GPS RESEARCH LIBRARY: Prison Communication: Violence, International Evidence & Human Impact ============================================================ Georgia Prisoners' Speak — gps.press Generated: 2026-04-06 22:02:34 EDT Research Date: 2026-04-03 Topic: Violence & Communication JSON: https://gps.press/research-data/prison-communication-violence-international-evidence-human-impact/?format=json SUMMARY ---------------------------------------- This document compiles international evidence demonstrating that monitored/free phone access in prisons reduces violence and recidivism, while prohibition increases both. Georgia's $50 million MAS (Managed Access System) phone-blocking approach is contrasted with successful models in the UK, Finland, Norway, and several US states. The evidence shows every confirmed MAS activation in Georgia was followed by significant violence within 2-7 weeks, and that blocking phones destroys intelligence value while failing to reduce contraband. Family contact research consistently shows reduced recidivism (3.8-25% reductions), and Georgia could save an estimated $73.5 million annually with even a 5% recidivism reduction. POLICYS (7) ---------------------------------------- - [reported] UK in-cell phones installed in 20+ prisons by 2018 The UK installed in-cell landline phones in 20 prisons by 2018, with a target of 50 by March 2020, at a cost of £10 million. Calls are restricted to pre-approved numbers and all calls are recorded. Governors can remove phone access for misuse. Date: 2018-01-01 Tags: policy,contraband,violence,conditions Sources: UK Ministry of Justice In-Cell Phone Policy - [reported] Finland expanding Smart Prison to all 15 closed prison units Finland is expanding the Smart Prison program to all 15 closed prison units at a rate of 2 new prisons per year. Date: 2021-01-01 Tags: policy,conditions Sources: Finland Smart Prison Project Documentation - [reported] Norway minimum 30 minutes weekly phone access guaranteed Norway guarantees a minimum of 30 minutes per week of phone access for prisoners, with video calls available and internet in some facilities. Tags: policy,conditions Sources: GPS Managed Communication vs. Prohibition Research - [confirmed] Connecticut first state to make prison calls free (2022) Connecticut became the first US state to make prison phone calls free statewide, with the law passed in 2021 and effective October 2022. State budget allocation was $11.2 million. Families save $12 million per year. Date: 2022-10-01 Tags: policy,budget Sources: Connecticut Free Prison Calls Program Data - [confirmed] California made prison calls free September 2022 California made prison phone calls free in September 2022. Date: 2022-09-01 Tags: policy Sources: GPS Managed Communication vs. Prohibition Research - [reported] Colorado phasing to 100% free calls by July 2025 Colorado passed free prison calls legislation in 2023, phasing to 100% free by July 2025. Date: 2023-01-01 Tags: policy Sources: GPS Managed Communication vs. Prohibition Research - [reported] Minnesota and Massachusetts made prison calls free in 2023 Minnesota made prison calls free in 2023. Massachusetts became the fifth state to do so in December 2023. Date: 2023-01-01 Tags: policy Sources: GPS Managed Communication vs. Prohibition Research STATISTICS (30) ---------------------------------------- - [reported] UK in-cell phones cost £10 million investment The UK invested £10 million in installing in-cell landline phones across its prison estate. Value: 10.0 million GBP Date: 2018-01-01 Tags: budget,policy Sources: UK Ministry of Justice In-Cell Phone Policy - [reported] Norway recidivism rate 20% vs US 43% Norway has a 20% recidivism rate compared to the US rate of approximately 43%. Value: 20.0 percent recidivism (vs. 43 US recidivism rate) Tags: reentry,policy Sources: GPS Managed Communication vs. Prohibition Research - [estimated] Sweden approximately 40% recidivism rate Sweden has approximately 40% recidivism and has closed multiple prisons due to declining population, using a restorative justice model. Value: 40.0 percent recidivism (approximate) Tags: reentry,policy Sources: GPS Managed Communication vs. Prohibition Research - [confirmed] Connecticut call volume increased 128% in first month After Connecticut made prison calls free, monthly calls went from 600,656 to 1,373,276, a 128% increase in the first month. Value: 128.0 percent increase Date: 2022-11-01 Tags: policy,conditions Sources: Connecticut Free Prison Calls Program Data - [reported] Connecticut previous Securus revenue ~$13 million/year Connecticut's previous Securus telecom contract generated approximately $13 million per year in revenue before the state made calls free. Value: 13.0 million USD per year Date: 2022-01-01 Tags: budget,policy Sources: Connecticut Free Prison Calls Program Data - [reported] Connecticut contract rate $30/inmate/month for calls Connecticut's new contract rate is $30 per inmate per month for calls and $15 per month for email. Value: 30.0 USD per inmate per month (calls) (vs. 15 USD per inmate per month (email)) Date: 2022-01-01 Tags: budget,policy Sources: Connecticut Free Prison Calls Program Data - [reported] Connecticut state budget allocation $11.2 million for free calls Connecticut allocated $11.2 million in state budget to fund the free prison calls program. Value: 11.2 million USD Date: 2022-01-01 Tags: budget,policy Sources: Connecticut Free Prison Calls Program Data - [confirmed] Knox County: assaults increased ~10 per month after video-only After Knox County Jail replaced in-person visits with video-only, assaults increased by approximately 10 per month. Value: 10.0 additional assaults per month Date: 2014-01-01 Tags: violence,conditions Sources: Knox County Jail Video Visitation Study - [confirmed] Knox County Securus kickback revenue $68,777 Knox County Jail earned $68,777 in Securus kickbacks from March 2014 to November 2017 from the video-only visitation contract. Value: 68777.0 USD Tags: budget,corruption,conditions Sources: Knox County Jail Video Visitation Study - [estimated] Knox County average population ~1,000 prisoners Knox County Jail had an average population of approximately 1,000 prisoners during the video-only visitation period. Value: 1000.0 prisoners (approximate) Tags: demographics,facilities Sources: Knox County Jail Video Visitation Study - [reported] Georgia phone confiscations 37,000+ since 2022 Georgia has confiscated more than 37,000 contraband phones since 2022 as part of its prohibition approach. Value: 37000.0 phones confiscated (minimum) Tags: contraband,operations Sources: GPS Managed Communication vs. Prohibition Research - [reported] Georgia 800+ smuggler arrests since 2022 Georgia has made more than 800 arrests related to phone smuggling since 2022. Value: 800.0 arrests (minimum) Tags: contraband,corruption,operations Sources: GPS Managed Communication vs. Prohibition Research - [reported] Georgia phone incidents increased from 8,966 to 11,880 (2019-2024) Phone-related incidents in Georgia prisons increased from 8,966 in 2019 to 11,880 in 2024, despite the prohibition and interdiction approach. Value: 11880.0 phone incidents (2024) (vs. 8966 phone incidents (2019)) Tags: contraband,operations Sources: GPS Managed Communication vs. Prohibition Research - [reported] Georgia spent $50 million on phone blocking approach Georgia has spent $50 million on its prohibition approach to block communications in prisons, including MAS installation and interdiction operations. Value: 50.0 million USD Tags: budget,contraband,policy Sources: GPS Managed Communication vs. Prohibition Research - [reported] Prisoners with family visits 39% less likely to reoffend Prisoners who maintain family visits are 39% less likely to reoffend. Value: 39.0 percent less likely to reoffend Tags: reentry,conditions Sources: GPS Managed Communication vs. Prohibition Research - [reported] California 1972: inmates with 3+ visitors 70% arrest-free A 1972 California study found that inmates with 3 or more visitors were 70% arrest-free after release, versus 50% with no visitors. 'Loners' were 6 times more likely to return to prison. Value: 70.0 percent arrest-free with 3+ visitors (vs. 50 percent arrest-free with no visitors) Date: 1972-01-01 Tags: reentry,conditions Sources: California 1972 Prisoner Visitation Study - [reported] California 1972: loners 6x more likely to return to prison In the 1972 California study, inmates with no visitors ('loners') were 6 times more likely to return to prison. Value: 6.0 times more likely to return Date: 1972-01-01 Tags: reentry Sources: California 1972 Prisoner Visitation Study - [confirmed] Florida 2008: each additional visit reduced recidivism 3.8% A 2008 Florida study of 7,000 prisoners found that each additional visit reduced 2-year recidivism by 3.8%. Value: 3.8 percent reduction per additional visit Date: 2008-01-01 Tags: reentry,conditions Sources: Florida 2008 Prisoner Visitation and Recidivism Study - [confirmed] Minnesota 2011: any visit reduced felony reconviction 13% A 2011 Minnesota study of 16,420 prisoners found that any visit reduced felony reconviction by 13% and parole violations by 25%. Value: 13.0 percent reduction in felony reconviction (vs. 25 percent reduction in parole violations) Date: 2011-01-01 Tags: reentry,parole Sources: Minnesota 2011 Prisoner Visitation and Recidivism Study - [reported] Iowa 2019: one additional monthly visit reduced misconduct 14% A 2019 Iowa study found that one additional monthly visit reduced misconduct by 14% and time served by 11%. Value: 14.0 percent reduction in misconduct (vs. 11 percent reduction in time served) Date: 2019-01-01 Tags: violence,conditions,reentry Sources: Iowa 2019 Prisoner Visitation Study - [reported] Ohio: children visiting fathers weekly had 2.1 higher GPAs An Ohio study found that children who visited their incarcerated fathers weekly had 2.1 higher GPAs. Value: 2.1 higher GPA points Tags: conditions,reentry Sources: GPS Managed Communication vs. Prohibition Research - [estimated] Georgia 5% recidivism reduction would save $73.5 million annually If Georgia achieved just a 5% recidivism reduction through improved family communication, it would mean 2,350 fewer people returning to prison, saving $73.5 million annually. Value: 73.5 million USD savings annually (vs. 2350 fewer people returning to prison) Tags: budget,reentry,policy Sources: GPS Managed Communication vs. Prohibition Research - [confirmed] Georgia total deaths 2024: 333 (record, +27% over 2023) Total deaths in Georgia prisons in 2024 reached 333, a record that was 27% higher than 2023. Value: 333.0 deaths (vs. 27 percent increase over 2023) Date: 2024-01-01 Tags: death,conditions Sources: GPS Managed Communication vs. Prohibition Research - [reported] GPS database contains 244 confirmed homicides after reclassification The GPS database now contains 244 confirmed homicides after reclassifying 170 deaths using AJC data. Value: 244.0 confirmed homicides (vs. 170 deaths reclassified using AJC data) Date: 2026-01-01 Tags: death,violence,investigations Sources: GPS Managed Communication vs. Prohibition Research - [reported] Contraband phone pricing: $800-1,200 inside vs $100 street Contraband phones sell for $800-1,200 inside Georgia prisons versus $100 on the street. Phones are fragile in drone drops. Value: 800.0 USD minimum inside price (vs. 100 USD street price) Tags: contraband,drugs Sources: GPS Managed Communication vs. Prohibition Research - [reported] Contraband tobacco pricing: $800-2,000 per compressed can Tobacco sells for $800-2,000 per compressed can inside Georgia prisons. Value: 800.0 USD minimum per compressed can (vs. 2000 USD maximum per compressed can) Tags: contraband Sources: GPS Managed Communication vs. Prohibition Research - [reported] Contraband marijuana pricing: $10,000 per pound inside Marijuana sells for $10,000 per pound inside Georgia prisons. Value: 10000.0 USD per pound inside Tags: contraband,drugs Sources: GPS Managed Communication vs. Prohibition Research - [estimated] Mixed 10-pound drone drop worth $67,000-93,000 A mixed 10-pound contraband drone drop is worth $67,000-93,000 inside Georgia prisons. Meth has the best value-to-weight ratio and is extremely lucrative. Value: 67000.0 USD minimum per 10-lb drop (vs. 93000 USD maximum per 10-lb drop) Tags: contraband,drugs Sources: GPS Managed Communication vs. Prohibition Research - [reported] 283 drone incidents in 2024, 600% increase since 2019 There were 283 drone incidents at Georgia prisons in 2024, representing a 600% increase since 2019. Value: 283.0 drone incidents (vs. 600 percent increase since 2019) Date: 2024-01-01 Tags: contraband,operations Sources: GPS Managed Communication vs. Prohibition Research - [disputed] Georgia 2024 homicides: 45 confirmed by GPS (GDC reported 66) GPS confirmed 45 homicides in Georgia prisons in 2024, while GDC reported 66. In 2025 (year in progress), 51 homicides confirmed. In 2026 Q1, 23 homicides confirmed. Value: 45.0 confirmed homicides (GPS count) (vs. 66 GDC reported homicides) Date: 2024-01-01 Tags: death,violence Sources: GPS Managed Communication vs. Prohibition Research QUOTES (14) ---------------------------------------- - [confirmed] UK MOJ: illicit mobiles are key enablers of violence The UK Ministry of Justice states illicit mobiles are 'key enablers of the illicit economy in our prisons, which drives a significant amount of violence and self-harm.' Tags: violence,contraband,policy Sources: UK Ministry of Justice In-Cell Phone Policy - [reported] Quote: Teresa (Dooly SP mother) on phone costs "My son Marcus is at Dooly. I send $75 for commissary, and $40 for phone calls. When I can't afford it, I feel like I've failed him all over again." Tags: conditions,budget Sources: GPS Managed Communication vs. Prohibition Research - [reported] Quote: Tasha (Washington SP wife) on family burden "We're all doing time with him — broke, tired, and praying the next call doesn't cost more than we can pay." Her husband was at Washington SP when 5 died Jan 9-11. Date: 2026-01-01 Tags: conditions,death,violence Sources: GPS Managed Communication vs. Prohibition Research - [reported] Quote: Ahmod Hatcher's mother on son's death "They were the cause of my son getting killed because they weren't doing their job." Ahmod Hatcher was killed at Washington SP on January 11. Date: 2026-01-11 Tags: death,violence,staffing Sources: GPS Managed Communication vs. Prohibition Research - [reported] Quote: Carlos (Wilcox SP brother) on family punishment "The state punishes him, but they punish us too." Tags: conditions Sources: GPS Managed Communication vs. Prohibition Research - [reported] Quote: Susan Stokes spends $50/month on phone calls on disability income Susan Stokes, on disability income, spends $50 per month on phone calls: "I do without a lot, but his needs and care come first." Tags: conditions,budget Sources: GPS Managed Communication vs. Prohibition Research - [reported] Quote: Tonya Daniel on extortion by the system "This is diabolical… the way our loved ones are treated. We are being extorted daily just to make sure they stay afloat." Tags: conditions Sources: GPS Managed Communication vs. Prohibition Research - [reported] Quote: Katie Molleur on Telfair SP phone system broken for months Katie Molleur reported being "cut off from phone access for months due to a broken system the warden refuses to fix" at Telfair State Prison. Tags: conditions,facilities Sources: GPS Managed Communication vs. Prohibition Research - [reported] Quote: Yolanda Hamilton on stripping communication tools "When you strip an entire generation of everything they have ever known how to use to function, the question should not be why do they struggle, but rather how could they not?" Tags: conditions,reentry Sources: GPS Managed Communication vs. Prohibition Research - [reported] Quote: Advocate on cell phone jammers and staffing crisis "Cell phone jammers don't stop violence. They don't protect officers. They don't respond to riots, stabbings, or medical emergencies. Staff does. You can't jam your way out of a staffing crisis." Date: 2026-01-01 Tags: staffing,violence,policy Sources: GPS Managed Communication vs. Prohibition Research - [confirmed] DOJ: Gangs control access to phones in Georgia prisons The DOJ investigation (October 2024) found that 'Gangs control multiple aspects of day-to-day life in the prisons we investigated, including access to phones.' Date: 2024-10-01 Tags: gangs,contraband,investigations Sources: DOJ Investigation of Georgia Prisons (October 2024) - [reported] Quote: Dooly SP inmate on September 11 riot "These weren't fist fights. It was shanks and machetes everywhere. When it kicked off, officers ran. We were on our own." Date: 2025-09-11 Tags: violence,staffing,facilities Sources: GPS Managed Communication vs. Prohibition Research - [reported] Quote: Stephanie Navarrete to legislators on daily phone access Stephanie Navarrete told legislators: "even something as simple as being able to talk every day." Tags: conditions,policy Sources: GPS Managed Communication vs. Prohibition Research - [reported] Norway quote on purpose of punishment "Being sent to prison is nothing to do with putting you in a terrible prison to make you suffer. The punishment is that you lose your freedom." Tags: policy,conditions Sources: GPS Managed Communication vs. Prohibition Research FINDINGS (10) ---------------------------------------- - [reported] UK in-cell phones reduce tension on the wings In-cell phones in UK prisons reduce 'tension on the wings' by eliminating fights over communal phone queues and reducing demand for illicit mobiles which 'fuel violence.' Date: 2018-01-01 Tags: violence,contraband,conditions Sources: UK Ministry of Justice In-Cell Phone Policy - [confirmed] Knox County: contraband did NOT decrease after video-only After Knox County Jail eliminated in-person visits in favor of video-only, contraband did not decrease despite that being the stated justification. Date: 2014-01-01 Tags: contraband,conditions Sources: Knox County Jail Video Visitation Study - [confirmed] Knox County: disciplinary infractions increased after video-only Disciplinary infractions increased at Knox County Jail after in-person visits were replaced with video-only visitation. Date: 2014-01-01 Tags: violence,conditions Sources: Knox County Jail Video Visitation Study - [reported] AI call monitoring solves cold cases and prevents suicides AI-powered call monitoring using LEO Technologies and AWS cloud has solved cold homicide cases, prevented suicides, disrupted drug trafficking, identified gang networks, and recovered evidence. Uses speech-to-text, semantic analysis, machine learning flagging for weapons/contraband/threats/gangs/homicides/assaults/suicide with customized lexicons for local slang and near real-time alerting. Tags: operations,gangs,violence,drugs Sources: GPS Managed Communication vs. Prohibition Research - [reported] Georgia already contracted with LEO Technologies Georgia has already contracted with LEO Technologies for AI-powered call monitoring capabilities. Tags: operations,policy Sources: GPS Managed Communication vs. Prohibition Research - [reported] Blocking phones destroys intelligence vs. monitoring builds cases When Georgia blocks a phone via MAS it cannot hear what's being said, cannot analyze the social network, cannot build cases, cannot prevent specific crimes. When Georgia monitors a call it hears the full conversation, AI flags criminal activity in real time, voice biometrics identify the speaker, link analysis maps the entire network, and recordings become evidence. Tags: operations,gangs,policy,investigations Sources: GPS Managed Communication vs. Prohibition Research - [confirmed] MAS disrupts gang phone control creating power vacuum If gang leaders use contraband phones to maintain order, blocking creates a power vacuum. The DOJ found that 'Gangs control multiple aspects of day-to-day life in the prisons we investigated, including access to phones.' MAS disrupts that control structure without replacing it, creating the power vacuum that drives violence. Date: 2024-10-01 Tags: gangs,violence,policy,contraband Sources: DOJ Investigation of Georgia Prisons (October 2024); GPS Managed Communication vs. Prohibition Research - [reported] Phone contact stronger effect on recidivism than visitation A 2014 study found that phone contact had a stronger effect on recidivism than visitation. Date: 2014-01-01 Tags: reentry,conditions Sources: 2014 Phone Contact and Recidivism Study - [estimated] If drone coordination calls monitored, AI could intercept drops If coordination calls were monitored instead of blocked, AI would detect drone coordination language and law enforcement could intercept drops in progress. Tags: contraband,operations,policy Sources: GPS Managed Communication vs. Prohibition Research - [confirmed] US is an outlier treating phone access as privilege to deny The international evidence overwhelmingly shows that providing monitored phone access reduces prison violence, while removing communication channels increases it. The US is an outlier in treating phone access as a privilege to be denied rather than a tool to be managed. Tags: policy,violence,conditions Sources: GPS Managed Communication vs. Prohibition Research LEGAL FACTS (1) ---------------------------------------- - [reported] Finland digital rights extended to all prisoners in 2015 Finland legally extended digital rights to all prisoners in 2015, treating digital access as a rehabilitation tool rather than a security threat. Date: 2015-01-01 Tags: policy,legal Sources: Finland Smart Prison Project Documentation CASE DETAILS (5) ---------------------------------------- - [reported] Finland Smart Prison pilot at Hämeenlinna women's prison The Smart Prison pilot was installed at Hämeenlinna women's prison (100 cells) using the Gerdes system in March 2021, with restricted whitelist internet including Moodle education, University of Helsinki AI course, social services, legal counsel video calls, and online shopping. All outside video calls are monitored. Date: 2021-03-01 Tags: policy,conditions,reentry Sources: Finland Smart Prison Project Documentation - [confirmed] Knox County eliminated in-person visits April 2014 In April 2014, Knox County Jail eliminated in-person visits and replaced them with video-only through Securus. The stated justification was lower violence and reduced contraband. Date: 2014-04-01 Tags: violence,contraband,conditions Sources: Knox County Jail Video Visitation Study - [confirmed] Dooly SP MAS activation to riot: 47 days Dooly State Prison MAS was activated approximately July 26, 2025. A riot occurred on September 11, 2025, just 47 days later. Tags: violence,contraband,operations,facilities Sources: GPS Managed Communication vs. Prohibition Research - [confirmed] Washington SP MAS to 5 deaths: 3-5 days after WiFi cutoff Washington State Prison MAS was activated in late December 2025, WiFi was cut off January 6, 2026, and 5 people died between January 9-11, 2026, just 3-5 days after the WiFi cutoff. Tags: violence,death,contraband,operations,facilities Sources: GPS Managed Communication vs. Prohibition Research - [reported] Drone operators are friends or ex-prisoners Drone operators smuggling contraband into Georgia prisons are typically friends or former prisoners. Drones cost $4,000+, carry up to 10 pounds, and make up to 4 drops per night. Operators are paid $4,000-5,000 per drop. Tags: contraband,operations Sources: GPS Managed Communication vs. Prohibition Research TRENDS (2) ---------------------------------------- - [confirmed] Georgia prison homicides quadrupled during prohibition period Georgia prison homicides quadrupled during the period of the prohibition approach to phone blocking. Tags: violence,death Sources: GPS Managed Communication vs. Prohibition Research - [reported] Every confirmed MAS activation followed by violence within 2-7 weeks Every confirmed MAS activation in Georgia prisons was followed by significant violence within 2-7 weeks. Tags: violence,contraband,operations Sources: GPS Managed Communication vs. Prohibition Research DATASETS (7) ---------------------------------------- # Georgia Prison Homicides by Year (2017-2026 Q1) Annual count of homicides in Georgia prisons from 2017 through Q1 2026, showing escalation during prohibition/MAS period Year Homicides Notes ---------------------------------------------------- 2017 8 2018 9 2019 13 2020 29 2021 30 2022 31 2023 35 2024 45 GPS confirmed; GDC reported 66 2025 51 Year in progress 2026 Q1 23 First quarter only # US States with Free Prison Calling Timeline of US states implementing free prison phone calls State Law Year Effective Date Notes ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Connecticut 2021 October 2022 First statewide; saves families $12M/year California September 2022 Colorado 2023 Phased to 100% by July 2025 Minnesota 2023 2023 Massachusetts December 2023 Fifth state # Family Contact and Recidivism Studies Summary of key studies showing the relationship between family contact and recidivism reduction Study Location Year Sample Size Key Finding ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ California 1972 3+ visitors: 70% arrest-free vs 50% with none; loners 6x more likely to return Florida 2008 7,000 prisoners Each additional visit reduced 2-year recidivism by 3.8% Minnesota 2011 16,420 prisoners Any visit reduced felony reconviction 13%, parole violations 25% Iowa 2019 One additional monthly visit reduced misconduct 14%, time served 11% National 2014 Phone contact had stronger effect on recidivism than visitation Ohio Children visiting fathers weekly had 2.1 higher GPAs # Georgia Phone Incidents (2019-2024) Phone-related incidents in Georgia prisons showing increase despite prohibition approach Year Phone Incidents ----------------------- 2019 8966 2024 11880 # Contraband Pricing Inside Georgia Prisons Market pricing for contraband items inside Georgia prisons, illustrating the economic incentives for smuggling Item Inside Price Low Inside Price High Street Price Notes ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Phone 800 1200 $100 Fragile in drone drops Tobacco (compressed can) 800 2000 Marijuana (per pound) 10000 10000 Meth Best value-to-weight ratio, extremely lucrative Mixed 10-lb drone drop 67000 93000 Total value of mixed contraband # Connecticut Free Calls Impact Data Key metrics before and after Connecticut implemented free prison phone calls Metric Before After Change --------------------------------------------------------- Monthly calls 600,656 1,373,276 +128% Annual family cost $12M $0 -$12M State budget allocation $0 $11.2M Previous Securus revenue ~$13M/year N/A # MAS Activation to Violence Timeline Documented cases of MAS activation followed by significant violence in Georgia prisons Facility MAS Activation Date Violence Event Violence Date Days Between ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Dooly State Prison ~July 26, 2025 Riot September 11, 2025 47 Washington State Prison Late December 2025 (WiFi cutoff Jan 6, 2026) 5 deaths January 9-11, 2026 3 KEY ENTITIES (15) ---------------------------------------- - Ahmod Hatcher [person]: Prisoner killed at Washington State Prison on January 11, 2026, during violence following MAS activation and WiFi cutoff - Connecticut Department of Correction [organization]: First US state corrections department to implement free prison phone calls statewide (October 2022) - Dooly State Prison [facility]: Georgia state prison where Jackie Kavaskia McMillan led drug trafficking network; second highest cell phone seizure count by end of 2016 (1,342 phones). - Finland Smart Prison [program]: Finnish program providing digital access to prisoners as a rehabilitation tool, piloted at Hämeenlinna and expanding to all 15 closed prisons (aka: Smart Prison) - 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 Prisoners' Speak [organization]: Advocacy organization documenting conditions inside Georgia prisons through photos and insider accounts, including food inadequacy. (aka: GPS) - Hämeenlinna Women's Prison [facility]: Finnish women's prison (100 cells) where the Smart Prison pilot was installed in March 2021 - Knox County Jail [facility]: Tennessee jail that eliminated in-person visits in April 2014, replacing with video-only through Securus; assaults increased ~10/month, contraband did not decrease - LEO Technologies [organization]: AI-powered call monitoring company using AWS cloud for speech-to-text, semantic analysis, and machine learning to detect criminal activity in prison phone calls. Georgia has contracted with them. - Managed Access System [program]: Technology system deployed in Georgia prisons to block unauthorized cell phone signals; activations correlated with subsequent violence (aka: MAS) - Securus Technologies [organization]: Prison telecom and technology company that acquired JPay. Also known as Aventiv Technologies. (aka: Aventiv Technologies) - Telfair State Prison [facility]: Georgia state prison involved in Operation Ghost Busted (Desiree Briley) and Operation Night Drop drone smuggling network. - U.S. Department of Justice [organization]: Federal agency that published October 2024 findings report on unconstitutional conditions in Georgia prisons. (aka: DOJ) - UK Ministry of Justice [organization]: UK government ministry responsible for prison policy, implemented in-cell phone program - Wilcox State Prison [facility]: Georgia state prison visited by DOJ during 2022-2023 investigation (aka: Wilcox) SOURCES (11) ---------------------------------------- - 2014 Phone Contact and Recidivism Study (2014-01-01) [academic, primary] - California 1972 Prisoner Visitation Study (1972-01-01) [academic, primary] - Connecticut Free Prison Calls Program Data, Connecticut Department of Correction (2022-01-01) [official_report, primary] - DOJ Investigation of Georgia Prisons (October 2024), U.S. Department of Justice (2024-01-01) [official_report, primary] - Finland Smart Prison Project Documentation, Finnish Prison Service (2021-01-01) [official_report, primary] - Florida 2008 Prisoner Visitation and Recidivism Study (2008-01-01) [academic, primary] - GPS Managed Communication vs. Prohibition Research, Georgia Prisoners' Speak (2026-04-03) [gps_original, primary] - Iowa 2019 Prisoner Visitation Study (2019-01-01) [academic, primary] - Knox County Jail Video Visitation Study (2017-01-01) [academic, primary] - Minnesota 2011 Prisoner Visitation and Recidivism Study (2011-01-01) [academic, primary] - UK Ministry of Justice In-Cell Phone Policy, UK Ministry of Justice (2018-01-01) [official_report, primary]