Prison Oversight & Conditions
2024 Georgia Senate Study Committee on the Department of Corrections — Final Report (SR 570)
The Georgia Senate Study Committee (SR 570) conducted five meetings in 2024 examining safety and welfare in Georgia Department of Corrections facilities, hearing testimony from GDC leadership, private prison operators, and advocacy organizations. Key findings include GDC overseeing ~49,000 inmates with 31% validated gang members and 75% entering for violent crimes, severe staffing shortages (47% vacancy rate among funded security positions), and significant contraband challenges (37,000+ cell phones confiscated since 2022). Advocacy groups including the Southern Center for Human Rights and National Incarceration Association raised concerns about overdose deaths not captured in recidivism data, reduced transparency around inmate deaths, solitary confinement litigation, and rising homicide/suicide rates, while the committee ultimately recommended single-cell conversions, mental health investment, and officer recruitment reforms.
Key Findings
The most impactful data from this research collection.
31%
31% of Inmates Are Gang Offenders
Statistic2,600
2,600 Officer Vacancies Across GDC
Statistic37,000
37,000 Cell Phones Seized Since 2022
Statistic21
21 Homicides in Prisons Jan-Sep 2020
StatisticAll Data Points
81 verified data points extracted from primary sources.
49 ACA-accredited facilities in Georgia Statistic
Commissioner Oliver highlighted the 49 facilities accredited by the American Correctional Association (ACA) across the state, which provides best practices and audits accredited facilities to specified standards.
49 facilities
85 total correctional facilities operated by Georgia Statistic
The state operates 85 total correctional facilities including but not limited to 35 state facilities and probation detention centers.
85 facilities vs. state facilities and probation detention centers
ACA accreditation renewal cycle Policy
Accreditation by the ACA is a one-year process that requires renewal every three years.
GDC oversees about 49,000 inmates as of August 2024 Statistic
GDC oversees about 49,000 inmates as of August 2024 which is approaching pre-pandemic levels due to efforts by the courts to adjudicate their backlog of criminal cases, with the average inmate being about 30-40 years old.
49,000 inmates
12% increase in violent population since 2012 reforms Trend
There has been a 12% increase in the proportion of the violent population since criminal justice reforms were undertaken in 2012.
31% of inmates are validated Security Threat Group (gang) offenders Statistic
The Commissioner alerted the committee that about 31% of the total inmate population are validated Security Threat Group (STG) offenders who have gang affiliation.
31%
14,000 inmates identified with mental health needs Statistic
The Commissioner acknowledged that about 14,000 inmates system-wide have identified mental health needs.
14,000 inmates
Mental health intake evaluation timeframe Policy
Mental evaluations are done over seven to 14 days of intake to determine whether a person has a preexisting condition, using individual counselors and approved evaluation techniques. Inmates in a crisis phase (suicidal or homicidal ideation) undergo…
FY2024 releases vs admissions Statistic
In fiscal year 2024, about 13,000 inmates were released compared to about 15,000 admissions.
13,000 releases vs. admissions
45,000 career/technical/educational certificates in FY2024 Statistic
During FY2024, the department helped individuals achieve about 45,000 career, technical, and educational certificates.
45,000 certificates
About a quarter of inmate population not from Georgia Statistic
Assistant Commissioner Sanders offered that about a quarter of the population is not from Georgia, making documentation efforts significant, with securing a birth certificate often the first step to gaining any documentation.
25%
70 medical appointments per day per facility Statistic
GDC facilities provide about 70 medical appointments per day per facility from within the facilities, not including outside visits at nearby medical facilities.
70 appointments per day per facility
100,000 prescription medications administered per month Statistic
State correctional facilities administer 100,000 prescription medications per month whether in the form of keep-on-person blister packs, pill call, supervised nursing, or otherwise depending on type of medication.
100,000 prescriptions per month
Seven close security prisons statewide Statistic
The state has seven close security prisons statewide, which include individuals who represent an escape risk or have a history of assault, dangerous, or serious crimes. Each close security prison is at least 30 years old.
7 prisons
Cell phones described as deadly weapons in prisons Finding
The Commissioner offered his opinion that cell phones are deadly weapons inside of prisons. The Department is undertaking anti-drone technology measures such as detection devices.
Federal jammers not allowed for states Legal fact
Sen. Albers elaborated that the federal government implements jammers at its prisons but does not allow states to do the same due to federal regulations.
Lee Arrendale hosts nation's first all-female firefighting team Case detail
Lee Arrendale, the primary female diagnostic and entry facility, boasts the nation's first all-female firefighting team.
West Central substance use recovery and mental health program Policy
West Central provides a substance use recovery and mental health stabilization program that allows inmates to complete a nine-month treatment plan prior to being moved to another facility.
Only one female inmate under death sentence Statistic
Lee Arrendale and Pulaski act as close security facilities for female inmates, but only one offender is considered UDS (under death sentence) at this time.
1 inmate under death sentence
Meth is prevalent cause for needing treatment Finding
Watson stated anecdotally that meth is a prevalent cause for needing treatment, but they will provide exact numbers for the committee on substance use in prisons.
Drug-soaked paper 'strips' entering through mail Finding
Because drugs sometimes come through the mail in the form of drug-soaked paper called 'strips,' the GDC is working to centralize mail facilities and use technology that identifies those substances. Much of the drug crime inside prisons is organized …
Autry facility renovation cost $70 million Statistic
The Autry facility was taken offline for a broad renovation and is being re-populated gradually. Updates and hardening included its water system, lock and control systems, and other technology as a single budget item of $70 million.
$70.0M
New comparable facility costs about $1.2 billion Statistic
When asked how renovations and hardening compare to building a comparable new facility, the department responded that a new facility costs about $1.2 billion, including about 1,500 beds, single-man cells, pre-cast concrete walls, hardening, and some…
$1.2B
Upcoming facility $842 million total Statistic
One upcoming facility with 1,500 to 1,800 beds depending on bunking is $700 million in construction and $842 million total for technology and other necessities.
$842.0M vs. construction only
Recommended maximum facility capacity of 1,500 inmates Finding
Commissioner Oliver stated that the state should limit future correctional facilities to a maximum capacity of 1,500 inmates, noting smaller facilities result in greater control and the most successful inmates.
Smith State Prison reduced violence via single-cell transition Case detail
The Commissioner pointed to Smith State Prison which saw reduced violence by reducing its population and transitioning to single-man cells. Single-man cells are the modern-day best practice for the health and safety of inmates.
Four private prison facilities in Georgia Statistic
Four total facilities in the state are operated by GEO and CoreCivic. Those companies both own their facilities and operate through a contract bidding process, with an on-site GDC monitor who ensures continuous adherence to policy and procedure.
4 private facilities
CoreCivic partnership with GDC since 1998 Case detail
CoreCivic has been in partnership with the Georgia Department of Corrections since 1998. Private prisons generally began operating in the United States in the 1980s due to a number of facilities being in federal receivership.
CoreCivic sold McRae facility to state in 2022 Case detail
A part of CoreCivic's business model is building facilities that it eventually sells to the state, as it did with the McRae facility in Helena, GA in 2022. The company does not use the state's appropriation of bond system to build.
GEO Group operates two state and three federal facilities in Georgia Statistic
GEO Group operates two state detention facilities in Georgia. In addition, GEO operates two federal facilities for Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and one for the U.S. Marshal Service. The company employs 800 people statewide.
800 employees
GEO Group operating costs up ~40% over five years Trend
GEO Group's operation costs over the last five years have increased about 40 percent. GEO stated it has pay parity when compared to public prisons.
GEO Riverbend staffing and turnover Statistic
The company has 86 percent staffing generally with a 30 percent turnover rate. Since 2016, GEO reports 66% average employment within 12 months of release. Against a 39 percent national recidivism rate, GEO has a 25 percent rate for its Riverbend fac…
25% vs. national recidivism rate
Empty 1,800-bed Folkston facility Case detail
GEO Group has an empty facility at Folkston which was an ICE center with about five personnel responsible for maintaining the empty, 1,800-bed facility.
Total health services budgeted at ~$355 million Statistic
Total health services including dental and pharmacy are budgeted at about $355 million according to the Commissioner. GDC covers about 55,000 individuals annually.
$355.0M
Seven facilities have privatized food services Policy
GDC is experiencing savings at the seven facilities where it has privatized food services. A statewide assessment has not been undertaken to determine the effects of privatization efforts at all facilities.
Average new corrections officer salary $44,000 Statistic
The average salary for new corrections officers is $44,000 statewide with enhancements depending on location and certifications. Close Security/Special Mission (CSM) officers receive a higher average amount.
$44,000
Current academy class of ~200 correctional officers Statistic
The current academy class of correctional officers includes about 200 individuals. The basic academy for new officers is five weeks.
200 officers
Contraband more often introduced by visitors than staff Finding
The Department stated that contraband is more often introduced by visitors than it is by any staff. Employees bringing in contraband with intent to provide it to an inmate can result in immediate dismissal and criminal charges.
GDC vacancy: 2,600 open positions of 10,919 capacity Statistic
GDC had about 1,700 open positions pre-Covid and about 3,500 openings during the vacancy peak. Currently, GDC has 2,600 open positions with a 10,919 total employee capacity, 7,587 of which are security officers.
2,600 open positions vs. total employee capacity
Over 800 contraband smuggling arrests in FY2023-2024 Statistic
The Office of Professional Standards made over 800 arrests during fiscal years 2023 and 2024 for the smuggling of contraband into GDC facilities, mostly by civilians.
800 arrests
151 drone incident arrests last year Statistic
There is an escalating number of drone incidents which resulted in 151 arrests last year.
151 arrests
Over 37,000 cell phones confiscated since 2022 Statistic
Over 37,000 devices have been confiscated from inside the prisons since 2022 with an average of 1,300 being found monthly.
37,000 devices vs. average monthly confiscations
Commissary spending limit of $75 weekly Policy
Inmates are allowed personal property from the prison commissary if it does not exceed a weekly value of $75 in the aggregate and the size of a specified locker box. Commissary accounts are managed and audited monthly by Department staff.
75% of inmates enter for a violent crime Statistic
The Department highlighted that 75 percent of inmates enter the system due to a violent crime, an increase attributable to criminal justice reform reducing the number of individuals entering prison for non-violent convictions.
75%
Violent incidents down since 2015 but severity up Trend
Overall, annual violent incidents in facilities have reduced since 2015, but the severity such as the use of weapons or number of people involved has increased.
GDC death investigation and lockdown procedure Policy
When any death is discovered, a facility is placed in lockdown, crime scene investigators are brought to the scene, and the deceased is sent to the coroner and crime lab. GDC investigates deaths unless an officer is suspected to be involved, at whic…
Octavius Holiday released in 2020 after 16 years Case detail
Octavius Holiday, a former inmate, was released in 2020 after 16 years in Georgia facilities for armed robbery convictions. He complimented the Department's faith-based and leadership programs and acknowledged that staff reductions due to Covid-19 w…
Guidehouse system-wide study underway Methodology note
GDC is awaiting results of a system-wide study of its operations conducted by Guidehouse, Inc. that should include a comprehensive analysis of salary structures related to recruitment and retention, undertaken with the Governor's office and expected…
GDC lost ~2,000 officers during COVID, vacancy hit 50% Statistic
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the agency lost about 2,000 entry-level correctional officers and the vacancy rate rose to about 50 percent. Efforts have reduced that vacancy rate to about 47 percent of the 7,500 total funded security positions. About…
47% vs. peak COVID vacancy rate
Cost of hiring and training per cadet ~$3,000 Statistic
Senator Jackson inquired about the cost of hiring and training personnel, which is about $3,000 per cadet not including salaries.
$3,000
Five-week academy: 208 hours curriculum Policy
The five-week academy occurs at one of five locations across Georgia. The curriculum is 208 hours, of which 149 are mandated by the state or certifying entity. The Department is planning to extend the academy to six weeks including crisis interventi…
Background checks by ~140 agents across three regions Policy
The background check process is undertaken by about 140 agents across three regions within the agency. Agents interview individuals identified by applicants and conduct social media checks for disqualifying connections such as gang affiliation.
About 10 GDC facilities not ACA accredited Statistic
Most GDC facilities are ACA accredited, but of the 10 or so that are not, the Commissioner attributed it to aging infrastructure rather than failures of policies or procedures.
10 facilities
Intake within 15 days, 200-250 per week Statistic
GDC will intake an individual within 15 days of receiving notification from the county with an average of 200-250 intakes per week. Offender records are not fully digitized aside from medical records and are held by State Archives.
225 intakes per week (average)
Substance abuse programs at 10 facilities Policy
The Inmate Services Division oversees substance abuse programs located at 10 facilities statewide, along with behavioral programming, religious services, and library services.
26% recidivism within three years; vocational cuts it by half Statistic
Among the general population, about 26% of released inmates are reconvicted within three years, but that rate drops if the individual completed educational, career, or cognitive programming. Vocational programming in particular reduces recidivism by…
26% vs. reduction from vocational programming
Augusta University medical records contract not fulfilled Case detail
Senator Albers inquired about efforts to recover funds from an unfulfilled medical records contract involving Augusta University. Because the university was responsible for contracting with the supplier instead of GDC, the agency lacked direct contr…
Healthcare contract transition from Wellpath to Centurion Case detail
Since the most recent contract was awarded, GDC noted the transition from Wellpath to Centurion for services was smooth within the 60 days the contract was awarded. Wellpath notified GDC of its intent not to renew without increasing pricing, trigger…
Over 50% of pharmacy budget on Hepatitis and HIV drugs Statistic
Over 50 percent of the agency's pharmacy budget goes toward Hepatitis and HIV treatment drugs, typically begun after a person receives their diagnostic medical exams. The pharmacy contract is currently held by CorrectRX. GDC coordinates with Ryan Wh…
50%
Federal benefits suspended for inmates Legal fact
Mr. Sauls clarified that Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security programs are suspended for inmates; however, some inmates are eligible for a Medicaid waiver where overnight hospitalization is necessary.
GDC has about 150 non-healthcare contracts Statistic
Outside of healthcare, GDC has about 150 contracts varying from pest control to vending machines to laundry, audited and reviewed at least annually to ensure market pricing and technical ability.
150 contracts
HVAC convenience contract covers only 8 of 58 locations Statistic
One HVAC convenience contract is in place for maintenance, but it only covers eight of the agency's 58 locations. The current contract is held by CGL and is about $5 million for labor not including material costs. All facilities have AC in administr…
8 locations covered vs. total GDC locations
Kate Boccia's son died of fentanyl overdose in 2021 Case detail
Kate Boccia stated her son died in 2021 of a fentanyl overdose during the typical three-year recidivism period. She noted that individuals who die within that period are not captured in recidivism datasets, identifying a data gap.
Deaths during recidivism period not captured in datasets Data gap
Individuals who die within the three-year recidivism period (such as from overdose) are not captured in recidivism datasets, identifying a gap in how outcomes are measured.
Parole board conducted 17,600 reviews in 2023 with five members Statistic
Kate Boccia questioned the 17,600 reviews created by the parole board's five members in 2023 and wished to see release of individuals with nonviolent or marijuana-related offenses. She stated that 12 percent of the returning prison population for pa…
17,600 reviews vs. percent of parole returns that are new offenses
SCHR: 33 homicides in GDC facilities 2010-2014 Statistic
The Southern Center for Human Rights stated that 33 homicides occurred within GDC facilities from 2010 to 2014 and exceeded the rates of other southern states.
33 homicides
21 killed and 19 suicides in GA prisons Jan-Sep 2020 Statistic
Ms. Hollie pointed to the period of January to September 2020 where 21 people were killed in Georgia prisons in addition to 19 suicides during that same time period. Since 2020, annual homicide and suicide rates within GDC facilities have remained a…
21 homicides vs. suicides in same period
Georgia fourth per capita in incarceration rate (2022) Statistic
Ms. Hollie presented a graph on incarceration rates showing Georgia was fourth per capita among a list of states, the U.S. overall, and other countries when measured in 2022.
4 rank per capita
GDC ended press releases on inmate deaths Finding
Ms. Hollie expressed concern over GDC ending the practice of making press releases when someone dies in its facilities, citing an absence of transparency, and wished to see the practice restored with limited information respecting ongoing investigat…
GDC removed manner of death from mortality review reports Data gap
Ms. Hollie stated that GDC has changed its publication of mortality review reports so that manner of death is no longer included when requested through open records.
SCHR litigation on Special Management Unit solitary confinement Legal fact
SCHR reached a settlement ensuring minimum time out-of-cell and access to programming at the Special Management Unit at Jackson Diagnostic. Ms. Hollie stated that violation of that settlement agreement was found by a federal judge in April 2024, and…
SCHR 2016 lawsuit over sepsis death Legal fact
The Southern Center for Human Rights participated in a 2016 lawsuit arising in part from a lack of medical staff to address an individual who died of sepsis.
SCHR represented shackled postpartum women Legal fact
After Lee Arrendale Prison was transitioned to a women's facility, SCHR represented postpartum women who alleged to have been shackled against state and federal law and given inadequate medical care in the days and weeks after delivery.
Georgia State Prison solitary confinement until 2022 closure Finding
Ms. Hollie pointed to the use of solitary confinement at Georgia State Prison, a special mission mental health facility, until its closing in 2022. Solitary confinement was defined as an individual being held in their cell for 22 or more hours per d…
US DOJ report on conditions in Georgia prisons Finding
Kate Boccia referred to a U.S. Department of Justice report on conditions within Georgia prisons during her testimony to the committee.
Matthew Charles: First Step Act beneficiary Case detail
Matthew Charles, Senior Policy Advisor with Families Against Mandatory Minimums, stated in 1996 he was sentenced to 35 years in federal prison for nonviolent offenses. After serving 22 years, he was the first beneficiary of the First Step Act signed…
Federal Prison Oversight Act of 2024 model Legal fact
Mr. Charles spoke on the Federal Prison Oversight Act (FPOA) of 2024, which calls for independent prison oversight through an ombudsman and regular inspections by the Inspector General so corrective actions for health and safety issues can be taken …
Georgia recidivism rate ~26% as of 2021 Statistic
Cliff Hogan, Director of Data Management and Research, testified that the department tracks recidivism based on whether an individual has a felony conviction within three years of release. As of 2021, the recidivism rate is about 26 percent in Georg…
26% vs. reduction with programming
Recommendation: convert to single-person cells Policy
The Study Committee recommended converting all existing facilities and constructing all new facilities to single person, single cell facilities.
Recommendation: audit contract renewals for runaway costs Policy
The Committee recommended asking the Georgia Department of Audits to review all contract renewals for the past five years to see if there is a pattern of runaway costs by any vendors.
Recommendation: federal jamming technology and mental health Policy
The Committee recommended increasing mental health services for staff and incarcerated, investing in officer recruitment/retention, implementing a pay study for all GDC employees, advocating the federal government to allow state prisons to use cell …
Sources
7 cited sources backing this research.
Primary
Legislation
Primary
Official report
SR 570 Study Committee Meeting Five Testimony (December 13, 2024)
Primary
Official report
SR 570 Study Committee Meeting Four Testimony (November 22, 2024)
Primary
Official report
SR 570 Study Committee Meeting One Testimony (August 23, 2024)
Primary
Official report
SR 570 Study Committee Meeting Three Testimony (November 15, 2024)
Primary
Official report
SR 570 Study Committee Meeting Two Testimony (August 28, 2024)
Primary
Official report
U.S. Department of Justice Report on Conditions in Georgia Prisons
Key Entities
Organizations, people, facilities, and other named entities referenced in this research.
American Correctional Association
[organization]
Atteeyah Hollie
[person]
Augusta University
[organization]
Centurion
[organization]
CGL
[organization]
CoreCivic
[organization]
CorrectRX
[organization]
Craig Haney
[person]
Families Against Mandatory Minimums
[organization]
Federal Prison Oversight Act
[legislation]
First Step Act
[legislation]
GEO Group
[organization]
Georgia Bureau of Investigation
[organization]
Georgia Department of Audits and Accounts
[organization]
Georgia Department of Corrections
[organization]
Georgia Diagnostic and Classification Prison
[facility]
Georgia State Board of Pardons and Paroles
[organization]
Georgia State Prison
[facility]
Guidehouse
[organization]
Kate Boccia
[person]
Lee Arrendale State Prison
[facility]
Matthew Charles
[person]
National Incarceration Association
[organization]
Octavius Holiday
[person]
Randy Robertson
[person]
Riverbend Correctional Facility
[facility]
Senate Resolution 570
[legislation]
Smith State Prison
[facility]
Southern Center for Human Rights
[organization]
SR 570 Study Committee
[organization]
Technical College System of Georgia
[organization]
Tyrone Oliver
[person]
U.S. Department of Justice
[organization]
Wellpath
[organization]
Related Topics
Research topics that draw on data from this collection.
Communications & Technology
Georgia operates a prison communications system defined by monopoly contracts and extraction, funneling millions in commission kickbacks to the Department of Corrections while families bear exorbitant costs. In the name of stopping contraband cellphones, the state has deployed $50 million in surveillance technology through a handful of vendors, yet phones and violence continue to flood an overwhelmed and critically understaffed prison system. The result is a self-reinforcing cycle where financial exploitation of families, technology contracts, and institutional neglect converge, with lethal consequences.
2,032 data points
Healthcare & Medical Neglect
Georgia's prison system has become a site of profound medical neglect, where deliberate underfunding of nutrition and healthcare, coupled with aging infrastructure and a rapidly growing geriatric population, produces preventable suffering and death. With 14,000 individuals receiving mental health treatment and one in four over age 50, the system fails constitutional standards while systematically shifting healthcare costs onto incarcerated people and their families. From malnutrition-driven violence to Legionella contamination and surging overdose fatalities, the evidence documents a public health crisis that accelerates mortality and deepens inequality.
2,310 data points
Mortality & Deaths in Custody
Georgia's prisons are experiencing an unprecedented mortality crisis, with GPS documenting at least 330 in-custody deaths in 2024—the deadliest year in state history. Homicides, drug overdoses, and systemic neglect have driven a 47% surge in the prison death rate since 2019, while official counts understate the toll and routine misclassification obscures fatalities linked to malnutrition, heat, and substandard medical care.
3,058 data points
Oversight & Accountability
Georgia's prison oversight architecture has failed at every level — legislative, judicial, executive, and administrative — producing a system where 142 documented homicides, a 50% staffing vacancy rate, and $634 million in emergency spending coexist with no meaningful accountability for the officials responsible. The Georgia Department of Corrections operates with near-total opacity, manipulates its own mortality data, collects millions in kickbacks from vendors it is supposed to regulate, and has twice required federal court intervention — first in 1972 and again in 2024 — because internal oversight mechanisms do not function. What exists in Georgia is not a flawed oversight system; it is the systematic absence of one.
4,618 data points
Policy & Advocacy
Georgia's $1.8 billion prison system delivers near-starvation nutrition, rampant violence, and record deaths while extracting millions from incarcerated families through kickback-laden contracts. Decades of truth-in-sentencing incentives and corporate vendor lock-in have built an extraction economy that diverts resources from rehabilitation, yet evidence from other states and nations demonstrates that humane, purpose-driven models dramatically reduce harm and recidivism at lower costs. Advocacy must target the nexus of fiscal waste, policy failure, and Eighth Amendment violations to force systemic change.
3,344 data points
Population & Demographics
Georgia operates one of the most expansive and punishing incarceration systems in the world, holding approximately 53,000 people in state prisons and more than 102,000 across all facility types — incarcerating residents at a rate of 881 per 100,000, higher than any independent nation except El Salvador. The system has grown dramatically in both size and cost, with the state approving $634 million in new corrections spending in 2025 alone, even as violence, mortality, and population instability have surged. Understanding who is held in Georgia's prisons — their numbers, demographics, ages, and distribution — is essential context for every crisis the system faces.
2,605 data points
Staffing Crisis
The Georgia Department of Corrections has lost more than half its correctional officer workforce in a decade, with systemwide vacancy rates now at 50%. This staffing collapse is the primary driver of record violence, surging deaths in custody, a spiraling contraband economy fueled by employee misconduct, and billions in reactive spending that has yet to reverse the crisis.
2,344 data points
Violence & Safety
Georgia’s prisons have become a killing field: 142 homicides documented by a federal DOJ investigation from 2018 to 2023, a 47% surge in prisoner death rates, and a staggering 77% increase in assaults on staff. A 50% correctional officer vacancy rate, the infiltration of thousands of cellphones and weapons, and an unprecedented $634 million spending injection have failed to stem the violence, while officials obscure the true death toll — GPS identified 100 homicides in 2024 alone, 52% higher than the state’s own count.
3,554 data points