to improve staff to offender ratios and reflect increased retention was $28,510,673, compared to the Governor's Recommendation of $10,432,551. Value: 28510673.0 USD (vs. 10432551 Governor's Recommendation (USD)) Tags: budget,staffing Sources: Amended FY 2025 - [reported] Alabama CO trainee starting pay: $55,855 max, $53,245 medium, $50,712 work release The Alabama Department of Corrections announced an increase in starting salary for Correctional Officer Trainees to $55,855 at maximum security facilities, $53,245 at medium security facilities, and $50,712 at work release/community work centers. Value: 55855.0 dollars per year (vs. 50712 work release starting salary) Tags: staffing,budget Sources: ADOC COMMISSIONER ANNOUNCES PAY INCREASES FOR CORRECTIONAL OFFICERS - Alabama Department of Corrections - [reported] Over 11,000 incarcerated people (about 23% of GDC population) classified close security According to GDC, all incarcerated persons classified as close security -- over 11,000 incarcerated people, about 23% of GDC's total population -- always require supervision by a CO. Value: 11000.0 people (vs. 23 percent of GDC total population) Date: 2023-01-01 Tags: demographics,staffing Sources: CRIPA Investigation of Georgia Prisons - [confirmed] FY2027 budget: $26,824,134 for additional CO positions The Governor's Budget Report for FY2027 includes a Department of Corrections line item of $26,824,134 to increase funds for additional correctional officer positions to improve staff to offender ratios based on improved retention. Value: 26824134.0 dollars Tags: staffing,budget Sources: Governor's Budget Report, AFY 2026 and FY 2027 - [confirmed] DOAS FY2019: DOC headcount 9,136 GPS's copy of the DOAS FY2019 Workforce Report's 'FY 2019 Headcount by Agency' chart lists Corrections (DOC) with a headcount of 9,136. Value: 9136.0 employees Tags: staffing,demographics Sources: Introduction (doas.ga.gov) - [reported] Alabama CO trainee starting salary now $59,272.80 at maximum security The Alabama Department of Corrections' current Correctional Officer Trainee starting salary is $59,272.80 at maximum security facilities. Value: 59272.8 dollars per year Tags: staffing,budget Sources: Salary and Benefits | Alabama Department of Corrections | Recruiting - [confirmed] AFY2026 budget: $12,050,341 for $2,000 one-time state employee supplement The Governor's Budget Report for AFY2026 includes a statewide line item of $12,050,341 to provide a one-time salary supplement of $2,000 to full-time, regular state employees. Value: 12050341.0 dollars Tags: budget,staffing Sources: Governor's Budget Report, AFY 2026 and FY 2027 - [confirmed] DOAS FY2019: DOC 3,140 terminations and 2,634 hires GPS's copy of the DOAS FY2019 Workforce Report's 'FY 2019 Termination and Hiring Activity by Agency' chart lists Corrections (DOC) with 3,140 terminations and 2,634 hires. Value: 3140.0 terminations (vs. 2634 hires) Tags: staffing Sources: Introduction (doas.ga.gov) - [reported] Florida CO starting pay $22/hour, $23.14 post-certification The Florida Department of Corrections' correctional officer starting pay is $22/hour, increasing to $23.14/hour post-certification, plus an annual uniform and shoe allowance of $325.00 and Criminal Justice Incentive Pay up to $1,560.00 annually. Value: 22.0 dollars per hour (vs. 23.14 post-certification hourly pay) Tags: staffing,budget Sources: Correctional Officer - Florida Department of Corrections Jobs - [confirmed] FY2026 budget: $9,607,127 for 4% CO salary increase The Governor's Budget Report for FY2026 includes a Department of Corrections highlight of $9,607,127 for a 4% salary increase for all correctional officer staff to improve recruitment and retention. Value: 9607127.0 dollars Tags: staffing,budget Sources: Governor's Budget Report, AFY 2025 and FY 2026 - [confirmed] CSM Correctional Officer 1 job posting: entry salary $50,386, max $58,119.80 (Jan 2026) A Georgia Department of Corrections job posting for CSM Correctional Officer 1, posted 01/14/2026, lists an Entry Salary of $50,386.00 and a Pay Grade Max of $58,119.80. Value: 50386.0 USD (vs. 58119.8 pay grade max) Date: 2026-01-01 Tags: staffing,budget Sources: jobs.gdc.ga.gov: vacancyPostingLink.jsp - [confirmed] DOAS FY2019: DOC turnover rate 33.5% GPS's copy of the DOAS FY2019 Workforce Report's 'FY 2019 Turnover Rate by Agency' chart lists Corrections (DOC) with a turnover rate of 33.5%. Value: 33.5 percent Tags: staffing Sources: Introduction (doas.ga.gov) - [reported] North Carolina CO starting salaries: $33,130 (CO I), $36,615 (CO II), $41,510 (CO III) North Carolina's Correctional Officer Salary Scale, as approved by the NC General Assembly beginning July 2021, lists a starting salary of $33,130 for Correctional Officer I, $36,615 for Correctional Officer II, and $41,510 for Correctional Officer III. Value: 33130.0 dollars per year (vs. 41510 CO III starting salary) Date: 2021-07-01 Tags: staffing,budget Sources: Correctional Officer (dac.nc.gov) - [confirmed] FY2026 budget: $20,191,487 to add 330 CO positions The Governor's Budget Report for FY2026 includes a Department of Corrections highlight of $20,191,487 to add 330 correctional officer positions to improve staff to offender ratios. Value: 20191487.0 dollars Tags: staffing,budget Sources: Governor's Budget Report, AFY 2025 and FY 2026 - [confirmed] Gwinnett County Correctional Officer I starting salary $49,102; CO II $53,030 Gwinnett County lists a starting salary of $49,102 for a Correctional Officer I and $53,030 for a Correctional Officer II (requiring at least 2 years of Georgia Department of Corrections experience). Value: 49102.0 USD (vs. 53030 CO II salary) Tags: staffing,budget Sources: Corrections Employment - Gwinnett County - Gwinnett - [reported] VSP: only 43 of 222 correctional officer positions filled as of April As of April, GDC data showed only 43 of 222 correctional officer positions were filled at Valdosta State Prison, which houses more than 1,100 men. Value: 43.0 filled positions (vs. 222 total correctional officer positions) Tags: staffing,facilities Sources: Georgia's Valdosta State Prison becomes deadlier amid corruption, staffing shortage, Atlanta Journal-Constitution, August 15, 2024 - [confirmed] DOAS FY2021: DOC turnover 46.7% (all records) / 43.7% (FT primary) GPS's copy of a DOAS Executive Branch Turnover Rate Calculation table lists the Department of Corrections (agency code 467) with an 'All Records' average monthly headcount of 7,043, total separations and transfers of 3,288, and a calculated turnover rate of 46.7%, and under a 'Full-Time, Non-Temporary, Primary Records' column an average monthly headcount of 7,203, total separations and transfers of 3,149, and a calculated turnover rate of 43.7%. Value: 46.7 percent (vs. 43.7 full-time primary records turnover (percent)) Tags: staffing Sources: State of Georgia, Fiscal Year End 2021 Workforce Report - [reported] North Carolina ranks 49th in correctional officer starting pay North Carolina ranks 49th in starting salary for corrections officers, according to the N.C. Department of Adult Correction. Value: 49.0 national rank Tags: staffing,budget Sources: North Carolina launches fast-track hiring pilot as prison staffing shortages persist - [confirmed] FY2026 budget: $6,115,312 for six-month in-grade promotion step The Governor's Budget Report for FY2026 includes a Department of Corrections highlight of $6,115,312 for a six-month in-grade promotion step for correctional officer and CSM correctional officer 1 and 2 positions to address salary compression and improve career path and retention opportunities. Value: 6115312.0 dollars Tags: staffing,budget Sources: Governor's Budget Report, AFY 2025 and FY 2026 - [reported] CO starting salaries in $40,000 to $44,000 range depending on security level Following a recent salary increase, COs currently make starting salaries in the $40,000 to $44,000 per year range, depending on the security level of the facility at which they work. Value: 40000.0 dollars per year (vs. 44000 upper range) Date: 2023-01-01 Tags: staffing,budget Sources: CRIPA Investigation of Georgia Prisons - [confirmed] AFY2025 budget: $10,432,551 for 330 additional CO positions The Governor's Budget Report for AFY2025 includes a Department of Corrections line item of $10,432,551 for an additional 330 correctional officer positions to improve staff to offender ratios. Value: 10432551.0 dollars Tags: staffing,budget Sources: Governor's Budget Report, AFY 2025 and FY 2026 - [reported] Most common entry-level CO salary $24,322, rising to $25,538 after one year (2016) A Georgia Department of Audits and Accounts performance report states that the most common entry level salary for DJJ and GDC corrections officers was $24,322, with eligibility for a 5% salary increase to $25,538 after one year in the position. Value: 24322.0 USD (vs. 25538 salary after one year) Date: 2016-01-01 Tags: staffing,budget Sources: Follow-Up Review Report No. 16-03 May 2016 - [reported] South Carolina CO pay by institution security level: $44,682-$55,704 The South Carolina Department of Corrections' Correctional Officer job posting lists pay of $44,682 - $45,704 at Minimum Institutions (Goodman, Livesay, Manning, Palmer), $49,682 - $50,704 at Medium Institutions, and $54,682 - $55,704 at Close Institutions (Broad River CI, Kirkland CI, Lee CI, Lieber CI, McCormick CI, Perry CI). Value: 44682.0 dollars per year (vs. 55704 close institution top pay) Tags: staffing,budget Sources: Job Opportunities | Safety. Service. Stewardship. - [confirmed] AFY2025 budget: $2,800,000 for CO recruiting marketing initiative The Governor's Budget Report for AFY2025 includes a Department of Corrections line item of $2,800,000 to develop a statewide targeted marketing initiative to recruit and onboard new correctional officers. Value: 2800000.0 dollars Tags: staffing,budget Sources: Governor's Budget Report, AFY 2025 and FY 2026 - [reported] Proposed CO1 salary $27,936 (15% increase); CO2 $31,040 (13% increase) A Georgia Department of Audits and Accounts report shows a table of GDC/DJJ current and proposed salaries listing Correctional Officer 1 at a current salary of $24,322 and a proposed salary of $27,936, a 15% change; Correctional Officer 2 at a current salary of $27,472 and a proposed salary of $31,040, a 13% change. Value: 27936.0 USD (vs. 24322 current CO1 salary) Date: 2016-01-01 Tags: staffing,budget Sources: Follow-Up Review Report No. 16-03 May 2016 - [reported] Tennessee CO entry salary $51,204 rising to $60,720 after 18 months, plus $5,000 bonus Tennessee Department of Correction's entry level salary for a correctional officer is $51,204 per year, with tiered increases bringing the salary to $60,720 after 18 months, plus a $5,000 sign-on bonus payable over 18 months for newly hired applicants. Value: 51204.0 dollars per year (vs. 60720 salary after 18 months) Tags: staffing,budget Sources: State of Tennessee - [confirmed] AFY2025 budget: $900,000 for updated CO training curriculum The Governor's Budget Report for AFY2025 includes a Department of Corrections line item of $900,000 to develop and implement an updated training curriculum for correctional officers. Value: 900000.0 dollars Tags: staffing,budget Sources: Governor's Budget Report, AFY 2025 and FY 2026 - [reported] State government average turnover rate 18.4% (FY2015 State Workforce Report) The state government average turnover rate cited in the Appendix A chart of the DOAA follow-up review, sourced to the FY 2015 State Workforce Report, was 18.4%. Value: 18.4 percent Date: 2015-01-01 Tags: staffing,turnover Sources: Follow-Up Review Report No. 16-03 May 2016 - [reported] Fulton County detention officer starting salary $54,000; deputy $60,000 The Fulton County Sheriff's Office lists starting salaries for sworn positions as Detention Officer, $54,000 and Deputy Sheriff, $60,000. Value: 54000.0 dollars per year (vs. 60000 deputy sheriff starting salary) Tags: staffing,budget Sources: FCSO FAQ | Fulton County Sheriff Office Questions - [reported] FY2015 corrections officer turnover 32% vs. 16% for community officers A Georgia Department of Audits and Accounts follow-up review found that fiscal year 2015 corrections officer turnover was 32% compared to 16% for community officers. Value: 32.0 percent (vs. 16 community officers) Date: 2015-01-01 Tags: staffing,turnover Sources: Follow-Up Review Report No. 16-03 May 2016 - [reported] DeKalb County detention officer starting salary $53,443.95 without degree, $56,115.15 with degree The DeKalb County Sheriff's Office lists a Detention Officer starting salary without a degree of $53,443.95 and starting salary with a degree of $56,115.15. Value: 53443.95 dollars per year (vs. 56115.15 starting salary with degree) Tags: staffing,budget Sources: Dekalb County Sheriff - [reported] Cobb County detention officer salary range $36,814.50-$58,904.21 (2021 posting) A Cobb County Government job bulletin for Detention Officer, opened 03/01/2021, listed a salary of $36,814.50 to $58,904.21 annually. Value: 36814.5 dollars per year (vs. 58904.21 top of salary range) Date: 2021-03-01 Tags: staffing,budget Sources: Job Bulletin (governmentjobs.com) - [reported] Annual correctional officer turnover rate about 40% The annual turnover rate for correctional officers in Georgia is about 40%, per the AJC's investigation. Value: 40.0 percent Date: 2023-01-01 Tags: staffing Sources: Violence, suicides mount in Georgia’s woefully understaffed prisons - [reported] Telfair State Prison CO vacancy rate 72.96% with 1,425 inmates An AJC table of worst-staffed Georgia prisons lists Telfair State Prison, a high-security prison with 1,425 inmates, with a correctional officer vacancy rate of 72.96%. Value: 72.96 percent (vs. 1425 inmates) Date: 2023-08-01 Tags: staffing,facilities Sources: Violence, suicides mount in Georgia’s woefully understaffed prisons - [reported] Smith State Prison CO vacancy rate 72.84% with 1,396 inmates An AJC table of worst-staffed Georgia prisons lists Smith State Prison, a high-security prison with 1,396 inmates, with a correctional officer vacancy rate of 72.84%. Value: 72.84 percent (vs. 1396 inmates) Date: 2023-08-01 Tags: staffing,facilities Sources: Violence, suicides mount in Georgia’s woefully understaffed prisons - [reported] Calhoun State Prison CO vacancy rate 69.67% with 1,645 inmates An AJC table of worst-staffed Georgia prisons lists Calhoun State Prison, a medium-security prison with 1,645 inmates, with a correctional officer vacancy rate of 69.67%. Value: 69.67 percent (vs. 1645 inmates) Date: 2023-08-01 Tags: staffing,facilities Sources: Violence, suicides mount in Georgia’s woefully understaffed prisons POLICYS (41) ---------------------------------------- - [confirmed] AFY2025 budget: $2.94M for 4% salary increase for private prison correctional officers The Governor's Budget Report for AFY2025 includes a Department of Corrections Private Prisons line item of $2,943,413 to provide a 4% salary increase for parity in compensation to Georgia Department of Corrections correctional officers. Tags: budget,staffing,policy Sources: Governor's Budget Report, AFY 2025 and FY 2026 - [reported] GDC FY2026 budget recommendation includes 4% correctional officer increase GDC Board of Corrections minutes state that Commissioner Oliver's Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Recommendations included, among the highlights discussed, personal services specifically Correctional Officer, 4% increase, and in-grade salary step increases. Date: 2025-01-01 Tags: staffing,budget,policy Sources: Board of Corrections Meeting Minutes, April 3, 2025 - [reported] Statewide $5,000 pay increase and $4,000 sworn-position increase effective April 1, 2022 At the Georgia Board of Corrections' March 2022 meeting, a GDC official discussed a statewide $5,000 pay increase and a $4,000 increase for sworn positions, described as intended to reduce turnover and overtime exposure, effective April 1, 2022. Date: 2022-04-01 Tags: staffing,budget,policy Sources: Board of Corrections, board meeting minutes march 2022 - [confirmed] AFY2025 budget: $5M for ten-year facility and population management plan The Governor's Budget Report for AFY2025 includes a Department of Corrections line item of $5,000,000 to develop a ten-year facility and population management plan, including target staffing ratios and classification review of offenders. Tags: budget,policy,facilities,staffing Sources: Governor's Budget Report, AFY 2025 and FY 2026 - [reported] $9,000 post-sworn officer pay increase retroactive to July 1 GDC Board of Corrections minutes state that all post-sworn officers will get a $9,000 pay increase retroactive to July 1st. Date: 2022-01-01 Tags: staffing,budget,policy Sources: Board of Corrections, board meeting minutes march 2022 - [confirmed] FY2026 budget: $7.55M for 4% salary increase for all correctional officer staff The Governor's Budget Report for FY2026 includes a Department of Corrections State Prisons line item of $7,553,404 to provide a 4% salary increase for all correctional officer staff to improve recruitment and retention. Tags: budget,staffing,policy Sources: Governor's Budget Report, AFY 2025 and FY 2026 - [reported] Proposed 4% CO pay boost; 8% for behavioral health counselors Correctional officers would get a 4% pay boost to bring parity with neighboring states; education, food service, chaplain and maintenance personnel would also get a 4% pay hike; and behavioral health counselors would get an 8% salary increase to improve recruitment and retention. Tags: staffing,budget,mental_health Sources: Governor seeks $600M to fix Ga. prisons, improve staffing and safety - [confirmed] FY2026 budget: $20.19M to add 330 correctional officer positions The Governor's Budget Report for FY2026 includes a Department of Corrections State Prisons line item of $20,191,487 to add 330 correctional officer positions to improve staff to offender ratios. Tags: budget,staffing,policy Sources: Governor's Budget Report, AFY 2025 and FY 2026 - [reported] GDC awaiting Guidehouse system-wide operations and salary study GDC was waiting for results of a system-wide operations study conducted by Guidehouse, Inc., including a comprehensive analysis of salary structures related to recruitment and retention, undertaken with the Governor's office and expected by the end of December 2024. Date: 2024-01-01 Tags: staffing,budget,investigations Sources: senate.ga.gov: 2024SenateStudyCommDOCFinalReport, 2024SenateStudyCommDOCFinalReport [2] - [confirmed] FY2026 budget: $5.10M for six-month in-grade promotion step for correctional officers The Governor's Budget Report for FY2026 includes a Department of Corrections State Prisons line item of $5,099,440 to fund a six-month in-grade promotion step for correctional officer and CSM correctional officer 1 and 2 positions to address salary compression and improve career path and retention. Tags: budget,staffing,policy Sources: Governor's Budget Report, AFY 2025 and FY 2026 - [confirmed] PREA SOP requires written facility Staffing Plan GDC's SOP 208.06 requires the Warden/Superintendent at each facility to develop a written Staffing Plan using Attachment 11, Staffing Plan Template, documenting efforts to comply with staffing levels to protect offenders against sexual abuse. Tags: staffing,policy,legal Sources: Georgia Department of Corrections SOP 208.06, Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) Sexually Abusive Behavior Prevention and Intervention Program (passage checked against GPS's copy) - [confirmed] PREA SOP requires documenting staffing plan deviations on daily Post Roster GDC's PREA SOP requires facilities to document and justify deviations from the staffing plan on the daily Post Roster, with facility management reviewing deviations at least annually to identify common reasons. Tags: staffing,policy,legal Sources: Georgia Department of Corrections SOP 208.06, Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) Sexually Abusive Behavior Prevention and Intervention Program (passage checked against GPS's copy) - [reported] GDC planned six-week training academy with crisis intervention by July 1, 2025 GDC planned to extend its correctional officer training academy to six weeks, including crisis intervention training, as of July 1, 2025, pending the Guidehouse recommendations. Date: 2025-01-01 Tags: staffing,mental_health,policy Sources: senate.ga.gov: 2024SenateStudyCommDOCFinalReport, 2024SenateStudyCommDOCFinalReport [2] - [reported] Senate committee recommended officer recruitment/retention investment and pay study The Senate study committee recommended investing in correctional officer recruitment and retention and implementing a pay study for all Georgia Department of Corrections employees. It also recommended asking Georgia Department of Audits to review all contract renewals for the past five years to see if there is a pattern of runaway costs by any vendors. Date: 2024-01-01 Tags: staffing,budget,policy Sources: senate.ga.gov: 2024SenateStudyCommDOCFinalReport, 2024SenateStudyCommDOCFinalReport [2] - [reported] GDC requested 4% officer raise; governor recommended 8% for behavioral health counselors GDC requested several million dollars for a 4% salary increase for correctional officers and staff working in education, chaplain, food service and maintenance. The governor's recommendations also called for an 8% salary hike for behavioral health counselors, which would put them close in line with statewide averages in surrounding states. Tags: staffing,budget,mental_health Sources: Kemp unveils plan to spend millions intended to restore order in Georgia prisons • Georgia Recorder - [reported] Kemp budget proposed 4% raise for correctional officers and teachers, 8% for counselors Governor Kemp's budget proposal responding to the staffing crisis included a 4% increase in starting salaries for correctional officers and prison teachers, and an 8% increase for prison counselors. Tags: budget,staffing,policy Sources: Georgia prisons are in crisis, say consultants hired by Gov. Kemp - [reported] Kemp and GDC unveiled $600 million additional prison spending plan The Georgia Department of Corrections and Republican Gov. Brian Kemp unveiled a plan to spend an additional $600 million on the state prison system, which has suffered from inadequate staffing, violence, and facilities in disrepair. Tags: budget,staffing,violence,facilities Sources: Kemp unveils plan to spend millions intended to restore order in Georgia prisons • Georgia Recorder - [confirmed] GDC SOP 104.07 defines Staffing Analysis per NIC methodology GDC's SOP 104.07 defines "Staffing Analysis" as an exercise to establish, validate or modify post plans, scheduling patterns and shift relief factors to calculate the full-time-equivalent positions needed to operate a facility safely and securely without the use of overtime, citing the National Institute of Corrections' Prison Staffing Analysis methodology. Tags: staffing,policy,operations Sources: Georgia Department of Corrections SOP 104.07, Position Actions (passage checked against GPS's copy) - [reported] Plan to phase in 880 guards; ratio 1:14 to 1:11 by end of 2025 The additional staffing requested in January 2025 was part of a plan to phase in 880 more guards by the end of calendar 2025 to improve staff-to-inmate ratios from one officer for every 14 inmates to one officer for every 11. Date: 2025-01-01 Tags: staffing,policy Sources: Georgia prisons chief pitches spending hikes for staffing, infrastructure needs | Georgia Public Broadcasting - [reported] Kemp plan: $40M new prison design, 446 private prison beds, 126 bed units Kemp's recommendations included spending $40 million to design and plan a new prison facility, adding 446 beds to an existing private prison contract, and adding 126 bed units to ease inmate movement while capital and security improvements are underway. Tags: budget,facilities,transfers Sources: Kemp unveils plan to spend millions intended to restore order in Georgia prisons • Georgia Recorder - [confirmed] GDC SOP 104.37 requires duty-free period for shifts over 10h30m GDC's policy on Working Hours, Overtime, and Compensatory Time (SOP 104.37) requires employees to receive a lunch or duty-free period for any shift longer than 10 hours 30 minutes. Tags: staffing,policy,operations Sources: Georgia Department of Corrections SOP 104.37, Working Hours, Overtime, and Compensatory Time (passage checked against GPS's copy) - [reported] March 2016 board minutes: CO starting salary planned to rise $24,000 to $27,922 GDC Board of Corrections minutes from March 2016 state that the agency planned to begin pay increases on July 1, 2016, and if it received anticipated funds, it could move the starting Correctional Officer entry-level salary from $24,000 to $27,922. 95.5 percent of the funds the agency receives would go to uniform officers. Date: 2016-01-01 Tags: staffing,budget Sources: Board Meeting Minutes March 2016 - [reported] AFY2022: $32.4M for $5,000 pay increase, State Prisons The Governor's Budget Report for AFY2022 includes a Department of Corrections State Prisons line item of $32,426,319 to increase funds for a $5,000 pay increase for all full-time, benefit eligible state employees to address agency recruitment and retention needs. Tags: budget,staffing,policy Sources: The Governor's, afy 2022 and fy 2023 governor budget report - [confirmed] FY2027 budget: $28.5M to reach 1:13 ratio, goal 1:11 by FY2028 The House Budget and Research Office's FY2027 Conference Committee Highlights states that the budget provides $28.5 million to continue the hiring trajectory and reduce the inmate to correctional officer ratio to 1:13 in FY 2027, with a goal of a 1:11 by the FY 2028 budget cycle. Tags: budget,staffing,policy Sources: House Budget and Research Office, fy 2027 highlights cc final - [reported] GDC budget proposal sought recruiting campaign and CO pay increases The GDC budget proposal for the next fiscal year asked for extra money for an aggressive recruiting campaign and pay increases for correctional officers, as legislators focused on vacancy rates. Tags: staffing,budget,legislation Sources: Lawmakers call for action on crisis in Georgia’s state prisons - [reported] FY2023: $44.4M for $5,000 COLA, State Prisons The Governor's Budget Report for FY2023 includes a Department of Corrections State Prisons line item of $44,404,136 to increase funds to provide a $5,000 cost of living adjustment for all full-time, benefit eligible state employees effective July 1, 2022 to address agency recruitment and retention needs. Tags: budget,staffing,policy Sources: The Governor's, afy 2022 and fy 2023 governor budget report - [reported] AFY2022: $1.33M for $5,000 pay increase, Departmental Administration The Governor's Budget Report for AFY2022 includes a Department of Corrections Departmental Administration (DOC) line item of $1,325,873 for a $5,000 pay increase for all full-time, benefit eligible state employees to address agency recruitment and retention needs. Tags: budget,staffing,policy Sources: The Governor's, afy 2022 and fy 2023 governor budget report - [confirmed] Kemp assessment recommends 4% CO salary increase for neighboring-state parity Governor Kemp's recommendations from the system-wide Corrections System Assessment included a four percent salary increase for all correctional officer staff, intended to bring parity to pay with neighboring states. Tags: staffing,budget,policy Sources: Gov. Kemp Unveils Recommendations from System-wide Corrections System Assessment, Office of Governor Brian Kemp - [reported] AFY2021: 10% correctional officer increase effective April 1, 2021 The Governor's Budget Report for AFY2021 includes a Department of Corrections line item utilizing existing funds to implement a 10 percent increase for correctional officers in state prison facilities effective April 1, 2021. Tags: budget,staffing,policy Sources: The Governor’ (opb.georgia.gov) - [reported] FY2022: 10% correctional officer increase, $3,006,880 total change The Governor's Budget Report for FY2022 includes a Department of Corrections line item utilizing existing funds to implement a 10 percent increase for correctional officers in state prison facilities, with a total change of $3,006,880. Tags: budget,staffing,policy Sources: The Governor’ (opb.georgia.gov) - [confirmed] FY2026 budget: 6-month incremental salary step increase totaling $9.6M The House Budget and Research Office's FY2026 Conference Committee Highlights states that the budget institutes a 6-month incremental salary step increase totaling $9.6 million as a retention initiative. Tags: budget,staffing Sources: House Budget and Research Office, fy 2026 highlights conference committee (hb 68) - [reported] AFY2024: $716,950 for one-time $1,000 salary supplement The Governor's Budget Report for AFY2024 includes a Department of Corrections line item of $716,950 to increase funds to provide a one-time $1,000 salary supplement for full-time, benefit-eligible employees for recruitment and retention. Tags: budget,staffing,policy Sources: The Governor's, afy 2024 and fy 2025 governors budget report - [reported] GDC policy requires Priority 1, 2, and 3 posts to be filled for normal operations According to GDC policy, for a prison to maintain normal operations, allotted posts at the Priority 1, 2, and 3 levels must be filled, with Priority 1 posts considered critical, and it is generally required that each housing unit at medium- and close-security prisons be staffed by two or more officers in 24/7 Priority 1 posts. Date: 2023-01-01 Tags: staffing,policy Sources: CRIPA Investigation of Georgia Prisons - [reported] AFY2023: $2.2M DJJ COLA of $2,000 effective July 1, 2023 The Governor's Budget Report for AFY2023 includes a Department of Juvenile Justice line item of $2,201,396 to increase funds to provide a $2,000 cost-of-living adjustment for all full-time, benefit-eligible state employees effective July 1, 2023 to address agency recruitment and retention needs. Tags: budget,staffing,policy Sources: The Governor's, afy 2023 and fy 2024 governors budget report - [reported] FY2024: $11.8M for $2,000 COLA, State Prisons The Governor's Budget Report for FY2024 includes a Department of Corrections State Prisons line item of $11,827,548 to increase funds to provide a $2,000 cost-of-living adjustment for all full-time, benefit-eligible state employees effective July 1, 2023 to address agency recruitment and retention needs. Tags: budget,staffing,policy Sources: The Governor's, afy 2023 and fy 2024 governors budget report - [reported] FY2024: $948,000 COLA for private prison correctional officers The Governor's Budget Report for FY2024 includes a Department of Corrections Private Prisons line item of $948,000 to increase funds to provide a $2,000 cost-of-living adjustment for all full-time, currently employed correctional officers to maintain salary parity. Tags: budget,staffing,policy Sources: The Governor's, afy 2023 and fy 2024 governors budget report - [reported] FY2024: $627,424 for $2,000 COLA, Departmental Administration The Governor's Budget Report for FY2024 includes a Department of Corrections Departmental Administration (DOC) line item of $627,424 to increase funds to provide a $2,000 cost-of-living adjustment for all full-time, benefit-eligible state employees effective July 1, 2023 to address agency recruitment and retention needs. Tags: budget,staffing,policy Sources: The Governor's, afy 2023 and fy 2024 governors budget report - [reported] North Carolina governor backs 15% CO raise The governor is backing a 15% raise proposal for correctional officers in North Carolina while the state tests a new hiring approach. Tags: staffing,budget,policy Sources: North Carolina launches fast-track hiring pilot as prison staffing shortages persist - [reported] Kemp/GDC plan to spend additional $600 million on prison system The Georgia Department of Corrections and Gov. Brian Kemp unveiled a plan to spend an additional $600 million on the state prison system, described as necessary investments for strengthening prison security, increasing staffing levels, increasing compensation for correctional officers and other staff, and renovating facilities. Tags: budget,staffing,policy,facilities Sources: Kemp unveils plan to spend millions intended to restore order in Georgia prisons - The Current - [reported] GDC requests $6.1M to begin hiring 882 officers; 330 positions next year GDC requested an additional $6.1 million for the current budget to begin hiring an additional 882 correctional and security officers over the next several years, and aimed to add 330 correctional and security officer positions over the next year to reduce the staff-to-offender ratio of 14 to 11. Tags: budget,staffing,policy Sources: Kemp unveils plan to spend millions intended to restore order in Georgia prisons - The Current - [reported] GDC requests 4% CO raise and 8% behavioral health counselor raise GDC's budget recommendations requested several million dollars for a 4% salary increase for correctional officers and staff working in education, chaplain, food service and maintenance, plus an 8% salary hike for behavioral health counselors. Tags: budget,staffing,mental_health,policy Sources: Kemp unveils plan to spend millions intended to restore order in Georgia prisons - The Current FINDINGS (14) ---------------------------------------- - [reported] GDC would need turnover cut from 29% to 13% to offset salary increase cost Georgia DOAA's special examination found that GDC would need to decrease its correctional officers' turnover rate from 29% to 13% to fully offset the cost of a salary increase. Tags: staffing,budget,policy Sources: DOAA State Corrections and Community Officers Audit (2013-12) - [reported] Most close- and medium-security prisons operating with more officer posts vacant than filled The DOJ report found that GDC is operating most of its close- and medium-security prisons with more officer posts vacant than filled, resulting in inadequate security and supervision. Date: 2023-01-01 Tags: staffing,conditions Sources: CRIPA Investigation of Georgia Prisons - [reported] Overnight staffing so low that hospital escort could leave only 1-2 officers covering entire prison The consultants' report found staffing so low, especially during overnight shifts, that if two guards need to leave to take a sick or injured prisoner to the hospital, only one or two officers could be left to cover an entire prison. Tags: staffing,conditions Sources: Georgia prisons are in crisis, say consultants hired by Gov. Kemp - [reported] Retired warden Jose Morales: five or six officers per shift during pandemic Jose Morales, a retired Georgia prison warden who ended his GDC career leading the Special Management Unit in Jackson, said that when staffing dropped during the pandemic it was routine to have just five or six officers working a shift. Tags: staffing,solitary Sources: Violence, suicides mount in Georgia’s woefully understaffed prisons - [reported] Staff at large close-security men's prisons reported CO vacancy rates over 60% persisted in late 2023 In interviews with DOJ in late 2023, staff at large men's prisons housing incarcerated people at the close-security level reported that high CO vacancy rates over 60%, as well as significant vacancies among supervisory security staff, persisted. Date: 2023-01-01 Tags: staffing Sources: CRIPA Investigation of Georgia Prisons - [reported] Back pay distributed to employees at 43 facilities; state to change overtime reporting The GPB report said employees at 43 facilities received back-pay money, and going forward the state would change how it reports and pays overtime. Tags: legal,staffing,facilities Sources: State Corrections Ordered To Follow Federal Overtime Laws | Georgia Public Broadcasting - [reported] One CO assigned to supervise two buildings of hundreds of incarcerated people for 12-hour shifts Staff at several GDC prisons have adopted a practice of assigning one CO to single-handedly supervise two buildings at a time, each comprising two or more housing units and hundreds of incarcerated people, for an entire 12-hour shift. Date: 2023-01-01 Tags: staffing,conditions Sources: CRIPA Investigation of Georgia Prisons - [reported] Medical employee reported times when only two officers covered entire compound A medical employee at another large men's prison reported there have been times when only two officers were available to cover the entire compound. Date: 2023-01-01 Tags: staffing,conditions Sources: CRIPA Investigation of Georgia Prisons - [reported] Most of 16 GDC prisons reviewed failed to fully staff allotted counselor positions In a review of data from 16 GDC prisons from January 2022 to August 2023, DOJ 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,mental_health Sources: CRIPA Investigation of Georgia Prisons - [reported] GDC PREA audits do not recommend changes to facility staffing plans DOJ's remedial-measures section states GDC's PREA audits do not make recommendations for changes to facility staffing plans and, for example, do not recommend relocating a PREA counselor to a unit to have more staff presence there. Date: 2023-01-01 Tags: staffing,policy,legal Sources: CRIPA Investigation of Georgia Prisons - [reported] Proposed $3,600 raise would move Georgia from 10th to 6th in southern states for CO entry salary A Georgia Department of Audits and Accounts performance report states that a proposed $3,600 salary increase for DJJ and GDC entry level corrections officers (JCO1s and CO1s) would move Georgia from 10th to 6th highest among other southern states in corrections officer entry level salary, though the new starting salary would remain the lowest sworn officer salary in Georgia. Date: 2016-01-01 Tags: staffing,budget Sources: Follow-Up Review Report No. 16-03 May 2016 - [reported] Majority of highest-security facilities had at least 60% CO jobs unfilled The AJC reported that although Valdosta had the highest correctional officer vacancy rate in the Georgia prison system, the majority of the state's highest-security facilities had similar issues, with at least 60% of their correctional officer jobs unfilled. Tags: staffing,facilities Sources: Georgia's Valdosta State Prison becomes deadlier amid corruption, staffing shortage, Atlanta Journal-Constitution, August 15, 2024 - [reported] GDC failure to meet minimum staffing leads to unsupervised housing units DOJ found that GDC's consistent failure to ensure that even minimum staffing levels are met leads to unsafe prisons, with housing units left unsupervised for sustained periods of time. Date: 2023-01-01 Tags: staffing,conditions,violence Sources: CRIPA Investigation of Georgia Prisons - [reported] Large close-security men's prison rosters showed officers responsible for nearly 400 beds each At a large close-security men's prison, a sampling of staffing rosters from mid-2023 showed on every shift roster reviewed there was at least one, and sometimes up to four, officers assigned to two buildings at a time, each single-handedly responsible for nearly 400 beds. Date: 2023-01-01 Tags: staffing,conditions Sources: CRIPA Investigation of Georgia Prisons DATA GAPS (2) ---------------------------------------- - [confirmed] No match for 12-hour shift terms in AJC prisons investigation A search of the AJC investigation 'Violence, suicides mount in Georgia's woefully understaffed prisons' for terms including '12-hour shift', 'switched to 12-hour', 'moved to 12-hour shifts', 'eight-hour shifts' and 'shift change' returned no match, indicating the article does not discuss shift-length changes. Tags: staffing,operations,investigations Sources: Violence, suicides mount in Georgia’s woefully understaffed prisons - [reported] GDC did not produce staffing analyses beyond facility staffing plans The DOJ report states that, other than facility staffing plans GDC produced for numerous facilities, GDC did not produce any staffing analyses it may have conducted, and that a comprehensive staffing study and review needs to be conducted as part of any remedy for the State's staffing and retention deficiencies. Date: 2023-01-01 Tags: staffing,investigations Sources: CRIPA Investigation of Georgia Prisons TRENDS (10) ---------------------------------------- - [reported] GDC statewide staff vacancy rose from 12% (2015) to 18% (2019) According to documents provided by GDC, on Jan. 1, 2015, 12% of all GDC state prison staff positions were vacant, and five years later, on Jan. 1, 2019, that had gone up to 18%. Tags: staffing,facilities Sources: WALB Investigates: DOJ calls extreme staffing shortages a ‘persistent problem’ in Georgia prisons - [reported] GDC retention by hire cohort, FYE2019-FYE2023 The DOAS FY2023 Workforce Report's retention table shows that of Department of Corrections employees hired as of FYE 2023, 79.8% remained active, declining to 71.6% for the FYE 2022 cohort, 68.3% for FYE 2021, 64.7% for FYE 2020 and 60.1% for FYE 2019. Tags: staffing Sources: Annual Workforce Report - [reported] Turnover fell from 47% (FY2022) to projected 32% (FY2024) GDC decreased its turnover rate from 47% in fiscal 2022 to a projected 32% by the end of fiscal 2024 on June 30, Commissioner Oliver said. Tags: staffing Sources: Corrections1, Georgia CO vacancies - [reported] More than 15 state prisons saw net loss in filled CO positions between October 2022 and end of 2023 Between October 2022 and the end of 2023, more than 15 state prisons housing individuals at the medium- and close-security levels saw a net loss in filled CO positions, while several others saw increases only in the single digits. Tags: staffing,trend Sources: CRIPA Investigation of Georgia Prisons - [reported] CO vacancy rate climbed from almost 11% to over 18% from 2014 to 2018 From 2014 to 2018, GDC's annual average CO vacancy rate climbed from almost 11% to over 18%. Tags: staffing,trend Sources: CRIPA Investigation of Georgia Prisons - [confirmed] 300 more COs than June 2024; nearly half workforce lost in pandemic The House Budget and Research Office's FY2027 Conference Committee Highlights states that since FY2025 the General Assembly has worked to improve recruitment and retention of correctional officers after losing almost half of the workforce during the pandemic, and that the department has 300 more correctional officers today than it did in June of 2024. Tags: staffing Sources: House Budget and Research Office, fy 2027 highlights cc final - [confirmed] GDC FY2019 CO turnover rose from 27.2% to 42.1% GDC's FY2019 Annual Fiscal Report states that CO turnover increased from 27.2% to 42.1%. Tags: staffing Sources: GDC Annual Fiscal Report 2019 - [confirmed] GDC CO FTE counts: 4,668 (FY2019), 4,060 (FY2020), 3,050 (FY2021) GDC's FY2021 Annual Fiscal Report's End of Fiscal Year FTE by Type table lists Correctional Officer FTE counts of 4,668 in FY2019, 4,060 in FY2020, and 3,050 in FY2021. Tags: staffing Sources: gdc.georgia.gov: gdc annual fiscal report 2021 - [confirmed] GDC CO vacancy: 28.34% FY2020, 41.70% FY2021 GDC's FY2021 Annual Fiscal Report's Recruitment and Turnover table lists Correctional Officer Vacancy at 28.34% for FY2020 and 41.70% for FY2021. Tags: staffing Sources: gdc.georgia.gov: gdc annual fiscal report 2021 - [reported] CO turnover rate declined from nearly 57% in FY2021 GDC told the AJC that the correctional officer turnover rate declined from nearly 57% in the 2021 fiscal year. Date: 2021-01-01 Tags: staffing,trend Sources: Violence, suicides mount in Georgia’s woefully understaffed prisons QUOTES (4) ---------------------------------------- - [reported] DOJ: at least 26 Georgia prison deaths by confirmed or suspected homicide in 2020 Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the DOJ's Civil Rights Division said that in 2020, at least 26 people died in Georgia prisons by confirmed or suspected homicide. Date: 2020-01-01 Tags: violence,death,investigations Sources: WALB Investigates: DOJ calls extreme staffing shortages a ‘persistent problem’ in Georgia prisons - [reported] Former warden on suicide-watch checks under short staffing A former Georgia prison warden said: "We were required to conduct 30-minute checks at a minimum, and if we had anyone on suicide watch, they would have to be checked every 15 minutes," and "When you have a short staff of six people out of a 27-man post, you can't do it." Date: 2023-01-01 Tags: staffing,mental_health,death Sources: Violence, suicides mount in Georgia’s woefully understaffed prisons - [confirmed] Commissioner Oliver: turnover rate reduced by >11% since FY23 to 28% in FY25 Commissioner Tyrone Oliver's letter in GDC's FY2025 Annual Report states the department reduced the turnover rate by more than 11% since FY23, bringing the rate to 28% for FY25. Tags: staffing,turnover Sources: FY25 (gdc.georgia.gov) - [reported] GDC HR Director acknowledged GDC still lags behind in salary market GDC's Human Resources Director acknowledged that GDC still "lag[s] behind in the salary market," so pay remains "a factor." Date: 2023-01-01 Tags: staffing,budget Sources: CRIPA Investigation of Georgia Prisons CASE DETAILS (5) ---------------------------------------- - [confirmed] Senate study committee Meeting Three on GDC staffing held November 15, 2024 The Georgia Senate study committee's Meeting Three, titled 'Georgia Department of Corrections Staffing and Inmate Administration,' was held November 15, 2024, at the Georgia State Capitol in Atlanta. Date: 2024-11-15 Tags: policy,staffing,legal Sources: senate.ga.gov: 2024SenateStudyCommDOCFinalReport, 2024SenateStudyCommDOCFinalReport [2] - [reported] Smith State Prison officer Douglas Bare left job after nine years A Smith State Prison correctional officer, Douglas Bare, walked off the job in mid-June after nine years, telling the AJC he had grown weary of working in a dangerous environment as well as being repeatedly pulled from his post to make hospital runs. Date: 2023-01-01 Tags: staffing,facilities Sources: Violence, suicides mount in Georgia’s woefully understaffed prisons - [reported] Only two officers on duty for entire VSP compound on Jan 27, 2026 The SCHR letter says a GDC record from January 27, 2026 indicates there were only two officers on duty for the entire Valdosta State Prison compound on that date. Date: 2026-01-27 Tags: staffing,facilities,conditions Sources: October 1, 2026 - [reported] DOJ launched statewide LGBTI sexual abuse investigation in 2016, expanded in 2021 In 2016, DOJ launched a statewide investigation into whether GDC adequately protects incarcerated persons who are LGBTI from sexual abuse, and in 2021 DOJ expanded the investigation to include protection of all incarcerated persons at the medium- and close-security-level prisons from violence by other incarcerated persons. Tags: investigations,legal,violence Sources: CRIPA Investigation of Georgia Prisons - [reported] DOJ visited 17 GDC prisons between 2022 and 2023 As part of its investigation, between 2022 and 2023, DOJ visited 17 GDC prisons, about half of the state prisons. Tags: investigations Sources: CRIPA Investigation of Georgia Prisons METHODOLOGY NOTES (3) ---------------------------------------- - [confirmed] Senate study committee report: 23 pages, prepared 2024 under SR 570 The Georgia Senate study committee report is 23 pages, prepared by the Senate Office of Policy and Legislative Analysis in 2024, pursuant to Senate Resolution 570 of the 157th General Assembly. Date: 2024-01-01 Tags: policy,legal Sources: senate.ga.gov: 2024SenateStudyCommDOCFinalReport, 2024SenateStudyCommDOCFinalReport [2] - [reported] Consultants' report labeled 'Draft for Discussion' obtained via Open Records Act The AJC reported that the consultants' report on GDC was labeled 'Draft for Discussion' and was obtained by the AJC from the governor's office in response to a Georgia Open Records Act request, rather than being released as a public document. Tags: investigations,policy Sources: Georgia prisons are in crisis, say consultants hired by Gov. Kemp - [reported] AJC staffing figures and inmate populations taken from August 2023 reports An AJC table of worst-staffed Georgia prisons reports that its staffing figures and inmate populations were taken from August 2023 reports. Date: 2023-08-01 Tags: staffing,facilities Sources: Violence, suicides mount in Georgia’s woefully understaffed prisons LEGAL FACTS (5) ---------------------------------------- - [reported] U.S. DOL found GDC violated federal labor laws on overtime tracking and pay The U.S. Department of Labor found Georgia's Department of Corrections violated federal labor laws for tracking and paying overtime. Tags: legal,staffing Sources: State Corrections Ordered To Follow Federal Overtime Laws | Georgia Public Broadcasting - [confirmed] DOL: GDC paid $429,005 back wages to 1,257 employees for FLSA overtime violations The Georgia Department of Corrections paid $429,005 in back wages to 1,257 employees after a U.S. Department of Labor Wage and Hour Division investigation found overtime violations of the Fair Labor Standards Act at more than 40 facilities statewide. Tags: legal,staffing,budget Sources: U.S. Department of Labor Recovers $429,005 in Back Wages For Georgia Department of Corrections Officers | U.S. Department of Labor - [reported] DOJ recommends GDC bring all facilities within 90% of allotted posts (10% or lower vacancy) DOJ's minimum remedial measures recommend that, within reasonable time frames, GDC properly screen, hire, and fully train sufficient COs to staff all mandatory posts in all GDC facilities, and bring all GDC facilities within 90% of currently allotted posts (i.e., 10% or lower CO vacancy rate). Date: 2023-01-01 Tags: staffing,legal,policy Sources: CRIPA Investigation of Georgia Prisons - [reported] DOJ recommends temporary supplemental correctional security staff from other agencies DOJ recommends GDC consider all feasible immediate steps to ensure coverage of all mandatory posts, including training and assigning temporary supplemental correctional security staff from other agencies until GDC can sustainably staff its own prisons with full-time, permanent COs and supervisory security staff, and consider reassigning staff from facilities with lower vacancy rates to facilities with higher vacancy rates and higher violence levels. Date: 2023-01-01 Tags: staffing,legal,policy Sources: CRIPA Investigation of Georgia Prisons - [reported] DOJ recommends declaring and documenting emergencies when mandatory posts are unstaffed DOJ recommends that GDC ensure every mandatory post is filled and declare and document emergencies any time a mandatory post in any prison is not staffed. Date: 2023-01-01 Tags: staffing,legal,policy Sources: CRIPA Investigation of Georgia Prisons DATASETS (10) ---------------------------------------- # GDC average CO vacancy rate by year, 2021-2023 Annual average correctional officer vacancy rates reported by GDC, as cited in the DOJ findings report. Year Average CO Vacancy Rate ------------------------------- 2021 49.3 2022 56.3 2023 52.5 # AJC worst-staffed Georgia prisons: CO vacancy rates and inmate counts (August 2023) Facility-level correctional officer vacancy rates and inmate populations for Georgia prisons listed in the AJC's table of worst-staffed facilities, drawn from August 2023 reports. Facility Security Level Inmates CO Vacancy Rate ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Hancock State Prison High security 1190 74.35 Georgia Diagnostic and Classification State Prison High security/Death Row 2777 72.96 Baldwin State Prison Special Mission 563 73.06 Wilcox State Prison Medium security 1846 69.17 Ware State Prison High security 1441 68.62 Hays State Prison High security 1097 67.42 Coastal State Prison Medium security 1559 75.28 Valdosta State Prison High security 1063 75.11 Pulaski State Prison Medium security 1145 79.26 # GDC Correctional Officer FTE by Fiscal Year (FY20-FY25) End of fiscal year full-time equivalent correctional officer counts from GDC Annual Fiscal Reports. Fiscal Year Correctional Officer FTE --------------------------------------- FY20 4060 FY21 3050 FY22 2516 FY23 2685 FY24 2766 FY25 2975 # Worst-staffed Georgia prisons, August 2023 AJC table of the 12 worst-staffed Georgia prisons, with security level, inmate population, and correctional officer vacancy rate. Only three facilities are fully specified in the provided excerpt. Prison Security Level Inmates CO Vacancy Rate ---------------------------------------------------------------- Telfair State Prison High 1425 72.96 Smith State Prison High 1396 72.84 Calhoun State Prison Medium 1645 69.67 # GDC Correctional Officer FTE by fiscal year (FY2019-FY2021) End of Fiscal Year FTE by Type table from GDC's FY2021 Annual Fiscal Report, showing correctional officer full-time-equivalent counts. Fiscal Year Correctional Officer FTE --------------------------------------- FY2019 4668 FY2020 4060 FY2021 3050 # GDC Correctional Officer Vacancy and Separations Rates (FY23-FY25) Statewide correctional officer vacancy and separations percentages from GDC FY2025 Annual Fiscal Report. Fiscal Year Vacancy Rate Separations Rate --------------------------------------------- FY23 54.47 61.6 FY24 50.92 58.3 FY25 47.24 57.2 # GDC retention by hire cohort (DOAS FY2023) Percentage of Department of Corrections employees remaining active by fiscal-year-end hire cohort, as reported in the DOAS FY2023 Annual Workforce Report. Cohort Retention Rate ------------------------- FYE2023 79.8 FYE2022 71.6 FYE2021 68.3 FYE2020 64.7 FYE2019 60.1 # GDC turnover and headcount indicators, FY2019-FY2024 Turnover rates, headcount, hires, and terminations for the Georgia Department of Corrections from DOAS workforce reports and GDC commissioner statements. Fiscal Year Metric Value Notes ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FY2019 Headcount 9136 DOAS FY2019 Workforce Report FY2019 Terminations 3140 DOAS FY2019 Workforce Report FY2019 Hires 2634 DOAS FY2019 Workforce Report FY2019 Turnover rate (%) 33.5 DOAS FY2019 Workforce Report FY2021 Average monthly headcount (all records) 7043 DOAS FY2021 Workforce Report FY2021 Separations and transfers (all records) 3288 DOAS FY2021 Workforce Report FY2021 Turnover rate (all records, %) 46.7 DOAS FY2021 Workforce Report FY2021 Average monthly headcount (FT primary) 7203 DOAS FY2021 Workforce Report FY2021 Separations and transfers (FT primary) 3149 DOAS FY2021 Workforce Report FY2021 Turnover rate (FT primary, %) 43.7 DOAS FY2021 Workforce Report FY2022 Turnover rate (%) 47 Commissioner Oliver statement FY2024 Projected turnover rate (%) 32 Commissioner Oliver statement, as of June 30 # GDC Correctional Officer vacancy rate by fiscal year (FY2020-FY2021) Recruitment and Turnover table from GDC's FY2021 Annual Fiscal Report, showing correctional officer vacancy rates. Fiscal Year CO Vacancy Rate ------------------------------ FY2020 28.34 FY2021 41.7 # Valdosta State Prison vacancy rates, May 2026 Vacancy rates at Valdosta State Prison by staff category, per GDC official figures cited by SCHR. Staff Category Vacancy Rate ------------------------------------- Correctional Officers 73 All Security Staff 68 All Staff 62 KEY ENTITIES (51) ---------------------------------------- - Alabama Department of Corrections [organization]: Alabama state corrections agency spending approximately $19.3 million on prison education (~$742/inmate/year) while under federal oversight for unconstitutional conditions - Atlanta Journal-Constitution [organization]: Georgia newspaper that conducted multi-year investigation into GDC corruption, drug trafficking, and overdose deaths. (aka: AJC) - Baldwin State Prison [facility]: Georgia state prison where 26 grams of methamphetamine were found on a visitor in November 2025. - Board of Corrections [organization]: Governing board overseeing the Georgia Department of Corrections, chaired by Larry Haynie. - Brian Kemp [person]: Governor of Georgia who proposed $600 million in emergency spending over 18 months for prison reform in January 2025. (aka: Governor Kemp) - 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. - Carter, Goble Lee [organization]: Component firm of the Guidehouse assessment team - Coastal State Prison [facility]: Georgia state prison visited by DOJ during 2022-2023 investigation (aka: Coastal) - Cobb County Sheriff's Office [organization]: Georgia county sheriff's office cited for a 2021 detention officer salary range. - Commissioner Oliver [person]: Georgia Department of Corrections Commissioner who testified to legislators about salary increases and stated that 'trying to hire 2,600 people in a fiscal year is just not possible.' - DeKalb County Sheriff's Office [organization]: Georgia county sheriff's office whose former sheriff, Sidney Dorsey, was convicted of murdering his successor. - Department of Justice [organization]: Federal department that published a 2022 report identifying more than 5,000 uncounted in-custody deaths in national mortality data. (aka: DOJ) - Department of Juvenile Justice [organization]: Georgia state agency for juvenile corrections, mentioned as part of total corrections spending exceeding $2 billion annually. - DOAS [organization]: Georgia state agency that administers the State Tort Claims Trust Fund and the self-funded liability insurance program covering state entities and employees. (aka: Georgia Department of Administrative Services, Department of Administrative Services, DOAS Risk Management Services) - Douglas Bare [person]: Former correctional officer at Smith State Prison who walked off the job after nine years, citing dangerous environment and chronic understaffing. - Federal Bureau of Prisons [organization]: Federal agency responsible for operating federal prisons in the United States. (aka: BOP, Federal BOP) - Florida Department of Corrections [organization]: Florida state corrections agency referenced in analysis of contractor profit margins from penny-per-meal savings in a 90,000-prisoner system. - Fulton County Sheriff's Office [organization]: Party to the proposed DOJ consent decree over Fulton County Jail conditions. - GDC SOP 208.06 [organization]: GDC standard operating procedure requiring sexual victim/aggressor risk screening at intake and transfer. (aka: PREA Sexually Abusive Behavior Prevention and Intervention Program) - 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 Diagnostic and Classification State Prison [facility]: Prison near Jackson, Georgia where Georgia's death row and execution chamber were moved from GSP in June 1980. - Georgia Recorder [organization]: News outlet that reported on the Kemp/GDC $600 million prison spending plan in January 2025. - Georgia Senate Study Committee on Corrections [organization]: Georgia Senate study committee whose 2024 final report documents GDCP's intake, death row, and SMU roles and the SMU settlement violation. (aka: 2024SenateStudyCommDOC) - Governor's Office of Planning and Budget [organization]: Georgia agency responsible for developing the Governor's Budget Report (aka: OPB) - Guidehouse Inc. [organization]: Consulting firm hired by Georgia to assess prison conditions. Along with The Moss Group and Carter Goble Lee, produced report (2024-2025) finding the system in 'emergency mode with no quick fix possible.' Report obtained via Georgia Open Records Act. (aka: Guidehouse, Guidehouse / The Moss Group / Carter Goble Lee) - Gwinnett County [facility]: Georgia county with the fourth-highest number of reported Index crimes in 1988 (16,554). (aka: Gwinnett) - Hancock State Prison [facility]: Georgia state prison where THC gummies, white powdery substances, and marijuana were recovered in January 2024. - Hays State Prison [facility]: Georgia state prison visited by DOJ during 2022-2023 investigation (aka: Hays) - House Budget and Research Office [organization]: Georgia legislative budget research office; 2024 public safety session brief searched for Wilcox references. - Jose Morales [person]: Retired warden of GDCP's Special Management Unit who described inmate decompensation in a 2021 GPB interview. - Kristen Clarke [person]: Assistant Attorney General who outlined remedial measures for Georgia prisons including adding staffing, fixing classification and housing, and correcting reporting deficiencies. - Lee Arrendale State Prison [facility]: Georgia state prison where drug-coated paper was found being passed in November 2025. - 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) - North Carolina Department of Adult Correction [organization]: North Carolina's corrections agency reporting 9,682 positions needed and 4,979 filled (49% vacancy rate) as of January 2026. - Pulaski State Prison [facility]: Georgia women's state prison where Christina Buttery died on December 21, 2022, from a methamphetamine and fentanyl overdose. - Senate Resolution 570 [legislation]: 2024 Georgia Senate resolution creating the study committee to review conditions, needs, and issues related to safety and welfare in GDC facilities (aka: SR 570) - Smith State Prison [facility]: Georgia state prison targeted by drone smuggling networks; subject of Operation Night Drop indictments. - South Carolina Department of Corrections [organization]: South Carolina state corrections agency operating a dedicated prison school district, awarding ~8,300 credentials annually, with the lowest recidivism rate in the U.S. at 17.1% - Southern Center for Human Rights [organization]: Legal advocacy organization that investigated food conditions at Gordon County Jail and sent a formal letter to Sheriff Mitch Ralston in October 2014. (aka: SCHR) - Telfair State Prison [facility]: Georgia state prison involved in Operation Ghost Busted (Desiree Briley) and Operation Night Drop drone smuggling network. - Tennessee Department of Correction [organization]: State prison system of Tennessee, which administers sentence reduction credits under Tennessee Code § 41-21-236. (aka: TDOC) - The Marshall Project [organization]: Nonprofit journalism organization that investigated DCRA data and found nearly 700 law enforcement custody deaths missing from the dataset. - The Moss Group [organization]: Consulting firm that worked alongside Guidehouse Inc. and Carter Goble Lee on the Georgia prison conditions report. - Timothy Ward [person]: Former GDC Commissioner who retired before Tyrone Oliver took over in January 2023 - 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) - U.S. Department of Labor [organization]: Federal department that estimated 15,000 women in prisons nationally on any given day. - Ware State Prison [facility]: Georgia state prison leading all GDC facilities in cell phone seizures by end of 2016, with 1,392 phones confiscated. - Wilcox State Prison [facility]: Georgia state prison visited by DOJ during 2022-2023 investigation (aka: Wilcox) SOURCES (67) ---------------------------------------- - 2O22 (gdc.georgia.gov), Georgia Department of Corrections (2022-01-01) [official_report, primary] URL: https://gdc.georgia.gov/document/gdc-annual-fiscal-report/gdc-annual-fiscal-report-2022/download - ADOC COMMISSIONER ANNOUNCES PAY INCREASES FOR CORRECTIONAL OFFICERS - Alabama Department of Corrections, Alabama Department of Corrections (2023-03-07) [press_release, primary] URL: https://www.doc.alabama.gov/2023/03/07/adoc-commissioner-announces-pay-increases-for-correctional-officers/ - Amended FY 2025, Georgia House Budget and Research Office [official_report, primary] URL: https://www.legis.ga.gov/api/document/docs/default-source/house-budget-and-research-office-document-library/2025-fiscal-year/amended_fy_2025_house_and_senate_differences.pdf?sfvrsn=76015aa0_2 - Annual Workforce Report, Georgia Department of Administrative Services (2023-01-01) [official_report, primary] URL: https://doas.ga.gov/sites/default/files/2023-11/Annual%20Workforce%20Report%20%20Fiscal%20Year%20End%202023%20(1).pdf - Board Meeting Minutes March 2016, Georgia Department of Corrections (2016-03-01) [official_report, primary] URL: https://gdc.georgia.gov/document/board-meeting-minutes/board-meeting-minutes-march-2016/download - Board of Corrections Meeting Minutes, April 3, 2025, Georgia Department of Corrections (2025-04-03) [official_report, primary] URL: https://gdc.georgia.gov/document/board-meeting-minutes/board-meeting-minutes-april-2025/download - Board of Corrections, board meeting minutes march 2022, Georgia Department of Corrections (2022-03-01) [official_report, primary] URL: https://gdc.georgia.gov/document/board-meeting-minutes/board-meeting-minutes-march-2022/download - Cobb County Sheriff's Office - Salary, Cobb County Sheriff's Office (2024-01-01) [data_portal, primary] URL: https://www.cobbsheriff.org/careers/salary - Correctional Officer - Florida Department of Corrections Jobs, Florida Department of Corrections (2026-01-01) [data_portal, primary] URL: https://www.fldocjobs.com/career-paths/correctional-officer - Correctional Officer (dac.nc.gov), North Carolina Department of Adult Correction (2022-01-01) [official_report, primary] URL: https://www.dac.nc.gov/documents/files/correctional-officer-step-pay-chart-2022/download - Corrections Employment - Gwinnett County - Gwinnett, Gwinnett County (2026-01-01) [official_report, primary] URL: https://www.gwinnettcounty.com/government/departments/corrections/employment - Corrections1, Georgia CO vacancies, Corrections1 (2022-01-01) [journalism, secondary] URL: https://www.corrections1.com/prison-staffing/nearly-half-of-ga-corrections-officers-positions-vacant - CRIPA Investigation of Georgia Prisons, U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division (2024-10-01) [official_report, primary] URL: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga/media/1371541/dl?inline= - Dekalb County Sheriff, DeKalb County Sheriff's Office (2026-01-01) [data_portal, primary] URL: https://www.dekalbsheriff.org/careers/detention-officer/ - DOAA State Corrections and Community Officers Audit (2013-12), Georgia Department of Audits and Accounts by Georgia Department of Audits and Accounts (2013-12-01) [official_report, primary] URL: https://www.audits.ga.gov/ReportSearch/download/16667 - Draft – for Doas Review, Georgia Department of Administrative Services (2025-01-01) [official_report, primary] URL: https://doas.ga.gov/sites/default/files/2025-10/FY25%20DOAS%20Workforce%20Report.pdf - FCSO FAQ | Fulton County Sheriff Office Questions, Fulton County Sheriff's Office (2026-01-01) [data_portal, primary] URL: https://fcsoga.org/faq/ - Fiscal '26 state budget clears General Assembly, The Current, The Current Georgia (2025-04-04) [journalism, secondary] URL: https://thecurrentga.org/2025/04/04/fiscal-26-state-budget-clears-general-assembly/ - Follow-Up Review Report No. 16-03 May 2016, Georgia Department of Audits and Accounts (2016-01-01) [official_report, primary] URL: https://www.audits.ga.gov/ReportSearch/download/19064 - FY23 Annual Report, Georgia Department of Corrections (2023-01-01) [official_report, primary] URL: https://gdc.georgia.gov/document/gdc-annual-fiscal-report/gdc-annual-fiscal-report-2023/download - FY24 Annual Report, Georgia Department of Corrections (2024-01-01) [official_report, primary] URL: https://gdc.georgia.gov/document/gdc-annual-fiscal-report/gdc-annual-fiscal-report-2024/download - 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. officials hope pay raise will slow correctional officer turnover, Corrections1 [journalism, secondary] URL: https://www.corrections1.com/corrections-jobs-careers/articles/ga-officials-hope-pay-raise-will-slow-correctional-officer-turnover-QxyX1Pv1gDTYB9k1/ - GDC Annual Fiscal Report 2019, Georgia Department of Corrections (2019-01-01) [official_report, primary] URL: https://gdc.georgia.gov/document/gdc-annual-fiscal-report/gdc-annual-fiscal-report-2019/download - GDC Unveils New Uniforms for Correctional Officers | Georgia Department of Corrections, Georgia Department of Corrections (2019-01-01) [press_release, primary] URL: https://gdc.georgia.gov/press-releases/2019-05-08/gdc-unveils-new-uniforms-correctional-officers - gdc.georgia.gov: gdc annual fiscal report 2021, Georgia Department of Corrections (2021-01-01) [official_report, primary] URL: https://gdc.georgia.gov/document/gdc-annual-fiscal-report/gdc-annual-fiscal-report-2021/download - Georgia Department of Corrections SOP 104.07, Position Actions (passage checked against GPS's copy), Georgia Department of Corrections [official_report, primary] URL: https://public.powerdms.com/GADOC/documents/105185 - Georgia Department of Corrections SOP 104.37, Working Hours, Overtime, and Compensatory Time (passage checked against GPS's copy), Georgia Department of Corrections [official_report, primary] URL: https://public.powerdms.com/GADOC/documents/105251 - Georgia Department of Corrections SOP 208.06, Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) Sexually Abusive Behavior Prevention and Intervention Program (passage checked against GPS's copy), Georgia Department of Corrections (2026-01-01) [official_report, primary] URL: https://public.powerdms.com/GADOC/documents/105640 - Georgia prisons are in crisis, say consultants hired by Gov. Kemp, Atlanta Journal-Constitution (2025-01-01) [journalism, secondary] URL: https://www.ajc.com/news/investigations/georgia-prisons-in-crisis-say-consultants-hired-by-governor/5P6BELWL4ZE7LK2BKWP3QT6Y2E/ - Georgia prisons chief pitches spending hikes for staffing, infrastructure needs | Georgia Public Broadcasting, Georgia Public Broadcasting (2025-01-28) [journalism, secondary] URL: https://www.gpb.org/news/2025/01/28/georgia-prisons-chief-pitches-spending-hikes-for-staffing-infrastructure-needs - Georgia's Valdosta State Prison becomes deadlier amid corruption, staffing shortage, Atlanta Journal-Constitution, August 15, 2024, Atlanta Journal-Constitution (2024-08-15) [journalism, secondary] URL: https://www.ajc.com/news/investigations/south-georgia-prison-becomes-deadlier-amid-corruption-extreme-staffing-shortage/SNRQF6634NEUFITHKSYKWWC36A/ - Gov. Kemp Unveils Recommendations from System-wide Corrections System Assessment, Office of Governor Brian Kemp, Office of Governor Brian Kemp (2025-01-07) [press_release, primary] URL: https://gov.georgia.gov/press-releases/2025-01-07/gov-kemp-unveils-recommendations-system-wide-corrections-system - Governor seeks $600M to fix Ga. prisons, improve staffing and safety, Corrections1/Atlanta Journal-Constitution (2025-01-07) [journalism, secondary] URL: https://www.corrections1.com/jail-management/governor-seeks-600m-to-fix-ga-prisons-improve-staffing-and-safety - Governor's Budget Report, AFY 2025 and FY 2026, Georgia Office of Planning and Budget (2025-01-01) [official_report, primary] URL: https://opb.georgia.gov/document/governors-budget-reports/afy-2025-and-fy-2026-governors-budget-report/download - Governor's Budget Report, AFY 2026 and FY 2027, Georgia Office of Planning and Budget (2026-01-01) [official_report, primary] URL: https://opb.georgia.gov/document/governors-budget-reports-current-year/afy-2026-fy-2027-governors-budget-report/download - Horrific Conditions Create Humanitarian Crisis at Valdosta State Prison – Southern Center for Human Rights – Equality. Dignity. Justice., Southern Center for Human Rights (2026-10-01) [press_release, primary] URL: https://web.archive.org/web/20261002072427id_/https://www.schr.org/horrific-conditions-create-humanitarian-crisis-at-valdosta-state-prison/ - Horrific Conditions Create Humanitarian Crisis at Valdosta State Prison – Southern Center for Human Rights – Equality. Dignity. Justice., horrific conditions create humanitarian crisis at valdosta state prison [1], Southern Center for Human Rights (2026-01-01) [official_report, primary] URL: https://web.archive.org/web/2026/https://www.schr.org/horrific-conditions-create-humanitarian-crisis-at-valdosta-state-prison/ - House Budget and Research Office, fy 2026 highlights conference committee (hb 68), Georgia House Budget and Research Office [official_report, primary] URL: https://www.legis.ga.gov/api/document/docs/default-source/house-budget-and-research-office-document-library/2026-fiscal-year/fy_2026_highlights_conference_committee_(hb_68).pdf?sfvrsn=7e6e093b_2 - House Budget and Research Office, fy 2027 highlights cc final, Georgia House Budget and Research Office [official_report, primary] URL: https://www.legis.ga.gov/api/document/docs/default-source/house-budget-and-research-office-document-library/2027-fiscal-year/fy_2027_highlights_cc_final.pdf?sfvrsn=1c44f2ce_2 - Introduction (doas.ga.gov), Georgia Department of Administrative Services [official_report, primary] URL: https://doas.ga.gov/sites/default/files/assets/Human%20Resources%20Administration/Workforce%20Reports/FY-2019-Report.pdf - Job Bulletin (governmentjobs.com), Cobb County Government (2021-03-01) [data_portal, primary] URL: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/cobbcounty/jobs/newprint/3000477 - Job Opportunities | Safety. Service. Stewardship., South Carolina Department of Corrections (2026-01-01) [data_portal, primary] URL: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/sc/scdc/jobs/4976759/correctional-officer - jobs.gdc.ga.gov: vacancyPostingLink.jsp, Georgia Department of Corrections (2026-01-01) [data_portal, primary] URL: https://jobs.gdc.ga.gov/jsp/vacancyPostingLink.jsp?vacancyId=93346 - Kemp unveils plan to spend millions intended to restore order in Georgia prisons - The Current, The Current (2025-01-08) [journalism, secondary] URL: https://thecurrentga.org/2025/01/08/kemp-unveils-plan-to-spend-millions-intended-to-restore-order-in-georgia-prisons/ - Kemp unveils plan to spend millions intended to restore order in Georgia prisons • Georgia Recorder, Georgia Recorder (2025-01-08) [journalism, secondary] URL: https://web.archive.org/web/20260709142034id_/https://georgiarecorder.com/2025/01/08/kemp-unveils-plan-to-to-spend-millions-intended-to-restore-order-in-georgia-prisons/ - Lawmakers call for action on crisis in Georgia’s state prisons, Atlanta Journal-Constitution [journalism, secondary] URL: https://www.ajc.com/news/investigations/lawmakers-call-for-action-on-crisis-in-georgias-state-prisons/D6TTJYYZVNFHJGI6D4AUD55CGM/ - North Carolina launches fast-track hiring pilot as prison staffing shortages persist, Corrections1 (2026-01-01) [journalism, secondary] URL: https://www.corrections1.com/recruitment/n-c-launches-hiring-pilot-as-state-ranks-49th-in-correctional-officer-starting-pay - October 1, 2026, Southern Center for Human Rights (2026-10-01) [legal_document, primary] URL: https://web.archive.org/web/20261002072427/https://www.schr.org/wp-content/uploads/20262026.10.01-Letter-of-Concern-Re-Unconstitutional-Conditions-at-VSP.pdf - Prisons facing staffing shortages: Ga. reports 49% turnover rate | Tifton Gazette, Tifton Gazette (2022-01-01) [journalism, secondary] URL: https://tiftongazette.com/2022/01/20/prisons-facing-staffing-shortages-ga-reports-49-turnover-rate/ - Pu Tting (opb.georgia.gov), Georgia Office of Planning and Budget [official_report, primary] URL: https://opb.georgia.gov/document/governors-budget-reports/afy-2019-and-fy-2020-governors-budget-report/download - Salary and Benefits | Alabama Department of Corrections | Recruiting, Alabama Department of Corrections (2026-01-01) [data_portal, primary] URL: https://www.join.doc.alabama.gov/salary-and-benefits - 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 - Staff Shortages in Georgia Prisons Reach Crisis Levels, Prison Legal News (2021-06-01) [journalism, secondary] URL: https://www.prisonlegalnews.org/news/2021/jun/1/staff-shortages-georgia-prisons-reach-crisis-levels/ - State Corrections Ordered To Follow Federal Overtime Laws | Georgia Public Broadcasting, Georgia Public Broadcasting (2018-01-01) [journalism, secondary] URL: https://www.gpb.org/news/2018/10/03/state-corrections-ordered-follow-federal-overtime-laws - State of Georgia, Fiscal Year End 2021 Workforce Report, Georgia Department of Administrative Services [official_report, primary] URL: https://doas.ga.gov/sites/default/files/assets/Human%20Resources%20Administration/Workforce%20Reports/Fiscal%20Year%20End%202021%20Workforce%20Report.pdf - State of Georgia, FY2022 Workforce Report, Georgia Department of Administrative Services (2022-01-01) [official_report, primary] URL: https://doas.ga.gov/sites/default/files/2024-04/FY2022%20Workforce%20Report.pdf - State of Tennessee, Tennessee Department of Correction (2026-01-01) [data_portal, primary] URL: https://www.tn.gov/correction/eo/choose-a-career/correctional-officer.html - The Governor's, afy 2022 and fy 2023 governor budget report, Georgia Governor's Office of Planning and Budget [official_report, primary] URL: https://opb.georgia.gov/document/governors-budget-reports/afy-2022-and-fy-2023-governor-budget-report/download - The Governor's, afy 2023 and fy 2024 governors budget report, Georgia Office of Planning and Budget (2023-01-01) [official_report, primary] URL: https://opb.georgia.gov/document/governors-budget-reports/afy-2023-and-fy-2024-governors-budget-report/download - The Governor's, afy 2024 and fy 2025 governors budget report, Georgia Office of Planning and Budget (2024-01-01) [official_report, primary] URL: https://opb.georgia.gov/document/governors-budget-reports/afy-2024-and-fy-2025-governors-budget-report/download - The Governor’ (opb.georgia.gov), Georgia Office of Planning and Budget (2021-01-01) [official_report, primary] URL: https://opb.georgia.gov/document/governors-budget-reports/afy-2021-and-fy-2022-governors-budget-report/download - The Governor’s Budget Report, Georgia Office of Planning and Budget (2020-01-01) [official_report, primary] URL: https://opb.georgia.gov/document/governors-budget-reports/afy-2020-and-fy-2021-governors-budget-report/download - U.S. Department of Labor Recovers $429,005 in Back Wages For Georgia Department of Corrections Officers | U.S. Department of Labor, U.S. Department of Labor (2018-09-26) [press_release, primary] URL: https://web.archive.org/web/20260219062152id_/https://www.dol.gov/newsroom/releases/whd/whd20180926 - Violence, suicides mount in Georgia’s woefully understaffed prisons, Atlanta Journal-Constitution (2022-01-01) [journalism, secondary] URL: https://www.ajc.com/sp/news/investigations/prisons-understaffed/ - WALB Investigates: DOJ calls extreme staffing shortages a ‘persistent problem’ in Georgia prisons, WALB (2021-10-14) [journalism, secondary] URL: https://www.walb.com/2021/10/14/walb-investigates-doj-calls-extreme-staffing-shortages-persistent-problem-georgia-prisons/ - What's behind the understaffing at Georgia prisons? Ask the staff | Georgia Public Broadcasting, Georgia Public Broadcasting (2022-01-24) [journalism, secondary] URL: https://www.gpb.org/news/2022/01/24/whats-behind-the-understaffing-at-georgia-prisons-ask-the-staff