GPS RESEARCH LIBRARY: Women's Incarceration in Georgia: Population, Conditions, Healthcare, and Reform ============================================================ Georgia Prisoners' Speak — gps.press Generated: 2026-03-31 12:42:27 EDT Research Date: 2026-03-30 Topic: Women's Incarceration JSON: https://gps.press/research-data/womens-incarceration-in-georgia-population-conditions-healthcare-and-reform/?format=json SUMMARY ---------------------------------------- This corrections and amendments document from GPS (March 2026) supersedes initial brief data on women's facilities in the Georgia prison system, providing updated capacity, population, and death figures. Key findings include McRae Women's Facility operating at only 52.5% capacity despite a $130 million conversion, two women's facilities (Emanuel and Whitworth) operating slightly over capacity, and system-wide statistics revealing Georgia prisons operating at 216% of original design capacity with 1,767 deaths in custody since 2020 and a 52.5% correctional officer vacancy rate. STATISTICS (84) ---------------------------------------- - [confirmed] Arrendale State Prison corrected population and capacity (Feb 2026) Arrendale State Prison in Alto (Habersham County) has a capacity of 1,476 beds and a current population of 433. It is being downsized toward 112-bed transitional center status. Houses women's death row, diagnostic intake, Children's Center, and an all-female fire department. Mixed close/medium security. Value: 433.0 inmates (vs. 1476 capacity) Date: 2026-02-01 Tags: facilities,demographics,women Sources: GPS Facilities Directory Data - [confirmed] Georgia women's incarceration rate of 177 per 100,000 Georgia incarcerates women at a rate of 177 per 100,000 female residents — higher than nearly every independent nation on Earth. Value: 177.0 per 100,000 female residents Date: 2025-01-01 Tags: demographics,policy Sources: Prison Policy Initiative, Georgia Profile - [reported] Arrendale State Prison deaths in 2025 Arrendale State Prison recorded 6 deaths in 2025. Value: 6.0 deaths Date: 2025-01-01 Tags: death,facilities,women Sources: GPS Facilities Directory Data - [confirmed] 3,850 women in GDC custody as of April 2025 As of the most recent GDC Inmate Statistical Profile (April 2025), 3,850 women are confined in the Georgia Department of Corrections system, comprising 7.46% of the 52,020 total GDC population. Value: 3850.0 women (vs. 52020 total GDC population) Date: 2025-04-01 Tags: demographics,facilities Sources: GDC Inmate Statistical Profile, All Active Inmates, April 2025 - [confirmed] Emanuel Women's Facility over capacity at 100.2% Emanuel Women's Facility in Swainsboro (Emanuel County) has a capacity of 415 beds and a current population of 416, operating at 100.2% capacity. Houses mental health Levels II/III and a Braille transcription program. Value: 416.0 inmates (vs. 415 capacity) Date: 2026-02-01 Tags: facilities,demographics,women,mental_health Sources: GPS Facilities Directory Data - [confirmed] Total GDC population reached 52,855 by March 2026 As of March 2026, total GDC system population has risen to 52,855 across state prisons (34,907), transitional centers (2,761), county prisons (4,212), private prisons (8,116), probation RSAT (1,464), and probation detention (1,394). Value: 52855.0 inmates Date: 2026-03-01 Tags: demographics,facilities Sources: GPS Facilities Dashboard, GDC population totals, March 2026 - [estimated] Estimated female population approximately 3,940 by March 2026 Extrapolating at the same 7.46% share of the 52,855 total GDC population, the female population has grown to approximately 3,940. Value: 3940.0 women (estimated) Date: 2026-03-01 Tags: demographics Sources: GPS Facilities Dashboard, GDC population totals, March 2026 - [confirmed] McRae Women's Facility at 52.5% capacity — most underutilized McRae Women's Facility in McRae-Helena (Telfair County) has a capacity of 2,275 beds and a current population of 1,195, operating at only 52.5% capacity. It is Georgia's newest and largest women's prison, converted from a CoreCivic federal facility for $130 million, and opened 2024-2025. It is the most underutilized women's facility in the system. Close security. Value: 1195.0 inmates (vs. 2275 capacity) Date: 2026-02-01 Tags: facilities,demographics,women,budget Sources: GPS Facilities Directory Data - [reported] McRae Women's Facility $130 million conversion cost McRae Women's Facility was converted from a CoreCivic federal facility for $130 million and opened 2024-2025. Despite this investment, it is currently operating at only 52.5% capacity. Value: 130.0 million dollars Tags: budget,facilities,women Sources: GPS Facilities Directory Data - [reported] McRae Women's Facility deaths in 2025 McRae Women's Facility recorded 1 death in 2025. Value: 1.0 deaths Date: 2025-01-01 Tags: death,facilities,women Sources: GPS Facilities Directory Data - [confirmed] 27% female prison population growth 2022-2025 Between 2022 and 2025, the female prison population grew approximately 27% — from 3,014 to 3,850 — a surge that costs Georgia taxpayers an estimated $21 million per year in additional incarceration spending at $25,006 per person annually. Value: 27.0 percent growth Tags: demographics,budget,trend Sources: Prison Policy Initiative, Georgia Profile; GDC Inmate Statistical Profile, All Active Inmates, April 2025 - [reported] Annual cost per inmate $25,006 Georgia spends $25,006 per person annually on incarceration. The 27% female population surge costs an estimated $21 million per year in additional spending. Value: 25006.0 dollars per person per year Date: 2025-01-01 Tags: budget Sources: Prison Policy Initiative, Georgia Profile - [confirmed] Pulaski State Prison corrected capacity: 1,223 beds Pulaski State Prison in Hawkinsville (Pulaski County) has a corrected capacity of 1,223 beds (corrected from 1,212 in initial brief) and a current population of 1,185, operating at 96.9% capacity. It is the second-largest women's prison. Scene of the 2022 gang violence/extortion crisis documented by AJC and site of the Dr. Nazaire medical scandal (22 deaths). Deaths in 2025: 4. Value: 1185.0 inmates (vs. 1223 corrected capacity) Date: 2026-02-01 Tags: facilities,demographics,women Sources: GPS Facilities Directory Data - [confirmed] National state prison-only average women's incarceration rate approximately 51 per 100,000 Georgia's total women's incarceration rate of 177 per 100,000 dwarfs the national state prison-only average of approximately 51 per 100,000. Value: 51.0 per 100,000 (national average, state prison only) (vs. 177 Georgia total rate per 100,000) Date: 2025-01-01 Tags: demographics Sources: The Sentencing Project, Incarcerated Women and Girls fact sheet, December 2025 - [reported] Pulaski State Prison deaths in 2025 Pulaski State Prison recorded 4 deaths in 2025. Value: 4.0 deaths Date: 2025-01-01 Tags: death,facilities,women Sources: GPS Facilities Directory Data - [confirmed] Black women overrepresented at 41.53% of female inmates Black women are overrepresented at 41.53% of female inmates versus approximately 32% of Georgia's female population. Value: 41.53 percent of female inmates (vs. 32 percent of Georgia's female population) Date: 2025-04-01 Tags: demographics Sources: GDC Inmate Statistical Profile, All Active Inmates, April 2025 - [confirmed] Whitworth Women's Facility over capacity at 100.5% Whitworth Women's Facility in Hartwell (Hart County) has a capacity of 442 beds and a current population of 444, operating at 100.5% capacity. Medium security. Mental health Level II. Deaths in 2025: 1. Value: 444.0 inmates (vs. 442 capacity) Date: 2026-02-01 Tags: facilities,demographics,women,mental_health Sources: GPS Facilities Directory Data - [confirmed] White women constitute majority of female inmates at 56.55% Among all 3,850 active female inmates, white women constitute the majority at 56.55% (2,177 women) — a reversal of the male prison population pattern where Black men are 61.23% of inmates. Value: 56.55 percent of female inmates Date: 2025-04-01 Tags: demographics Sources: GDC Inmate Statistical Profile, All Active Inmates, April 2025 - [reported] Whitworth Women's Facility deaths in 2025 Whitworth Women's Facility recorded 1 death in 2025. Value: 1.0 deaths Date: 2025-01-01 Tags: death,facilities,women Sources: GPS Facilities Directory Data - [confirmed] Hispanic women starkly underrepresented at 1.53% of female inmates Hispanic women are starkly underrepresented at 1.53% of female inmates versus approximately 10% of the state's female population. Value: 1.53 percent of female inmates (vs. 10 percent of Georgia's female population) Date: 2025-04-01 Tags: demographics Sources: GDC Inmate Statistical Profile, All Active Inmates, April 2025 - [confirmed] Helms Facility corrected capacity: 64 beds (not 81) Helms Facility has a corrected capacity of 64 beds (corrected from 81 in initial brief) and a current population of 17. Classified as 'Medical Facility' not 'State Prison' in GDC's facility system. Houses all pregnant women and terminally ill female inmates. Value: 17.0 inmates (vs. 64 corrected capacity) Date: 2026-02-01 Tags: facilities,medical,women Sources: GPS Facilities Directory Data - [confirmed] 431 women serving life sentences in Georgia As of February 2026, 431 women serve life sentences in Georgia. Among female lifers: Black women constitute 244 (56.61%), White women 175 (40.6%), Hispanic women 10 (2.32%), and Asian women 2 (0.46%). Value: 431.0 women serving life sentences Date: 2026-02-01 Tags: demographics,legal Sources: GDC Inmate Statistical Profile, Active Lifers, February 2026 - [confirmed] Arrendale Transitional Center corrected capacity: 117 beds (not 140) Arrendale Transitional Center has a corrected capacity of 117 beds (corrected from 140 in initial brief) and a current population of 108. Minimum security. Value: 108.0 inmates (vs. 117 corrected capacity) Date: 2026-02-01 Tags: facilities,women,reentry Sources: GPS Facilities Directory Data - [confirmed] 80 women serving life without parole As of August 2025, 80 women serve life without parole in Georgia prisons. Racial disparities are even steeper at this level — suggesting Black women are overrepresented at the most severe end of the sentencing spectrum. Value: 80.0 women serving LWOP Date: 2025-08-01 Tags: demographics,legal Sources: GDC Inmate Statistical Profile, Active Life Without Parole, August 2025 - [confirmed] Total women's state prison capacity: 5,831 beds Total women's state prison capacity across all five facilities is 5,831 beds (Arrendale 1,476 + Emanuel 415 + McRae 2,275 + Pulaski 1,223 + Whitworth 442). Value: 5831.0 beds Date: 2026-02-01 Tags: facilities,demographics,women Sources: GPS Facilities Directory Data - [confirmed] Total women's state prison population: 3,673 Total women's state prison population across all five facilities is 3,673 (Arrendale 433 + Emanuel 416 + McRae 1,195 + Pulaski 1,185 + Whitworth 444). Value: 3673.0 inmates Date: 2026-02-01 Tags: facilities,demographics,women Sources: GPS Facilities Directory Data - [confirmed] Mean age of incarcerated women is 39.41 years The mean age of incarcerated women in Georgia is 39.41 years (median 38), with the largest cohort in the 30-39 range (1,376 women, 35.77%). The mode (most frequent age) is 34 for women versus 35 for men. Value: 39.41 years (mean age) Date: 2025-04-01 Tags: demographics Sources: GDC Inmate Statistical Profile, All Active Inmates, April 2025 - [confirmed] Women's state prison overall utilization rate: 63.0% Overall utilization rate across women's state prisons is 63.0%, driven down by McRae's 52.5% utilization. Value: 63.0 percent utilization Date: 2026-02-01 Tags: facilities,women Sources: GPS Facilities Directory Data - [confirmed] 31 women aged 70 or older incarcerated in Georgia Nearly 5% of incarcerated women are over 60, and 31 women are 70 or older. Value: 31.0 women aged 70+ Date: 2025-04-01 Tags: demographics Sources: GDC Inmate Statistical Profile, All Active Inmates, April 2025 - [reported] Confirmed deaths at women's state prisons in 2025: 12 Confirmed deaths at women's state prisons in 2025 total 12 (Arrendale 6 + Pulaski 4 + McRae 1 + Whitworth 1). This does not include Emanuel, whose previously reported 6 deaths are unverified. Value: 12.0 deaths Date: 2025-01-01 Tags: death,facilities,women Sources: GPS Facilities Directory Data - [confirmed] Mean age of female lifers is 46.06 years Among female lifers, the mean age is 46.06 years. Value: 46.06 years (mean age) Date: 2026-02-01 Tags: demographics Sources: GDC Inmate Statistical Profile, Active Lifers, February 2026 - [estimated] Approximately 270+ women housed outside state prisons Approximately 270+ women are housed across transitional centers (Arrendale TC ~108, Metro TC population not separately reported), Helms medical facility (17), RSAT programs, and probation detention. Value: 270.0 women (approximate) Date: 2026-02-01 Tags: facilities,demographics,women Sources: GPS Facilities Directory Data - [reported] Total GDC custody population: 52,855 Total GDC custody population is 52,855 as reported on the GPS AI index page. Value: 52855.0 inmates Date: 2026-03-01 Tags: demographics Sources: GPS AI Content Index - [reported] County jail backlog: 2,372 sentenced to GDC but not picked up 2,372 individuals are sentenced to GDC but remain in county jails awaiting pickup (county jail backlog). Value: 2372.0 inmates Date: 2026-03-01 Tags: demographics,operations Sources: GPS AI Content Index - [confirmed] 46.34% of reporting women have at least one dependent Of 2,706 women reporting on dependents (April 2025 profile), 1,254 (46.34%) reported at least one dependent. An additional 1,144 women (29.7% of total) did not report. Mean dependents: 1.10 for women vs. 1.58 for men. Value: 46.34 percent with dependents (of those reporting) Date: 2025-04-01 Tags: demographics Sources: GDC Inmate Statistical Profile, All Active Inmates, April 2025 - [reported] Georgia incarceration rate: 881 per 100,000 (7th highest nationally) Georgia's incarceration rate is 881 per 100,000, making it the 7th highest nationally and the 4th highest prison population. Value: 881.0 per 100,000 Date: 2026-03-01 Tags: demographics Sources: GPS AI Content Index - [confirmed] 62% of women in state prisons nationally have a child under 18 Nationally, 62% of women in state prisons have a child under 18. Value: 62.0 percent Date: 2025-01-01 Tags: demographics Sources: The Sentencing Project, Incarcerated Women and Girls fact sheet, December 2025 - [reported] Georgia prison system operating at 216% of original design capacity The Georgia prison system is operating at 216% of its original design capacity. Value: 216.0 percent of design capacity Date: 2026-03-01 Tags: facilities,conditions Sources: GPS AI Content Index - [reported] Children of female offenders seven times more likely to become incarcerated GDC states children of female offenders are seven times more likely to become incarcerated. Value: 7.0 times more likely Date: 2025-01-01 Tags: demographics,reentry Sources: GDC Female Offenders and Facilities Fact Sheet - [reported] Georgia Diagnostic Prison at 581% of design capacity Georgia Diagnostic Prison is operating at 581% of its original design capacity, with 4,651 inmates held in a facility designed for 800. Value: 581.0 percent of design capacity (vs. 800 original design capacity) Date: 2026-03-01 Tags: facilities,conditions Sources: GPS AI Content Index - [reported] Deaths in GDC custody since 2020: 1,767 Total deaths in GDC custody since 2020 is 1,767. Value: 1767.0 deaths Tags: death Sources: GPS AI Content Index - [reported] Deaths in GDC custody in 2024: 333 333 deaths occurred in GDC custody in 2024. Value: 333.0 deaths Date: 2024-01-01 Tags: death Sources: GPS AI Content Index - [reported] Deaths in GDC custody in 2025: 301 301 deaths occurred in GDC custody in 2025. Value: 301.0 deaths Date: 2025-01-01 Tags: death Sources: GPS AI Content Index - [reported] Deaths in GDC custody in 2026 YTD: 67 67 deaths occurred in GDC custody in 2026 year-to-date (as of March 2026). Value: 67.0 deaths Date: 2026-01-01 Tags: death Sources: GPS AI Content Index - [reported] McRae houses approximately 1,200 women by August 2025 By August 2025, McRae Women's Facility housed approximately 1,200 female offenders. Warden Jody Yancey was installed January 2025. Value: 1200.0 women (approximate) Date: 2025-08-01 Tags: facilities,demographics Sources: GDC Press Release, McRae Warden, January 2025 - [reported] Homicide rate in Georgia prisons: 32x general population The homicide rate in Georgia prisons is 32 times the rate of the general population. Value: 32.0 times general population rate Date: 2026-03-01 Tags: violence,death Sources: GPS AI Content Index - [reported] GDC correctional officer vacancy rate: 52.5% The correctional officer vacancy rate in GDC is 52.5%. Value: 52.5 percent vacancy Date: 2026-03-01 Tags: staffing Sources: GPS AI Content Index - [confirmed] Lee Arrendale reduced from ~1,200 to 438 active inmates (64% reduction) Lee Arrendale — built 1926 as a tuberculosis sanatorium — has been reduced from ~1,200 to 438 active inmates (GPS database, March 2026), a 64% reduction. Commissioner Oliver proposed downsizing to a 112-bed transitional center, projecting $18.7 million annual savings. Value: 438.0 active inmates (vs. 1200 previous population (approximate)) Date: 2026-03-01 Tags: facilities,staffing,budget Sources: Now Georgia, Lee Arrendale closure report - [reported] GDC staff turnover within 1 year: 83.7% Staff turnover within one year at GDC is 83.7%. Value: 83.7 percent turnover Date: 2026-03-01 Tags: staffing Sources: GPS AI Content Index - [reported] Projected $18.7 million annual savings from Arrendale downsizing Commissioner Oliver proposed downsizing Lee Arrendale to a 112-bed transitional center, projecting $18.7 million annual savings. No definitive closure date announced. Value: 18700000.0 dollars annual savings (projected) Date: 2025-01-01 Tags: facilities,budget Sources: Now Georgia, Lee Arrendale closure report - [reported] Average time served (all crimes): 4.61 years The average time served for all crimes in Georgia prisons is 4.61 years. Value: 4.61 years Date: 2026-03-01 Tags: demographics Sources: GPS AI Content Index - [reported] Average time served (lifers): 31.1 years The average time served for lifers in Georgia prisons is 31.1 years. Value: 31.1 years Date: 2026-03-01 Tags: demographics,parole Sources: GPS AI Content Index - [reported] Governor Kemp allocated $600 million for emergency prison repairs Governor Kemp allocated $600 million for emergency repairs to Georgia's prison system. Value: 600000000.0 dollars Tags: budget,facilities,conditions Sources: Georgia prisons are in crisis, say consultants hired by Gov. Kemp - [reported] GDC annual budget: $1.7 billion The GDC annual budget is $1.7 billion. Value: 1.7 billion dollars Date: 2026-03-01 Tags: budget Sources: GPS AI Content Index - [reported] Active lifers in GDC: 8,026 (~15% of total population) There are 8,026 active lifers in the GDC system, representing approximately 15% of the total prison population. Value: 8026.0 inmates Date: 2026-03-01 Tags: demographics,parole Sources: GPS AI Content Index - [reported] GDC commissary revenue: $47 million annually GDC commissary revenue is $47 million annually. Value: 47.0 million dollars annually Date: 2026-03-01 Tags: budget,conditions Sources: GPS AI Content Index - [confirmed] Only 9 women died from homicide in all U.S. state prisons 2001-2019 Nationally, only 9 women died from homicide in all U.S. state prisons from 2001 to 2019. Georgia had three in two years. Value: 9.0 homicides of women (national, 2001-2019) (vs. 3 Georgia homicides of women in two years) Tags: death,violence Sources: AJC, Rare murders of women in Georgia prisons - [reported] GPS 2025 mortality tracking at women's facilities GPS 2025 mortality tracking: Emanuel WF (6 deaths), Lee Arrendale (6), Pulaski (4), McRae (1), Whitworth (1). Emanuel's 6 deaths for 415 capacity is alarming. Value: 18.0 deaths at women's facilities (2025) Date: 2025-01-01 Tags: death,facilities Sources: GPS mortality tracking - [reported] Georgia's prison death rate approximately 584 per 100,000 vs. national 344 Georgia's overall prison death rate: ~584 per 100,000 vs. national 344 — roughly 70% higher. Value: 584.0 per 100,000 (death rate) (vs. 344 national prison death rate per 100,000) Date: 2025-01-01 Tags: death Sources: GPS mortality tracking - [confirmed] CO vacancy rate reached 56.3% in 2022 CO vacancy rate reached 56.3% in 2022 (2,985 of 5,991 positions vacant). Value: 56.3 percent vacancy rate Date: 2022-01-01 Tags: staffing Sources: Corrections1, Georgia CO vacancies - [reported] 82.7% of new CO hires quit within first year (2021-2024) Between January 2021 and November 2024, 82.7% of new hires quit within their first year. Value: 82.7 percent first-year attrition Tags: staffing Sources: Corrections1, Georgia CO vacancies - [reported] Lee Arrendale 62% CO vacancy in December 2020, 44% in April 2024 Lee Arrendale had 62% vacancy (December 2020) and 44% vacancy (April 2024 when two women were murdered). Value: 44.0 percent vacancy (April 2024) (vs. 62 percent vacancy (December 2020)) Tags: staffing,facilities Sources: Corrections1, Georgia CO vacancies - [confirmed] State paid $3+ million in settlements for Nazaire-related deaths State paid $3+ million in settlements ($1.5M for Mollianne Fischer, $925K for Bonnie Rocheleau) related to deaths under Dr. Nazaire's care. Value: 3000000.0 dollars (minimum settlements) Date: 2019-01-01 Tags: medical,death,budget,legal Sources: Prison Legal News, Georgia settles prison medical negligence suits - [confirmed] Centurion Health assumed $2.4 billion 9-year no-bid contract in July 2024 Centurion Health assumed a $2.4 billion 9-year no-bid contract to provide Georgia prison healthcare in July 2024. Value: 2400000000.0 dollars (9-year contract) Date: 2024-07-01 Tags: medical,budget,policy Sources: AJC, Georgia prison medical provider extra costs due to violence - [reported] Georgia ranked 43rd of 49 states in healthcare funding per inmate ($3,610) Georgia ranked 43rd of 49 states in healthcare funding per inmate at $3,610. Value: 3610.0 dollars per inmate Date: 2024-01-01 Tags: medical,budget Sources: AJC, Georgia prison medical provider extra costs due to violence - [reported] 81% of women in Georgia prisons require mental health treatment 81% of women in Georgia prisons require mental health treatment. Value: 81.0 percent Date: 2025-01-01 Tags: mental_health Sources: GDC Substance Use page - [estimated] Approximately 50-100 births annually in GDC custody Approximately 50-100 births occur annually in GDC custody; 4% of women enter GDC pregnant. Within 48 hours of birth, mothers are returned to prison. No prison nursery program exists. Value: 75.0 births annually (approximate midpoint of 50-100 range) Date: 2025-01-01 Tags: medical Sources: Georgia Recorder, Giving birth as Georgia prisoner, December 2025 - [reported] ~200 DV survivors documented in Georgia prisons (GCADV) GCADV documented ~200 DV survivors in Georgia prisons (2016-2025); 58% serving life or virtual life. Value: 200.0 DV survivors (approximate) Tags: violence Sources: FWD.us Georgia Survivors Justice Act Fact Sheet - [reported] 58% of incarcerated DV survivors serving life or virtual life Of ~200 documented DV survivors in Georgia prisons, 58% are serving life or virtual life sentences. Value: 58.0 percent serving life or virtual life Tags: violence,legal Sources: FWD.us Georgia Survivors Justice Act Fact Sheet - [reported] 78% of women entering Georgia prisons experienced partner physical abuse Study of women entering Georgia prisons: 78% experienced partner physical abuse, 60% threatened with death, 81% reported 5+ traumatic events. Value: 78.0 percent experienced partner physical abuse Date: 2025-01-01 Tags: violence Sources: FWD.us Georgia Survivors Justice Act Fact Sheet - [reported] Nationally 30% of women serving homicide sentences were protecting themselves Nationally, 30% of women serving homicide sentences were protecting themselves from domestic violence. Value: 30.0 percent Date: 2025-01-01 Tags: violence,legal Sources: FWD.us Georgia Survivors Justice Act Fact Sheet - [confirmed] 340 inmates diagnosed with gender dysphoria, 107 receiving hormone therapy (June 2025) As of June 2025: 340 inmates diagnosed with gender dysphoria, 107 receiving hormone therapy in Georgia prisons. Value: 340.0 inmates diagnosed with gender dysphoria (vs. 107 receiving hormone therapy) Date: 2025-06-01 Tags: medical Sources: Center for Constitutional Rights, Federal judge strikes down Georgia law banning trans treatment - [reported] Commissary vendor generates ~$47 million revenue with ~66% profit margin The commissary vendor generates approximately $47 million in revenue with approximately 66% profit margin. Value: 47000000.0 dollars revenue Date: 2025-01-01 Tags: budget Sources: GPS, Georgia's prison commissary extraction machine - [reported] Commissary markups range from 67% to 280% Commissary markups range from 67% to 280% over vendor cost. Value: 280.0 percent (maximum markup) (vs. 67 percent (minimum markup)) Date: 2025-01-01 Tags: budget,conditions Sources: GPS, Georgia's prison commissary extraction machine - [reported] GDC cut $5 million from FY2021 budget via commissary price increases GDC cut $5 million from the FY2021 budget via commissary price increases. Value: 5000000.0 dollars cut from budget Date: 2021-01-01 Tags: budget,policy Sources: GPS, Georgia's prison commissary extraction machine - [confirmed] Georgia pays $0 for prison labor (one of seven states) Georgia pays $0 for prison labor, one of seven states that do not compensate incarcerated workers. Value: 0.0 dollars for prison labor Date: 2025-01-01 Tags: conditions,policy Sources: Prison Policy Initiative, Georgia Profile - [reported] Securus generated $8,062,201 in kickbacks (3rd nationally) Securus generated $8,062,201 in kickbacks to GDC, ranking 3rd nationally. The commission rate is 59.6%. Value: 8062201.0 dollars in kickbacks Date: 2025-01-01 Tags: budget Sources: Prison Policy Initiative, Georgia Profile - [reported] 87% of communication cost burden falls on women Worth Rises found that 87% of prison communication cost burden falls on women (family members). Value: 87.0 percent of cost burden on women Date: 2025-01-01 Tags: budget,conditions Sources: Prison Policy Initiative, Georgia Profile - [confirmed] Only ~346 of 2,761 transitional center beds serve women (12.5%) Of 2,761 transitional center beds statewide, only ~346 (12.5%) serve women at Metro TC (234 beds) and Arrendale TC (140 beds). Value: 346.0 transitional center beds for women (vs. 2761 total transitional center beds) Date: 2026-01-01 Tags: reentry,facilities Sources: GDC Female Offenders and Facilities Fact Sheet - [reported] Georgia's 3-year recidivism rate approximately 27% Georgia's 3-year recidivism rate is approximately 27% but gender-disaggregated data is not published (national: 63% women rearrest vs 72% men). Value: 27.0 percent (3-year recidivism) Date: 2025-01-01 Tags: reentry Sources: GDC Female Offenders and Facilities Fact Sheet - [confirmed] Pulaski State Prison active population 1,068 GPS inmate database shows Pulaski State Prison has 1,068 active female inmates (March 2026), against a capacity of 1,212. Value: 1068.0 active inmates (vs. 1212 capacity) Date: 2026-03-01 Tags: facilities,demographics Sources: GPS Inmate Database, active population by facility, March 2026 - [reported] Motherhood Beyond Bars serving 392 children and 1,056 family members by December 2025 Motherhood Beyond Bars was operating in 11 county jails by December 2025, serving 392 children and 1,056 family members. Value: 392.0 children served (vs. 1056 family members served) Date: 2025-12-01 Tags: reentry Sources: Georgia Recorder, Giving birth as Georgia prisoner, December 2025 - [reported] JPay email costs ~$0.20-$0.30 per message, video visits ~$3.95 per 30 minutes JPay charges approximately $0.20-$0.30 per email message and approximately $3.95 per 30-minute video visit. Value: 3.95 dollars per 30-minute video visit Date: 2025-01-01 Tags: budget,conditions Sources: Prison Policy Initiative, Georgia Profile - [reported] Securus commission rate 59.6% Securus Technologies has a 59.6% commission rate on prison communication services in Georgia. Value: 59.6 percent commission Date: 2025-01-01 Tags: budget Sources: Prison Policy Initiative, Georgia Profile DATA GAPS (8) ---------------------------------------- - [disputed] Correction: Emanuel Women's Facility 2025 deaths unverified IMPORTANT CORRECTION: The initial brief stated Emanuel Women's Facility had 6 deaths in 2025. The GPS facilities tracker does not list deaths for Emanuel. This figure requires verification against the GPS mortality database and should not be cited until confirmed. Date: 2025-01-01 Tags: death,facilities,women Sources: GPS Facilities Directory Data - [confirmed] McRae Women's Facility not in GPS inmate database — tracking blind spot McRae Women's Facility is not yet reflected in the GPS inmate database, creating a tracking blind spot for monitoring conditions and outcomes at Georgia's largest women's prison. Date: 2026-02-01 Tags: facilities,women,operations Sources: GPS Facilities Directory Data - [confirmed] Data gap: Georgia-specific data on mothers of minor children Georgia-specific data distinguishing mothers of minor children from other dependents requires an Open Records Act request. Date: 2025-01-01 Tags: demographics,data_gap Sources: GDC Inmate Statistical Profile, All Active Inmates, April 2025 - [confirmed] Data gap: McRae not in GPS inmate database McRae Women's Facility is not yet in the GPS inmate database, creating a significant blind spot for independent tracking. Date: 2026-03-01 Tags: facilities,data_gap Sources: GPS Inmate Database, active population by facility, March 2026 - [confirmed] GDC stopped publishing cause-of-death data March 2024 GDC stopped publishing cause-of-death data in March 2024. Date: 2024-03-01 Tags: death,data_gap,policy Sources: GPS mortality tracking - [confirmed] Data gap: GBI investigation outcome for Dr. Nazaire GBI criminal investigation into Dr. Nazaire launched October 2015 — no public record of charges. Outcome requires an Open Records Act request. Date: 2015-10-01 Tags: medical,investigations,data_gap Sources: Prison Legal News, Georgia prison doctor cutting costs - [confirmed] Data gap: Gender-disaggregated recidivism data not published Georgia's gender-disaggregated recidivism data is not published by GDC. Date: 2025-01-01 Tags: reentry,data_gap Sources: GDC Female Offenders and Facilities Fact Sheet - [confirmed] 15 critical data gaps identified requiring Open Records Act requests The brief identifies 15 critical data gaps including: offense category breakdown by gender, average sentence lengths by gender, GBI Nazaire investigation outcome, deaths with cause of death, gender-disaggregated recidivism, PREA audit results, mental health staffing levels, mothers with minor children, pregnancy outcomes, Centurion contract terms, RSAT data by gender, women's health specialist status, staffing vacancy rates per facility, McRae operational data, and parole grant rates by gender. Date: 2025-01-01 Tags: data_gap Sources: GPS Women's Incarceration in Georgia Research Brief TRENDS (3) ---------------------------------------- - [confirmed] Female prison population grew sevenfold since 1978 The female prison population has grown more than sevenfold since 1978, when just 497 women were in Georgia's prisons. Tags: demographics,trend Sources: Prison Policy Initiative, Number of women in Georgia state prisons from 1978 to 2015 - [confirmed] Women in Georgia jails increased 23-fold from 1970 to 2015 Women in Georgia's jails increased more than 23-fold, from 227 in 1970 to 5,228 in 2015. Tags: demographics,trend Sources: Prison Policy Initiative, Number of women in Georgia state prisons from 1978 to 2015 - [reported] Georgia parole rate: 37.5% in 2025, down from 69.9% in 1993 The parole rate in Georgia is 37.5% in 2025, down from 69.9% in 1993. Tags: parole Sources: GPS AI Content Index FINDINGS (11) ---------------------------------------- - [confirmed] Black women disproportionately serving life sentences at 56.61% Among 431 women serving life sentences, Black women constitute 244 (56.61%), compared to 41.53% of the total female prison population — showing racial disparities deepen dramatically among those serving the most extreme sentences. Date: 2026-02-01 Tags: demographics,legal Sources: GDC Inmate Statistical Profile, Active Lifers, February 2026 - [confirmed] Women significantly more likely to be widowed than men Women are significantly more likely to be widowed (4.08% vs 0.94% for men), divorced (13.45% vs 7.92%), or married (19.22% vs 10.74%). Date: 2025-04-01 Tags: demographics Sources: GDC Inmate Statistical Profile, All Active Inmates, April 2025 - [reported] December 2024 consultant report found prison system in 'emergency mode' A December 2024 consultant report found the Georgia prison system in 'emergency mode.' Date: 2024-12-01 Tags: conditions,facilities Sources: Georgia prisons are in crisis, say consultants hired by Gov. Kemp - [confirmed] Two women's facilities operating over capacity Emanuel Women's Facility (100.2% capacity) and Whitworth Women's Facility (100.5% capacity) are both operating slightly over their rated capacity, while McRae Women's Facility sits at 52.5% — indicating a maldistribution of the women's prison population. Date: 2026-02-01 Tags: facilities,conditions,women Sources: GPS Facilities Directory Data - [reported] DOJ investigation future effectively dead under Trump administration The DOJ investigation's future under the Trump administration is effectively dead — DOJ Civil Rights Division gutted through mass terminations and resignations. Date: 2025-01-01 Tags: investigations,legal,policy Sources: DOJ Findings Report: Investigation of Georgia Prisons (October 2024) - [reported] Pulaski had more CO openings than any other facility Pulaski had more CO openings than any other facility in the GDC system. Date: 2022-01-01 Tags: staffing,facilities Sources: Corrections1, Georgia CO vacancies - [confirmed] DOJ found 10-month psychiatrist waits and ~10% treatment rate for Hepatitis C/HIV DOJ found 10-month waits for psychiatrist appointments and approximately 10% treatment rate for Hepatitis C/HIV in Georgia prisons. Date: 2024-10-01 Tags: medical,mental_health Sources: DOJ Findings Report: Investigation of Georgia Prisons (October 2024) - [reported] SCHR documented five women shackled or placed in solitary within six months of birth Enforcement of the Georgia Dignity Act is weak: SCHR documented five women shackled or placed in solitary within six months of birth at Lee Arrendale (April 2021). GDC reported zero shackling incidents in 2022. Date: 2021-04-01 Tags: conditions,legal,solitary Sources: SCHR, Lee Arrendale warning letter - [reported] GPS found 153 items with hidden price increases totaling ~$420,000 GPS found 153 items where the vendor lowered the contract price but GDC maintained or raised inmate prices, extracting approximately $420,000 extra. Date: 2025-01-01 Tags: budget,conditions Sources: GPS, Georgia's prison commissary extraction machine - [confirmed] Women spread across at least 11 facilities Women are spread across at least 11 facilities in the Georgia prison system including the recently opened McRae Women's Facility. Date: 2025-01-01 Tags: facilities Sources: GDC Female Offenders and Facilities Fact Sheet - [confirmed] Lee Arrendale houses death row, diagnostic intake, and all-female fire department Lee Arrendale State Prison still houses death row, diagnostic intake, the Children's Center, and the all-female fire department despite downsizing. Date: 2026-01-01 Tags: facilities Sources: Now Georgia, Lee Arrendale closure report CASE DETAILS (24) ---------------------------------------- - [confirmed] Tiffany Moss is the sole woman on Georgia's death row One woman sits on Georgia's death row: Tiffany Moss, a Black woman sentenced in May 2019 in Gwinnett County for the 2013 starvation murder of her 10-year-old stepdaughter. Date: 2019-05-01 Tags: legal,death Sources: GDC Inmate Statistical Profile, Active Life Without Parole, August 2025 - [confirmed] Last woman executed in Georgia: Kelly Gissendaner (2015) The last woman Georgia executed was Kelly Gissendaner on September 30, 2015 — the first female execution in the state since 1945. Date: 2015-09-30 Tags: death,legal Sources: GDC Inmate Statistical Profile, Active Life Without Parole, August 2025 - [confirmed] McRae Women's Facility purchased for $130 million from CoreCivic McRae Women's Facility was purchased from CoreCivic for $130 million — despite Telfair County tax records valuing the property at approximately $48 million. Date: 2023-01-01 Tags: facilities,budget,corruption Sources: Georgia Public Broadcasting, January 20, 2023 - [reported] McRae closed in November 2022 after federal BOP pulled contract The McRae facility closed in November 2022 after the federal BOP pulled its contract, laying off 252 employees. Commissioner Oliver announced the conversion in January 2023. Date: 2022-11-01 Tags: facilities,staffing Sources: Georgia Public Broadcasting, January 20, 2023 - [confirmed] Pulaski scored 67 (failing) on 2025 food inspection Pulaski scored 67 (failing) on a 2025 food inspection — handwashing sink had plumbing ripped from wall, sewage backing through kitchen floor drains. Date: 2025-01-01 Tags: conditions,facilities Sources: 41NBC, Pulaski food inspection violations - [reported] Mass strip-search of 576 women at Lee Arrendale in 46-degree weather In February 2024, GDC's tactical squad mass strip-searched all 576 women in B-Unit at Lee Arrendale, forcing them outside in 46-degree weather. Date: 2024-02-01 Tags: conditions,violence,facilities Sources: SCHR, Lee Arrendale warning letter - [reported] Bloods gang seized control of Pulaski after transfers from Lee Arrendale The AJC's March 2022 investigation revealed Bloods gang members seized control of Pulaski after transfers from Lee Arrendale. Documented: at least three sexual assaults including two women sodomized at knifepoint; a woman whose ear was partially bitten off; extortion via Cash App for basic activities. Date: 2022-03-01 Tags: gangs,violence,facilities Sources: AJC, Gang violence and extortion at Pulaski - [reported] Pamela Dixon paid $10,000-$12,000 to protect daughter at Pulaski Pamela Dixon paid $10,000-$12,000 protecting her daughter from gang extortion at Pulaski State Prison. Date: 2022-01-01 Tags: gangs,violence,contraband Sources: AJC, Gang violence and extortion at Pulaski - [reported] GED instructor Corey Melvin admitted smuggling contraband and sexual misconduct with six inmates Male GED instructor Corey Melvin admitted smuggling contraband and sexual misconduct with six inmates at Pulaski. GDC opened 20 investigations. Date: 2022-01-01 Tags: corruption,contraband,violence Sources: AJC, Gang violence and extortion at Pulaski - [confirmed] Senator Ossoff requested FBI RICO investigation into Pulaski Senator Ossoff sent a June 22, 2022 letter to FBI Director Wray urging a RICO investigation into Pulaski. No public confirmation of FBI action. Date: 2022-06-22 Tags: investigations,gangs,corruption Sources: Senator Ossoff letter to FBI, June 2022 - [confirmed] Two women strangled to death eight days apart at Lee Arrendale mental health unit Sherry Joyce (61) and Hallie Reed (23) were strangled to death in the same Lee Arrendale mental health unit eight days apart (April 27 and May 5, 2024), allegedly by Jeanni Geuea (22), serving just two years. Reed had requested protective custody after Joyce's death and was denied. Date: 2024-04-27 Tags: death,violence,mental_health,facilities Sources: AJC, Rare murders of women in Georgia prisons - [reported] Four Lee Arrendale staff arrested for sexual assault in five months (2020) In 2020, four Lee Arrendale staff were arrested for sexual assault in five months. Date: 2020-01-01 Tags: violence,corruption Sources: AJC, Two high-ranking prison employees accused in sex cases - [confirmed] Officer Cameron Cheeks raped inmate requiring surgery for partial uterus removal In 2022, Officer Cameron Cheeks allegedly 'violently and forcibly raped' an inmate requiring surgery for partial uterus removal; he pled guilty. Date: 2022-01-01 Tags: violence,corruption,medical Sources: AJC, Former prison guard plea deal rape charges - [confirmed] Deputy Warden McMillian and Lt. Clark arrested within 24 hours for sexual contact In 2023, Deputy Warden McMillian (Pulaski) and Lt. Clark (Lee Arrendale) were arrested within 24 hours for sexual contact with prisoners. Date: 2023-01-01 Tags: violence,corruption Sources: AJC, Two high-ranking prison employees accused in sex cases - [confirmed] Dr. Nazaire: at least 22 prisoners died under his care Dr. Yvon Nazaire served as Pulaski medical director August 2006 to September 2015. At least 22 prisoners died under his care (15 at Pulaski, 5 post-release, 2 at Emanuel). Tags: death,medical,corruption Sources: AJC, Prison doctor troubled past - [confirmed] Nazaire hired despite New York gross negligence citation and active probation Nazaire was hired despite a New York gross negligence citation, four malpractice death claims ($2.55 million settlement in one case), and active probation. Georgia medical board granted unrestricted license. He falsified his employment application. Date: 2006-01-01 Tags: medical,corruption Sources: AJC, Prison doctor troubled past; Prison Legal News, Georgia prison doctor cutting costs - [confirmed] Wellpath exited Georgia prison healthcare citing $32 million in excess costs Wellpath took over prison healthcare from Augusta University's GCHC but exited after three years citing $32 million in excess costs. Date: 2024-01-01 Tags: medical,budget Sources: AJC, Georgia prison medical provider extra costs due to violence - [reported] Motherhood Beyond Bars banned from state prisons in 2019 Motherhood Beyond Bars was banned from state prisons in 2019; by December 2025 it was operating in 11 county jails serving 392 children and 1,056 family members. Tags: policy Sources: Georgia Recorder, Giving birth as Georgia prisoner, December 2025 - [reported] Jessica Umberger forced to undergo C-section against her will in 2018 Jessica Umberger testified she was forced to undergo a C-section against her will in 2018. Date: 2018-01-01 Tags: medical,conditions Sources: Senator Ossoff, Investigation into abuse of pregnant women in prison - [reported] Woman begged 13 hours for hospital; newborn died four days later Another woman begged for 13 hours to be taken to the hospital; her newborn died four days later. Tags: medical,death Sources: Senator Ossoff, Investigation into abuse of pregnant women in prison - [reported] Nicole Boynton: first resentencing under Survivor Justice Act, released after 23 years First resentencing under the Survivor Justice Act: Nicole Boynton, released January 2025 after 23 years of incarceration. Date: 2025-01-01 Tags: legal,violence,reentry Sources: Georgia Survivor Justice Act Overview Page - [reported] Ashley Diamond sexually assaulted 16 times in Georgia men's prisons Transgender woman Ashley Diamond was sexually assaulted 16 times in Georgia men's prisons. Tags: violence Sources: Center for Constitutional Rights, Federal judge strikes down Georgia law banning trans treatment - [confirmed] Augusta University GCHC provided prison healthcare 1997-2021 Augusta University's Georgia Correctional Healthcare (GCHC) provided prison healthcare from 1997 to 2021. Tags: medical Sources: AJC, Georgia prison medical provider extra costs due to violence - [confirmed] Georgia Senate Public Safety Committee toured McRae in June 2025 The Georgia Senate Public Safety Committee toured McRae Women's Facility in June 2025. Date: 2025-06-01 Tags: facilities,policy Sources: WUGA, Georgia Senate committee visits McRae, June 2025 POLICYS (7) ---------------------------------------- - [confirmed] Helms Facility classified as Medical Facility, not State Prison Helms Facility is classified as a 'Medical Facility' not 'State Prison' in GDC's facility system. It houses all pregnant women and terminally ill female inmates. Date: 2026-02-01 Tags: facilities,medical,women Sources: GPS Facilities Directory Data - [reported] Arrendale being downsized to 112-bed transitional center Arrendale State Prison is being downsized toward 112-bed transitional center status, despite currently having a capacity of 1,476 beds. Date: 2026-02-01 Tags: facilities,women,policy Sources: GPS Facilities Directory Data - [reported] MAT limited to Vivitrol only at one facility Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is limited to Vivitrol only at one facility — no methadone or buprenorphine available. Date: 2025-01-01 Tags: drugs,medical,policy Sources: GDC Substance Use page - [reported] Mothers returned to prison within 48 hours of birth; no nursery program Within 48 hours of birth, mothers are returned to prison. No prison nursery program exists in Georgia. Date: 2025-01-01 Tags: medical,policy,conditions Sources: Georgia Recorder, Giving birth as Georgia prisoner, December 2025 - [confirmed] GDC created Deputy Director of Women's Services position January 2026 GDC created the Deputy Director of Women's Services position (January 2026), filled by Myra Orsborn. Date: 2026-01-01 Tags: policy,staffing Sources: GDC Press Release, Deputy Director of Women's Services, January 2026 - [reported] Reentry Partnership Housing does not fund housing for children/family Reentry Partnership Housing explicitly does not fund housing for children/family — a structural barrier for 46%+ of incarcerated women with dependents. Date: 2025-01-01 Tags: reentry,policy Sources: GDC Female Offenders and Facilities Fact Sheet - [confirmed] Helms Facility houses all pregnant women and terminally ill Helms Facility (Atlanta, 81-bed capacity, 13 active per GPS database) houses all pregnant women and terminally ill female inmates. Date: 2026-03-01 Tags: facilities,medical Sources: GPS Inmate Database, active population by facility, March 2026; GDC Female Offenders and Facilities Fact Sheet LEGAL FACTS (5) ---------------------------------------- - [confirmed] DOJ found Eighth Amendment violations in Georgia prisons The DOJ civil rights investigation (launched August 2021) released its 93-page findings report October 1, 2024, finding Eighth Amendment violations, rampant violence and sexual violence, gang control, and systematic death misclassification. GDC rejected findings. No consent decree reached. Date: 2024-10-01 Tags: investigations,violence,legal,conditions Sources: DOJ Findings Report: Investigation of Georgia Prisons (October 2024) - [confirmed] Georgia Dignity Act (HB 345) bans shackling of pregnant prisoners Georgia Dignity Act (HB 345, signed May 2019) bans shackling of pregnant prisoners and solitary for pregnant/postpartum women. Date: 2019-05-01 Tags: legal,policy Sources: AJC, Kemp signs law prohibiting shackling pregnant inmates - [confirmed] Georgia LIFE Act bans abortion after ~6 weeks; incarcerated women cannot access Post-Dobbs: Georgia's LIFE Act bans abortion after ~6 weeks. Incarcerated women effectively cannot access abortion. Date: 2022-01-01 Tags: legal,medical,policy Sources: Georgia Recorder, Giving birth as Georgia prisoner, December 2025 - [confirmed] Survivor Justice Act (HB 582) signed May 12, 2025 The Survivor Justice Act (HB 582) was signed May 12, 2025 by Governor Kemp. Sponsored by Rep. Stan Gunter (R). Passed with only three dissenting votes. Allows DV evidence at trial/sentencing, expands coercion defense, removes murder exception, provides sentencing mitigation (life reduced to 10-30 years), creates retroactive resentencing pathway. Effective July 1, 2025. Date: 2025-05-12 Tags: legal,policy,violence Sources: The Survivor Justice Act — One-Page Summary; Georgia Survivor Justice Act Overview Page - [confirmed] SB 185 banned gender dysphoria treatment for incarcerated people, struck down December 2025 SB 185 (signed May 2025) banned all gender dysphoria treatment for incarcerated people. Federal Judge Calvert permanently struck it down December 2025. Date: 2025-12-01 Tags: legal,medical,policy Sources: Center for Constitutional Rights, Federal judge strikes down Georgia law banning trans treatment METHODOLOGY NOTES (2) ---------------------------------------- - [confirmed] GPS Facilities Directory is more current than GPS inmate database The GPS Facilities Directory, sourced from GDC's own reporting system, is more current than the GPS inmate database used in the initial brief. This discrepancy means the initial brief's population and capacity figures were superseded. Date: 2026-03-01 Tags: facilities,women Sources: GPS Facilities Directory Data - [confirmed] GPS inmate database contains 293,000+ records as of March 2026 The GPS inmate database contains 293,000+ records as of March 2026. Date: 2026-03-01 Tags: operations Sources: GPS Inmate Database, active population by facility, March 2026 QUOTES (1) ---------------------------------------- - [reported] Commissioner Oliver: gang populations 'growing, especially within our female population' Commissioner Oliver stated that gang populations are 'growing, especially within our female population.' Date: 2022-01-01 Tags: gangs,staffing Sources: AJC, Gang violence and extortion at Pulaski DATASETS (11) ---------------------------------------- # Racial Demographics of Incarcerated Women in Georgia (April 2025) Racial breakdown of all 3,850 active female inmates in GDC custody as of April 2025 Race Count Percentage ------------------------------------ White 2177 56.55 Black 1599 41.53 Hispanic 59 1.53 Asian 9 0.23 Other 4 0.1 Native American 1 0.03 Native Hawaiian 1 0.03 # Women's State Prison Populations and Capacities (February 2026) Corrected population, capacity, utilization rate, and 2025 deaths for all five women's state prisons in Georgia, as of February 2026. Facility Location Security Capacity Population Utilization Deaths_2025 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Arrendale State Prison Alto (Habersham County) Mixed (Close/Medium) 1476 433 29.3 6 Emanuel Women's Facility Swainsboro (Emanuel County) Unknown 415 416 100.2 Not verified McRae Women's Facility McRae-Helena (Telfair County) Close 2275 1195 52.5 1 Pulaski State Prison Hawkinsville (Pulaski County) Unknown 1223 1185 96.9 4 Whitworth Women's Facility Hartwell (Hart County) Medium 442 444 100.5 1 # Age Distribution of Incarcerated Women in Georgia (April 2025) Age breakdown of all 3,850 active female inmates in GDC custody, mean age 39.41, median 38 Age Group Count Percentage ------------------------------ 1-19 24 0.62 20-29 747 19.42 30-39 1376 35.77 40-49 980 25.47 50-59 500 13 60-69 189 4.91 70+ 31 0.81 # Women's Support Facility Populations and Capacities (February 2026) Corrected population and capacity for women's support facilities (medical facility and transitional center). Facility Type Capacity Population -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Helms Facility Medical Facility 64 17 Arrendale Transitional Center Transitional Center 117 108 # Dependents of Incarcerated Women (April 2025) Number of dependents reported by 2,706 women in GDC custody (1,144 did not report) Number of Dependents Count Percentage ----------------------------------------- 0 1452 53.66 1 411 15.19 2 357 13.19 3 260 9.61 4 132 4.88 5+ 94 3.47 # GDC Deaths in Custody by Year (2020-2026 YTD) Annual deaths in GDC custody from 2020 through early 2026, totaling 1,767 since 2020. Year Deaths ------------------ 2024 333 2025 301 2026 YTD 67 # Marital Status of Incarcerated Women (April 2025) Marital status of 3,850 active female inmates in GDC custody Marital Status Count Percentage ----------------------------------- Unmarried 2162 56.16 Married 740 19.22 Divorced 518 13.45 Widow 157 4.08 Separated 91 2.36 Unknown 182 4.73 # Active Female Population by Facility (GPS Database, March 2026) GPS inmate database active female populations at major GDC facilities Facility Capacity GPS Active Count ---------------------------------------------------------------- McRae Women's Facility 2275 Pulaski State Prison 1212 1068 Lee Arrendale State Prison 1476 438 Whitworth Women's Facility 442 391 Emanuel Women's Facility 415 378 Metro Transitional Center 234 Bleckley RSAT 208 Women's Probation Detention Center 237 West Central ITF 193 Arrendale Transitional Center 140 Helms Facility 81 13 # Racial Demographics of Women Serving Life Sentences (February 2026) Racial breakdown of 431 women serving life sentences in Georgia Race Count Percentage ----------------------------- Black 244 56.61 White 175 40.6 Hispanic 10 2.32 Asian 2 0.46 # GDC System Population Distribution (March 2026) Total GDC system population of 52,855 by facility type Facility Type Population ---------------------------------- State Prisons 34907 Private Prisons 8116 County Prisons 4212 Transitional Centers 2761 Probation RSAT 1464 Probation Detention 1394 # Deaths at Women's Facilities (GPS 2025 Tracking) Deaths recorded by GPS at women's facilities during 2025 Facility Deaths Capacity ---------------------------------------------- Emanuel Women's Facility 6 415 Lee Arrendale State Prison 6 1476 Pulaski State Prison 4 1212 McRae Women's Facility 1 2275 Whitworth Women's Facility 1 442 KEY ENTITIES (62) ---------------------------------------- - Arrendale State Prison [facility]: Women's state prison in Alto, Habersham County, GA. Mixed close/medium security. Houses death row, diagnostic intake, Children's Center, all-female fire department. Being downsized toward transitional center status. - Arrendale Transitional Center [facility]: Work release transitional center at Lee Arrendale, capacity 140. (aka: Arrendale TC) - Ashley Diamond [person]: Transgender woman sexually assaulted 16 times in Georgia men's prisons. Her case contributed to the legal challenge against SB 185. - Augusta University GCHC [organization]: Augusta University's prison healthcare division that provided care from 1997 to 2021. (aka: Georgia Correctional Healthcare, GCHC) - Bleckley RSAT [facility]: Residential substance abuse treatment facility at Pulaski, capacity 208. - Bonnie Rocheleau [person]: Deceased prisoner whose case resulted in a $925,000 settlement related to Dr. Nazaire's medical negligence. - 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) - Cameron Cheeks [person]: Former prison officer who pled guilty to violently raping an inmate, requiring surgery for partial uterus removal. (aka: Officer Cheeks) - Center for Constitutional Rights [organization]: Co-plaintiff with Martha Wright in the original 2000 lawsuit against Corrections Corporation of America over prison phone rates. (aka: CCR) - Centurion Health [organization]: Healthcare company that assumed a $2.4 billion 9-year no-bid contract to provide Georgia prison healthcare in July 2024. - CoreCivic [organization]: Private prison company that owns and operates select prison facilities in Georgia under contract with GDC. - Corey Melvin [person]: Male GED instructor at Pulaski who admitted smuggling contraband and sexual misconduct with six inmates. - DOJ Civil Rights Investigation of Georgia Prisons [case]: Federal civil rights investigation launched August 2021, released 93-page findings report October 1, 2024 documenting Eighth Amendment violations. GDC rejected findings. No consent decree reached. Investigation effectively dead under Trump administration. - Dr. Nazaire [person]: Physician at Pulaski State Prison associated with a medical scandal involving 22 deaths. - Emanuel Women's Facility [facility]: Women's facility in Swainsboro, GA. Capacity 415, GPS active 378. Mental health Levels II/III, Braille program. Alarming death rate: 6 deaths in 2025. (aka: Emanuel WF) - GCADV [organization]: Organization providing free legal representation for resentencing petitions under HB 582 through its Justice for Incarcerated Survivors program. Legal Director is Ellie Williams. Part of the Survivor Justice Initiative alongside GJP and Igniting Hope GA. (aka: Georgia Coalition Against Domestic Violence) - GDC [organization]: Georgia state corrections department operating 12 reentry centers with 2,344 beds and various cognitive programming initiatives. (aka: Georgia Department of Corrections, Georgia DOC) - Georgia Bureau of Investigation [organization]: Georgia state law enforcement agency that conducts some criminal investigations involving the prisons (aka: GBI) - Georgia Department of Corrections [organization]: State agency responsible for operating Georgia's prison system. Subject of federal DOJ investigation in 2022-2023 for constitutional violations including food-related deaths. (aka: GDC) - Georgia Diagnostic Prison [facility]: State prison operating at 581% of original design capacity (800 designed, 4,651 held). (aka: Georgia Diagnostic and Classification Prison, GDCP) - Georgia Dignity Act [legislation]: Georgia law signed May 2019 banning shackling of pregnant prisoners and solitary confinement for pregnant/postpartum women. (aka: HB 345) - Georgia Justice Project [organization]: Advocacy organization tracking Georgia criminal justice data, criminal records, and occupational licensing reform (aka: GJP) - Georgia Prisoners' Speak [organization]: Advocacy organization documenting conditions inside Georgia prisons through photos and insider accounts, including food inadequacy. (aka: GPS) - Hallie Reed [person]: 23-year-old woman strangled to death at Lee Arrendale mental health unit on May 5, 2024, eight days after Sherry Joyce. Had requested protective custody and was denied. - HB 582 [legislation]: 2025 legislative priority updating Georgia code to reflect modern understanding of domestic violence and prevent unjust convictions of survivors (aka: Survivor Justice) - Helms Facility [facility]: 81-bed facility in Atlanta housing all pregnant women and terminally ill female inmates. GPS active count: 13. - Jeanni Geuea [person]: 22-year-old inmate serving two years, alleged perpetrator of the strangulation murders of Sherry Joyce and Hallie Reed at Lee Arrendale. - Jessica Umberger [person]: Woman who testified she was forced to undergo a C-section against her will in 2018 while incarcerated. - Jody Yancey [person]: Warden installed at McRae Women's Facility in January 2025. (aka: Warden Yancey) - Jon Ossoff [person]: U.S. Senator from Georgia who has pushed to expand substance abuse treatment for incarcerated and formerly incarcerated people; his office cites the 129x post-release overdose risk figure (aka: Senator Ossoff, Sen. Ossoff) - JPay [organization]: Dominant provider of financial services to prisons/jails, serving 1.7+ million incarcerated people in 32 states; originally owned by Platinum Equity Partners, later acquired by Securus/Aventiv Technologies; penalized by CFPB in 2021 - Kelly Gissendaner [person]: Last woman executed in Georgia, on September 30, 2015 — the first female execution in the state since 1945. - Lee Arrendale State Prison [facility]: Georgia state prison where drug-coated paper was found being passed in November 2025. - LIFE Act [legislation]: Georgia law banning abortion after approximately 6 weeks of pregnancy. - McRae Women's Facility [facility]: GDC women's facility where Cadedra Lynn Cook is currently serving her life sentence. - Metro Transitional Center [facility]: Women's work release transitional center in Atlanta, capacity 234. (aka: Metro TC) - Mollianne Fischer [person]: Deceased prisoner whose case resulted in a $1.5 million settlement related to Dr. Nazaire's medical negligence. - Motherhood Beyond Bars [organization]: Nonprofit providing pregnancy and infant support. Banned from state prisons in 2019; by December 2025 operating in 11 county jails. - Myra Orsborn [person]: Named Deputy Director of Women's Services at GDC in January 2026. - NELSON Worldwide [organization]: Architecture firm serving as architect for the new $436.7 million GDC state prison in Washington County (Davisboro) - Nicole Boynton [person]: First person released under the Georgia Survivor Justice Act on January 5, 2026. Convicted of felony murder and aggravated assault in 2002 after stabbing her abusive boyfriend Ronnie Moss II in 1999 at age 18. Served 23 years before life sentence was vacated and she was resentenced to time served. - Pamela Dixon [person]: Mother who paid $10,000-$12,000 to protect her daughter from gang extortion at Pulaski State Prison. - Pamela Winn [person]: Activist who spearheaded the Georgia Dignity Act through RestoreHER US. - Prison Policy Initiative [organization]: Research and advocacy organization focused on prison conditions; published Cut-rate Care and Chronic Punishment reports (aka: PPI) - Pulaski State Prison [facility]: Georgia women's state prison where Christina Buttery died on December 21, 2022, from a methamphetamine and fentanyl overdose. - RestoreHER US [organization]: Organization led by Pamela Winn that spearheaded the Georgia Dignity Act. - SB 185 [legislation]: 2025 Georgia legislation banning transgender prisoner care, led by Burt Jones - Securus Technologies [organization]: Prison telecom and technology company that acquired JPay. Also known as Aventiv Technologies. (aka: Aventiv Technologies) - Sherry Joyce [person]: 61-year-old woman strangled to death at Lee Arrendale mental health unit on April 27, 2024. - 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) - Stan Gunter [person]: Georgia State Representative (R-Blairsville), former prosecutor and judge, sponsor of HB 582. - The Sentencing Project [organization]: Research and advocacy organization that published 'Diminishing Returns: Crime and Incarceration in the 1990s' (Gainsborough and Mauer 2000). (aka: Sentencing Project) - Tiffany Moss [person]: The sole woman on Georgia's death row, sentenced May 2019 in Gwinnett County for the 2013 starvation murder of her 10-year-old stepdaughter. - 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) - Wellpath [organization]: Largest private correctional healthcare company with $2.7 billion annual revenue; filed Chapter 11 bankruptcy in November 2024 (aka: Correct Care Solutions) - West Central ITF [facility]: Integrated treatment facility in Pike County for co-occurring disorders, capacity 193. - Whitworth Women's Facility [facility]: GDC women's facility targeted in the Chandley Communications recruitment campaign. - Women on the Rise [organization]: Organization of formerly incarcerated women in Georgia. - Women's Probation Detention Center [facility]: Georgia's only female probation detention center, located in Claxton, capacity 237. - Worth Rises [organization]: Advocacy organization that analyzed Wellpath bankruptcy - Yvon Nazaire [person]: Former Pulaski State Prison medical director (2006-2015). At least 22 prisoners died under his care. Hired despite New York gross negligence citation, malpractice claims, and active probation. Subject of GBI criminal investigation. (aka: Dr. Nazaire) SOURCES (46) ---------------------------------------- - 41NBC, Pulaski food inspection violations, 41NBC (2025-01-01) [journalism, secondary] URL: https://www.41nbc.com/pulaski-state-prison-food-inspection-violations/ - AJC, Former prison guard plea deal rape charges, Atlanta Journal-Constitution (2023-01-01) [journalism, secondary] URL: https://www.ajc.com/news/investigations/former-ga-prison-guard-takes-a-plea-deal-after-being-charged-with-rapes/2I5V5F3TJZCQVLOKNLASRNVKT4/ - AJC, Gang violence and extortion at Pulaski, Atlanta Journal-Constitution (2022-03-01) [journalism, secondary] URL: https://www.ajc.com/news/crime/gangs-using-violence-to-extort-inmates-families-at-ga-prison-for-women/HXL66I6VLRCO5N45TXYK6NDAXE/ - AJC, Georgia prison medical provider extra costs due to violence, Atlanta Journal-Constitution (2024-01-01) [journalism, secondary] URL: https://www.ajc.com/news/investigations/georgia-prison-medical-provider-cites-millions-in-extra-costs-due-to-violence/RZH5DDKJ75HJJALOSWP5A3GUXA/ - AJC, Kemp signs law prohibiting shackling pregnant inmates, Atlanta Journal-Constitution (2019-05-01) [journalism, secondary] URL: https://www.ajc.com/news/state--regional-govt--politics/kemp-signs-law-prohibiting-shackling-pregnant-inmates/wOsgJm6G5CyEXPtl1g9bsI/ - AJC, Prison doctor troubled past, Atlanta Journal-Constitution (2017-01-01) [journalism, secondary] URL: https://www.ajc.com/news/state--regional-govt--politics/state-official-failed-delve-into-prison-doctor-troubled-past/rjC8HlEa0ZjfRAVAP2BtzH/ - AJC, Rare murders of women in Georgia prisons, Atlanta Journal-Constitution (2024-01-01) [journalism, secondary] URL: https://www.ajc.com/news/investigations/rare-murders-of-women-come-to-light-as-ga-prisons-set-homicide-record/X6G25DUQG5BNFM6NFVU6YIX6NU/ - AJC, Two high-ranking prison employees accused in sex cases, Atlanta Journal-Constitution (2023-01-01) [journalism, secondary] URL: https://www.ajc.com/news/investigations/two-high-ranking-georgia-prison-employees-accused-in-sex-cases/XLWGZ3QLXBGETBS2JKL2U2IYOE/ - Center for Constitutional Rights, Federal judge strikes down Georgia law banning trans treatment, Center for Constitutional Rights (2025-12-01) [press_release, primary] URL: https://ccrjustice.org/home/press-center/press-releases/victory-trans-rights-federal-judge-strikes-down-georgia-law-banning - 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 - DOJ Findings Report: Investigation of Georgia Prisons (October 2024), U.S. Department of Justice (2024-10-01) [official_report, primary] URL: https://www.justice.gov/d9/2024-09/findings_report_-_investigation_of_georgia_prisons.pdf - FWD.us Georgia Survivors Justice Act Fact Sheet, FWD.us (2025-04-01) [official_report, secondary] URL: https://www.fwd.us/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Georgia-Survivors-Justice-Act-Fact-Sheet.pdf - GDC Female Offenders and Facilities Fact Sheet, Georgia Department of Corrections by GDC [official_report, primary] URL: https://gdc.georgia.gov/document/fact-sheets/female-offenders-and-facilities-fact-sheet/download - GDC Inmate Statistical Profile, Active Life Without Parole, August 2025, Georgia Department of Corrections by GDC (2025-08-01) [official_report, primary] URL: https://gdc.georgia.gov/document/monthly-statistical-reports/profile-life-wo-parole-2025-07/download - GDC Inmate Statistical Profile, Active Lifers, February 2026, Georgia Department of Corrections by GDC (2026-02-01) [official_report, primary] URL: https://gdc.georgia.gov/document/monthly-statistical-reports/profile-life-sentence-2026-01/download - GDC Inmate Statistical Profile, All Active Inmates, April 2025, Georgia Department of Corrections by GDC (2025-04-01) [official_report, primary] URL: https://gdc.georgia.gov/document/monthly-statistical-reports/profile-all-inmates-2025-03/download - GDC Press Release, Deputy Director of Women's Services, January 2026, Georgia Department of Corrections by GDC (2026-01-08) [press_release, primary] URL: https://gdc.georgia.gov/press-releases/2026-01-08/new-deputy-director-womens-services - GDC Press Release, McRae Warden, January 2025, Georgia Department of Corrections by GDC (2025-01-09) [press_release, primary] URL: https://gdc.georgia.gov/press-releases/2025-01-09/new-warden-mcrae-womens-facility - GDC Reentry and Cognitive Programming Fact Sheet, Georgia Department of Corrections by GDC [official_report, primary] URL: https://gdc.georgia.gov/document/fact-sheets/reentry-and-cognitive-programming-fact-sheet/download - GDC Substance Use page, Georgia Department of Corrections by GDC [official_report, primary] URL: https://gdc.ga.gov/Divisions/InmateServices/RiskReduction/SubstanceAbuse - 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 Public Broadcasting, January 20, 2023, Georgia Public Broadcasting (2023-01-20) [journalism, secondary] URL: https://www.gpb.org/news/2023/01/20/georgia-womens-prison-be-downsized-inmates-transfer-former-federal-lockup - Georgia Recorder, Giving birth as Georgia prisoner, December 2025, Georgia Recorder (2025-12-15) [journalism, secondary] URL: https://georgiarecorder.com/2025/12/15/she-was-set-to-give-birth-as-a-georgia-prisoner-again-terrified-she-asked-a-nonprofit-for-help/ - Georgia Survivor Justice Act Overview Page, GCADV [press_release, primary] URL: https://gcadv.org/sji/sji-about/gasurvivorjusticeact/ - GPS AI Content Index, Georgia Prisoners' Speak by GPS (2026-03-29) [data_portal, secondary] URL: https://gps.press/ai-index/ - GPS Facilities Dashboard, GDC population totals, March 2026, Georgia Prisoners' Speak by GPS (2026-03-01) [gps_original, primary] URL: https://gps.press/gdc-statistics/ - GPS Facilities Directory Data, Georgia Prisoners' Speak by GPS (2026-02-09) [data_portal, primary] URL: https://gps.press/facilities-data/ - GPS Inmate Database, active population by facility, March 2026, Georgia Prisoners' Speak by GPS (2026-03-01) [gps_original, primary] URL: https://gps.press/facilities-directory/ - GPS mortality tracking, Georgia Prisoners' Speak by GPS (2025-01-01) [gps_original, primary] URL: https://gps.press/georgia-prison-death-rates/ - GPS Women's Incarceration in Georgia Research Brief, Georgia Prisoners' Speak by GPS (2026-01-01) [gps_original, tertiary] - GPS, Georgia's prison commissary extraction machine, Georgia Prisoners' Speak by GPS (2025-01-01) [gps_original, primary] URL: https://gps.press/georgias-prison-commissary-extraction-machine/ - Motherhood Beyond Bars, About page, Motherhood Beyond Bars [official_report, primary] URL: https://www.motherhoodbeyond.org/about-1 - NELSON Worldwide, McRae conversion project, NELSON Worldwide [press_release, primary] URL: https://nelsonworldwide.com/project/mcrae-womens-prison-conversion/ - Now Georgia, Lee Arrendale closure report, Now Georgia [journalism, secondary] URL: https://nowgeorgia.com/lee-arrendale-state-prison-to-close/ - Prison Legal News, Georgia prison doctor cutting costs, Prison Legal News (2017-12-05) [journalism, secondary] URL: https://www.prisonlegalnews.org/news/2017/dec/5/georgia-prison-doctor-rewarded-cutting-costs-prisoners-died-under-his-care/ - Prison Legal News, Georgia settles prison medical negligence suits, Prison Legal News (2019-04-02) [journalism, secondary] URL: https://www.prisonlegalnews.org/news/2019/apr/2/georgia-pays-more-3-million-settle-prison-medical-negligence-suits/ - Prison Legal News, January 1, 2023, Prison Legal News (2023-01-01) [journalism, secondary] URL: https://www.prisonlegalnews.org/news/2023/jan/1/tragic-and-wholly-unacceptable-gang-violence-erupts-georgia-womens-prison/ - Prison Policy Initiative, Georgia Profile, Prison Policy Initiative [data_portal, secondary] URL: https://www.prisonpolicy.org/profiles/GA.html - Prison Policy Initiative, Number of women in Georgia state prisons from 1978 to 2015, Prison Policy Initiative by Prison Policy Initiative (2015-01-01) [data_portal, secondary] URL: https://www.prisonpolicy.org/graphs/GA_Women_Counts_1978_2015.html - SCHR, Lee Arrendale warning letter, Southern Center for Human Rights by SCHR (2021-01-01) [official_report, primary] URL: https://www.schr.org/schr-sends-warning-letter-to-lee-arrendale-state-prison/ - SCHR, Mass incarceration page, Southern Center for Human Rights by SCHR [official_report, secondary] URL: https://www.schr.org/mass-incarceration/ - Senator Ossoff letter to FBI, June 2022, Office of Senator Jon Ossoff by Jon Ossoff (2022-06-22) [official_report, primary] URL: https://www.ossoff.senate.gov/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/22.06.16_FBI-Investigation-into-Pulaski-Exortion.pdf - Senator Ossoff, Investigation into abuse of pregnant women in prison, Office of Senator Jon Ossoff by Jon Ossoff [official_report, primary] URL: https://www.ossoff.senate.gov/press-releases/watch-sen-ossoffs-investigation-uncovers-pervasive-abuse-of-pregnant-women-in-prison/ - The Sentencing Project, Incarcerated Women and Girls fact sheet, December 2025, The Sentencing Project by The Sentencing Project (2025-12-01) [official_report, secondary] URL: https://www.sentencingproject.org/fact-sheet/incarcerated-women-and-girls/ - The Survivor Justice Act — One-Page Summary, Georgia Justice Project (2025-09-01) [press_release, primary] URL: https://www.gjp.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Survivor-Justice-Act-one-page-summary.pdf - WUGA, Georgia Senate committee visits McRae, June 2025, WUGA (2025-06-05) [journalism, secondary] URL: https://www.wuga.org/local-news/2025-06-05/georgia-senate-committee-visits-mcrae-womens-prison-to-assess-reforms