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2024 Georgia Senate Study Committee Report on Prison Conditions

125 Data Points 33 Sources 44 Entities Research Date: Feb 25, 2026
The Georgia Senate SR 570 Study Committee conducted five meetings in 2024 examining the safety and welfare of individuals in Georgia Department of Corrections facilities. Key findings include a system managing approximately 49,000 inmates with 2,600 staff vacancies (47% security vacancy rate), 31% of inmates with gang affiliations, 14,000 inmates with identified mental health needs, and aging infrastructure requiring billions in upgrades. The committee issued nine recommendations including converting to single-cell facilities, investing in recruitment/retention, increasing mental health services, and advocating for federal permission to use cell phone jamming technology.
49,000 GDC total inmate population as of August 2024
12% 12% increase in violent population proportion sin…
31% 31% of inmates are validated gang members
14,000 14,000 inmates with identified mental health needs
13,000 FY2024 releases vs. admissions

All Data Points

125 verified data points extracted from primary sources.

GDC total inmate population 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.
49,000 inmates
demographics facilities
Average inmate age range Statistic
The average inmate in GDC is about 30-40 years old.
demographics
12% increase in violent population proportion since 2012 reforms Statistic
There has been a 12% increase in the proportion of the violent population since criminal justice reforms were undertaken in 2012.
12%
violence demographics policy
31% of inmates are validated gang members Statistic
About 31% of the total inmate population are validated Security Threat Group (STG) offenders who have gang affiliation.
31%
gangs demographics
14,000 inmates with identified mental health needs Statistic
About 14,000 inmates system-wide have identified mental health needs.
14,000 inmates
mental_health demographics
Mental health evaluation timeline at intake Policy
Mental evaluations are done over 7 to 14 days of intake to determine whether a person has a preexisting condition, using individual counselors and approved evaluation techniques. Inmates in 'crisis phase' such as suicidal or homicidal ideation under…
mental_health policy medical
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
demographics reentry
45,000 certificates achieved in FY2024 Statistic
In FY2024, the department helped individuals achieve about 45,000 career, technical, and educational certificates.
45,000 certificates
reentry policy program
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
medical facilities
100,000 prescription medications per month administered Statistic
The state's 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
medical drugs
Seven close security prisons, all over 30 years old Statistic
The state has seven close security prisons statewide, each at least 30 years old. The Commissioner said a prison has a lifespan of about 15-20 years before it needs hardening or updates.
7 close security prisons
facilities conditions
Single-cell policy reduces inmate-on-inmate violence Finding
The Commissioner highlighted a reduction of inmate-on-inmate violence in close security prisons due to the implementation of single-cell policies. Smith State Prison saw reduced violence by reducing its population and transitioning to single-man cel…
violence facilities policy
85 total correctional facilities in Georgia Statistic
The state operates 85 total correctional facilities including but not limited to 35 state facilities and probation detention centers.
85 facilities
facilities
49 facilities accredited by ACA Statistic
The department highlighted 49 facilities accredited by the American Correctional Association (ACA). Accreditation is a one-year process that requires renewal every three years.
49 accredited facilities
facilities policy
Cell phones classified as deadly weapons inside prisons Finding
The Commissioner stated that cell phones are deadly weapons inside of prisons. The Department is undertaking anti-drone technology measures such as detection devices but it is difficult to compete with the constant progress of technology.
contraband operations
Federal regulations prevent states from using cell phone jammers Legal fact
The federal government implements jammers at its prisons but does not allow states to do the same due to federal regulations.
contraband legal policy
Drug-soaked paper 'strips' entering through mail Finding
Drugs sometimes come through the mail in the form of drug-soaked paper called 'strips.' GDC is working to centralize mail facilities and use technology that identifies those substances. Much of these drug crimes inside prisons is organized by gangs …
drugs contraband gangs operations
Meth identified as prevalent cause for substance treatment Finding
Anecdotally, Chief of Staff Watson stated that meth is a prevalent cause for needing treatment in prisons.
drugs medical
Commissioner recommends 1,500-inmate cap for future facilities Policy
Commissioner Oliver stated that the state should limit future correctional facilities to a maximum capacity of 1,500 inmates.
facilities policy
Autry facility renovation cost $70 million Statistic
The Autry facility was taken offline for a broad renovation including water system, lock and control systems, and other technology. This was a single budget item of $70 million.
$70M
budget facilities
New prison construction costs approximately $1.2 billion Statistic
A new correctional facility costs about $1.2 billion, including about 1,500 beds, single-man cells, pre-cast concrete walls, hardening, and some technology to support operations.
$1.2B
budget facilities
Upcoming facility costs $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.
$842M
budget facilities
Quarter of inmates not from Georgia complicating documentation Statistic
About a quarter of the GDC population is not from Georgia, making it a significant effort to secure documentation such as birth certificates for reentry purposes.
25%
demographics reentry
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 female inmate under death sentence
demographics facilities
GEO Group operation costs increased 40% over five years Statistic
GEO Group's operation costs over the last five years have increased about 40 percent.
40%
budget facilities
GEO Group staffing at 86% with 30% turnover Statistic
GEO Group has 86 percent staffing generally with a 30 percent turnover rate.
86% vs. percent turnover rate
staffing facilities
GEO Riverbend 66% employment rate within 12 months of release Statistic
Since 2016, 66% average employment within 12 months of release for GEO Group's post-release program.
66%
reentry facilities
GEO Riverbend 25% recidivism rate vs 39% national average Statistic
While there is a 39 percent national recidivism rate, GEO has a 25 percent rate for its Riverbend facility.
25% vs. national recidivism rate percent
reentry facilities
GEO Group 40% of Riverbend population transitioning within 5 years Statistic
About 40 percent of the Riverbend Correctional Facility population will transition out of the Department of Corrections in the next five years.
40%
demographics reentry facilities
GEO Group employs 800 people statewide in Georgia Statistic
GEO Group employs 800 people statewide across its facilities in Georgia.
800 employees
staffing
GDC total health services budget approximately $355 million Statistic
Total health services including dental and pharmacy are budgeted at about $355 million according to the Commissioner.
$355M
budget medical
GDC healthcare covers about 55,000 individuals annually Statistic
Assistant Commissioner Sauls explained that the Department covers about 55,000 individuals annually for healthcare services.
55,000 individuals
medical demographics
Average new corrections officer salary $44,000 Statistic
The average salary for new corrections officers is $44,000 statewide with enhancements depending on the location a person works at and their certifications.
$44,000
staffing budget
GDC pre-COVID vacancy of 1,700 positions Statistic
GDC had about 1,700 open positions pre-Covid.
1,700 open positions
staffing
GDC peak vacancy of 3,500 positions during COVID Statistic
GDC had about 3,500 openings during the vacancy peak caused by COVID-19.
3,500 open positions
staffing
GDC current vacancy of 2,600 positions Statistic
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
staffing
GDC total funded employee capacity 10,919 Statistic
The agency is funded for a total of 10,919 positions including both administrative and security personnel.
10,919 funded positions
staffing budget
7,587 funded security officer positions Statistic
GDC has 7,587 funded security officer positions out of its 10,919 total funded positions.
7,587 security officer positions
staffing
47% security officer vacancy rate Statistic
The agency's efforts have reduced the security vacancy rate to about 47 percent of the 7,500 total funded security positions. About 2,000 correctional officer positions are unfunded in the agency's budget.
47% vs. percent peak vacancy rate during COVID
staffing
2,000 unfunded correctional officer positions Statistic
About 2,000 correctional officer positions are unfunded in the agency's budget which reduces the overall vacancy rate.
2,000 unfunded positions
staffing budget
Cost of hiring and training per cadet approximately $3,000 Statistic
The cost of hiring and training personnel is about $3,000 per cadet not including salaries.
$3,000
staffing budget
Over 800 arrests in FY2023-2024 for contraband smuggling 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
contraband corruption operations
151 drone-related arrests last year Statistic
There is an escalating number of drone incidents which resulted in 151 arrests last year.
151 arrests
contraband operations
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 confiscated
contraband operations
Average 1,300 cell phones found monthly Statistic
An average of 1,300 cell phone devices are being found monthly in GDC facilities.
1,300 devices per month
contraband operations
Commissary weekly spending limit of $75 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.
policy conditions
75% of inmates enter due to violent crime Statistic
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 a prison for non-violent convictions.
75%
demographics violence
Violent incident severity increasing despite declining overall numbers 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.
violence facilities
Homicides largely between roommates Finding
A large proportion of homicides in GDC facilities are between roommates, and means vary and include homemade weapons, lacerations, and fights.
violence death
GDC death investigation protocol Policy
When any death is discovered, a facility is placed in lockdown, crime scene investigators are brought into the scene, and the deceased is sent to the coroner and crime lab for proper processing. GBI oversees the investigation if an officer is suspec…
death policy investigations
GDC death categories Policy
Deaths within GDC facilities fall into the categories of homicide, suicide, accidental death, Department executions, natural causes, and unknown. The unknown causes are typically temporary as the Department investigates all deaths.
death policy
Five-week basic officer academy to extend to six weeks in July 2025 Policy
The five-week basic officer training academy (208 hours, 149 mandated by state/certifying entity) is planned to extend to six weeks including crisis intervention training as of July 1, 2025, pending recommendations from the Guidehouse report.
staffing policy
Current academy class of about 200 individuals Statistic
The current academy class of correctional officers includes about 200 individuals.
200 cadets
staffing
Guidehouse Inc. conducting system-wide operations study Finding
The Department is currently waiting for the results of a system-wide study of its operations being conducted by Guidehouse, Inc. that should include a comprehensive analysis of its salary structures related to recruitment and retention. The report w…
staffing policy operations
COVID-19 caused loss of about 2,000 entry-level correctional officers Statistic
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the agency lost about 2,000 entry-level correctional officers.
2,000 officers lost
staffing
Most voluntary terminations occur within first two years Trend
A significant number of voluntary terminations by correctional officers, such as seeking other employment, occur within the first two years of hiring; however, the termination rate falls if an officer is retained beyond that timeframe.
staffing
Majority of separations occur within less than one year Finding
The majority of separations, whether voluntary or involuntary, occur in less than a year, so a substantial effort is placed in getting a new employee past that point.
staffing
Contraband more often introduced by visitors than staff Finding
Contraband is more often introduced by visitors than it is by any staff, according to GDC.
contraband corruption
Drones identified as greatest contraband threat Finding
The greater threat currently for contraband introduction is the impact of drones causing large quantities of contraband to enter facilities.
contraband operations
CoreCivic partnership with GDC since 1998 Case detail
CoreCivic has been in partnership with the Department of Corrections since 1998.
facilities policy
Four private prison facilities in Georgia Statistic
Four total facilities in the state are operated by GEO Group and CoreCivic. Those companies both own their facilities and operate through a contract bidding process.
4 private facilities
facilities
McRae facility sold by CoreCivic to state in 2022 Case detail
CoreCivic's business model includes building facilities that it eventually sells to the state, as it did with the McRae facility in Helena, GA in 2022.
facilities budget
Folkston ICE facility empty with 1,800 beds 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.
facilities
GDC reduced programming attributed to COVID staffing and funding Finding
GEO Group acknowledged a reduction of programming it offers over recent years and stated it is due to a reduction of staff and funding after COVID.
staffing policy reentry
Average inmate sentence at least 10 years Statistic
The average offender enters a correctional facility with a sentence of at least ten years which the Commissioner attributed to the increasing number of violent offenses requiring prison sentences.
10 years minimum sentence
demographics legal
Intake within 15 days of county notification Statistic
GDC will intake an individual within 15 days of receiving notification from the county with an average of 200-250 intakes per week.
15 days
operations policy
200-250 intakes per week average Statistic
GDC averages 200-250 intakes per week from counties.
225 intakes per week
operations demographics
26% general population recidivism rate within three years 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.
26%
reentry
Recidivism rate reduces up to 50% with GDC programming Statistic
Recidivism rates reduce up to 50 percent for those who go through GDC programming. The chairman highlighted that vocational programming in particular reduces the recidivism rate by half when compared to the general population.
50%
reentry policy
Substance abuse treatment increases recidivism due to addiction Finding
The Department only sees increased recidivism rates among the population who goes through its residential substance abuse treatment programs, which is attributed to addiction.
drugs reentry
Substance abuse programs at 10 facilities statewide Statistic
The Inmate Services Division oversees substance abuse programs located at 10 facilities statewide.
10 facilities with substance abuse programs
drugs facilities policy
Transition from Wellpath to Centurion for healthcare Case detail
The transition from Wellpath to Centurion for healthcare services was smooth within 60 days of the contract being awarded. A year prior, Wellpath notified GDC of its intent not to renew without increasing pricing, triggering a new RFP process. Since…
medical policy
Over 50% of pharmacy budget on Hepatitis and HIV treatment Statistic
Over 50 percent of the agency's pharmacy budget goes toward Hepatitis and HIV treatment drugs, which are typically begun after a person receives their diagnostic medical exams.
50%
medical budget drugs
Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security suspended for inmates Legal fact
Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security programs are suspended for inmates; however, some inmates are eligible for a Medicaid waiver where overnight hospitalization is necessary.
medical legal budget
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.
150 contracts
budget operations
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.
8 locations covered vs. total locations
conditions budget facilities
AC systems in administrative, medical, and mental health units only Finding
Currently all facilities have AC systems in administrative facilities, medical units, and mental health housing, while GDC is adding AC to other facilities.
conditions facilities
33 homicides in GDC 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
death violence
21 killed in Georgia prisons January-September 2020 Statistic
From January to September 2020, 21 people were killed in Georgia prisons in addition to 19 suicides during that same time period.
21 homicides vs. suicides
death violence mental_health
Annual homicide and suicide rates remain at similar levels since 2020 Trend
Since 2020, annual homicide and suicide rates within GDC facilities have remained at similar levels to the January-September 2020 period.
death violence mental_health
Georgia fourth in per capita incarceration rate in 2022 Statistic
Ms. Hollie presented a graph showing Georgia was fourth per capita in incarceration rates among states in comparison to the United States overall and other countries, as measured in 2022.
4 rank per capita
demographics
SCHR concern over GDC ending death press releases Data gap
Ms. Hollie expressed concern over GDC ending the practice of making press releases when someone dies in its facilities due to the absence of transparency. She also stated GDC has changed its publication of mortality review reports so that manner of …
death policy
GDC mortality reports no longer include manner of death Data gap
GDC has changed its publication of mortality review reports so that manner of death is no longer included when requested through open records, according to the Southern Center for Human Rights.
death policy
Solitary confinement defined as 22+ hours in cell per day Finding
Ms. Hollie defined solitary confinement as an individual being held in their cells for 22 or more hours per day.
solitary conditions
Federal judge found GDC in violation of solitary confinement settlement in April 2024 Legal fact
GDC in a settlement with the Southern Center for Human Rights ensures minimum time out-of-cell and access to programming at the Special Management Unit at Jackson Diagnostic. However, violation of that settlement agreement has been found by a federa…
solitary legal conditions
SCHR 2016 lawsuit over sepsis death due to lack of medical staff 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.
medical death legal
SCHR lawsuit over shackling of postpartum women at Lee Arrendale Legal fact
After Lee Arrendale Prison was transitioned to a women's facility, the Southern Center for Human Rights represented postpartum women who alleged to have been shackled against state and federal law and given further inadequate medical care in the day…
medical legal conditions
2011 lawsuit regarding unreasonable force at Hays State Prison Legal fact
The Southern Center for Human Rights previously participated in litigation regarding a 2011 lawsuit regarding unreasonable force by guards at Hays State Prison.
violence legal
Georgia State Prison solitary confinement used until closure in 2022 Case detail
The SCHR pointed to the use of solitary confinement at Georgia State Prison, a special mission mental health facility, until its closing in 2022.
solitary mental_health facilities
NIA: 12% of returning prison population for parole violations are new offenses Statistic
Kate Boccia stated that 12 percent of the returning prison population for parole violations are new offenses while the rest are technical violations of parole.
12% vs. percent technical violations
parole reentry
17,600 parole reviews by five board members in 2023 Statistic
Ms. Boccia questioned the 17,600 reviews that are created by the five members of the parole board in 2023.
17,600 parole reviews
parole
NIA CEO's son died of fentanyl overdose during recidivism period Case detail
Ms. Boccia stated her son died in 2021 of a fentanyl overdose during the typical three-year recidivism period. He would be considered a recidivist based on his actions, but individuals who die within that period are not captured in recidivism datase…
overdose death drugs reentry
Recidivism data gap: deaths during recidivism period not captured Data gap
Individuals who die during the typical three-year recidivism period are not captured in recidivism datasets, according to NIA's Kate Boccia.
reentry death drugs
Matthew Charles: first beneficiary of First Step Act Case detail
Matthew Charles stated that 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 by President Trump in 2018.
legal reentry
Federal Prison Oversight Act of 2024 provisions Legal fact
The Federal Prison Oversight Act calls for independent prison oversight through an ombudsman and regular inspections by the Inspector General so that corrective actions for issues of health and safety can be taken within 60 days.
legal policy
States with independent prison oversight models Finding
Independent prison oversight ombudsman models are present in Indiana, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Virginia, meant to work with corrections agencies to review and address challenges, typically reporting to state attorneys general, governors, and le…
policy legal
SCHR: staffing, limited programming, longer sentences contribute to violence Finding
Ms. Hollie responded that persistent staffing issues are a contributing factor to increasing violence in addition to limited programming, longer sentences, and a lack of alternatives to solitary confinement.
violence staffing solitary
Corrections not viewed as a calling affecting recruitment Finding
GDC highlighted that corrections faces the challenge of not being viewed as a calling unlike other public safety agencies. Many individuals come to the agency for a job that meets their financial needs rather than due to the value of the mission and…
staffing
Privatized food services saving money at 7 facilities Finding
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.
budget conditions facilities
GDC recidivism tracking methodology Methodology note
GDC tracks recidivism rates based on if an individual has a felony conviction within three years of release from GDC custody. As of 2021, the recidivism rate is about 26 percent in Georgia, but this does not include arrests without convictions or te…
reentry
GDC offender records not fully digitized Data gap
Offender records are not fully digitized aside from medical records and are held by State Archives.
operations policy
About 10 facilities not ACA accredited due to aging infrastructure Statistic
Most GDC facilities are ACA accredited, but of the 10 or so that are not, the Commissioner attributed it to aging infrastructure and not failures of policies or procedures.
10 unaccredited facilities
facilities policy
PREA compliance largely meeting and exceeding requirements Finding
GDC facilities are largely meeting and exceeding the requirements under Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) audit procedures, including investigation of events by Sexual Assault Response Teams (SART) located at each facility.
violence policy legal
Seven success coaches in cadet retention program Statistic
The Department is pairing cadets with a success coaching program where cadets are paired with current and former corrections staff. The program currently includes seven success coaches and has been in place for almost two years, becoming a national …
7 success coaches
staffing policy
Five academy locations across Georgia Statistic
The five-week academy occurs at one of five locations across Georgia, with a goal of building an additional training academy in Southwest Georgia.
5 academy locations
staffing facilities
40 hours minimum annual training for officers with inmate contact Policy
Every officer with responsibilities including inmate contact has a minimum of 40 hours of additional training each year. Half is consistent across all facilities while the remaining half is specific to a facility and position.
staffing policy
Committee Recommendation: Convert all facilities to single-cell Policy
The committee recommends converting all existing facilities and constructing all new facilities as single person, single cell facilities.
facilities policy violence
Committee Recommendation: Advocate for cell phone and drone jamming Policy
The committee recommends advocating the federal government to allow state prisons to use cell phone and drone jamming technology.
contraband policy legal
Committee Recommendation: Increase mental health services Policy
The committee recommends increasing mental health services available to incarcerated population and staff; increase availability of counselors and mental health care for officers, staff, and the incarcerated through the RFP process.
mental_health policy staffing
Committee Recommendation: Audit contract renewals for runaway costs Policy
The committee recommends asking Georgia Department of Audits to review all contract renewals for the past five years to see if there is a pattern of runaway costs by any vendors.
budget policy
Committee Recommendation: Implement pay study for all GDC employees Policy
The committee recommends implementing a pay study for all Georgia Department of Corrections employees.
staffing budget policy
Committee Recommendation: Prioritize hardening existing facilities Policy
The committee recommends prioritizing the hardening of existing corrections facilities to ensure their longevity while ensuring upcoming facilities are built to modern standards of security.
facilities policy budget
Committee Recommendation: Ensure consistent warden policies Policy
The committee recommends ensuring wardens adhere to consistent policies across facilities to prevent cultural differences within corrections facilities.
policy facilities
Committee Recommendation: Leverage public-private partnerships Policy
The committee recommends leveraging public-private partnerships to expand the capacity of the Georgia Department of Corrections.
policy facilities budget
Committee Recommendation: Invest in correctional officer recruitment and retention Policy
The committee recommends investing in correctional officer recruitment and retention.
staffing policy budget
Lee Arrendale has 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.
facilities policy
West Central nine-month substance use recovery 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.
drugs mental_health facilities
Coastal State Prison nine-month RSAT program Policy
Coastal State Prison provides a nine-month Residential Substance Abuse Treatment program (RSAT).
drugs facilities
Some prisons are triple bunked Finding
The Commissioner stated that some prisons are triple bunked, in contrast to the modern best practice of single-man cells.
conditions facilities
Female violent population and gang affiliation also increasing Trend
When asked about the 'violent' population for females, the Commissioner indicated that those numbers are also increasing in addition to those with gang affiliation.
violence gangs demographics
Private prison medical costs capped with state covering excess Policy
The medical costs attributed to private facilities is capped, so when an individual requires more expensive care, they are paid by the Department. The state may transfer inmates who require costly care back to its facilities.
medical budget facilities
Background check includes 140 agents across three regions Statistic
The background check process is undertaken by about 140 agents across three regions within the agency, who interview individuals, conduct social media checks, and cross-reference call logs for disqualifying connections.
140 agents
staffing operations
Statewide assessment of food privatization not yet undertaken Data gap
A statewide assessment has not been undertaken to determine the effects of food service privatization efforts at all GDC facilities.
budget conditions
GDC healthcare contract transition with nine renewal waivers Policy
The healthcare services contracts are so large that a single full-time office oversees them, and the contract has a waiver for up to nine renewals instead of the typical four to allow greater continuity of services.
medical policy budget
GDC coordinates with Ryan White HIV program for post-release care Policy
GDC coordinates with the Ryan White HIV programs for individuals to receive ongoing treatment after release from prison.
medical reentry

Sources

33 cited sources backing this research.

Primary Official report
American Correctional Association (ACA) Accreditation Standards
American Correctional Association
Primary Academic
Carl Vinson Institute Assessments for GDC Promotional Process
Carl Vinson Institute of Government
Primary Official report
CoreCivic Presentation to Senate Study Committee (August 23, 2024)
Jerry Lankford, Senior Director — CoreCivic (Aug 23, 2024)
Secondary Official report
Correctional Peace Officer Foundation Programs
Correctional Peace Officer Foundation
Primary Academic
Dr. Craig Haney Assessment of Special Management Unit at Jackson Diagnostic (2015)
Dr. Craig Haney — University of California, Santa Cruz (Jan 1, 2015)
Secondary Official report
Families Against Mandatory Minimums Testimony to Senate Study Committee
Matthew Charles, Senior Policy Analyst — Families Against Mandatory Minimums (FAMM) (Nov 22, 2024)
Primary Legislation
Federal Prison Oversight Act (FPOA) of 2024
United States Congress (Jan 1, 2024)
Primary Official report
Final Report of the Senate Supporting Safety and Welfare of All Individuals in Department of Corrections Study Committee (SR 570)
Senate Office of Policy and Legislative Analysis — Georgia Senate Office of Policy and Legislative Analysis (Jan 1, 2024)
Primary Legislation
First Step Act (2018)
United States Congress (Jan 1, 2018)
Primary Official report
GDC Annual Report on Program Completion Rates
Georgia Department of Corrections
Primary Data portal
GDC Data on Recidivism Rates (2021)
Cliff Hogan, Director of Data Management and Research — Georgia Department of Corrections (Jan 1, 2021)
Primary Data portal
GDC Incarceration and Violence Statistics
Georgia Department of Corrections (Jan 1, 2024)
Primary Data portal
GDC Office of Professional Standards Arrest and Contraband Data (FY 2023-2024)
Georgia Department of Corrections (Jan 1, 2024)
Primary Official report
GDC Presentation on Contracts and Procurement (November 22, 2024)
Alan Watson, Chief of Staff — Georgia Department of Corrections (Nov 22, 2024)
Primary Official report
GDC Presentation on Operations and Personnel (August 28, 2024)
Tyrone Oliver, Commissioner — Georgia Department of Corrections (Aug 28, 2024)
Primary Official report
GDC Presentation on Staffing and Inmate Administration (November 15, 2024)
Tyrone Oliver, Commissioner — Georgia Department of Corrections (Nov 15, 2024)
Primary Official report
GEO Group Presentation to Senate Study Committee (August 23, 2024)
James Black, Senior Vice President and President — The GEO Group (Aug 23, 2024)
Primary Official report
Georgia Department of Corrections Mortality Review Reports
Georgia Department of Corrections
Primary Official report
Georgia Department of Corrections Presentation to Senate Study Committee (August 23, 2024)
Tyrone Oliver, Commissioner — Georgia Department of Corrections (Aug 23, 2024)
Primary Official report
Guidehouse, Inc. System-Wide Study of GDC Operations
Guidehouse, Inc. (Jan 1, 2024)
Secondary Data portal
Incarceration Rates Comparative Data (2022)
Southern Center for Human Rights (Jan 1, 2022)
Secondary Official report
National Incarceration Association Testimony to Senate Study Committee
Kate Boccia, CEO and President — National Incarceration Association (Nov 22, 2024)
Primary Gps original
Octavius Holiday Public Testimony to Senate Study Committee
Octavius Holiday (Aug 28, 2024)
Primary Legislation
Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA)
United States Congress
Primary Official report
Ryan White HIV Programs
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Primary Legislation
Georgia General Assembly (Jan 1, 2024)
Primary Legal document
Southern Center for Human Rights Litigation re: Arrendale State Prison
Southern Center for Human Rights
Primary Legal document
Southern Center for Human Rights Litigation re: Hays State Prison (2011)
Southern Center for Human Rights (Jan 1, 2011)
Primary Legal document
Southern Center for Human Rights Litigation re: Medical Staff and Sepsis Death (2016)
Southern Center for Human Rights (Jan 1, 2016)
Primary Legal document
Southern Center for Human Rights Litigation re: Postpartum Shackling at Lee Arrendale Prison
Southern Center for Human Rights
Primary Legal document
Southern Center for Human Rights Settlement and Litigation re: Special Management Unit at Jackson Diagnostic
Southern Center for Human Rights (Jan 1, 2024)
Secondary Official report
Southern Center for Human Rights Testimony and Presentation to Senate Study Committee
Atteeyah Hollie, Deputy Director — Southern Center for Human Rights (Nov 22, 2024)
Primary Official report
U.S. Department of Justice Report on Conditions within Georgia Prisons
U.S. Department of Justice

Key Entities

Organizations, people, facilities, and other named entities referenced in this research.

Ahmed Holt [person]
Allan Watson [person]
American Correctional Association [organization]
Atteeyah Hollie [person]
Augusta State Medical Prison [facility]
Autry State Prison [facility]
Centurion [organization]
CGL [organization]
Cliff Hogan [person]
Coastal State Prison [facility]
CoreCivic [organization]
CorrectRX [organization]
Dr. 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 Corrections [organization]
Georgia Diagnostic and Classification Prison [facility]
Georgia State Prison [facility]
Guidehouse Inc. [organization]
Hays State Prison [facility]
Jay Sanders [person]
Kate Boccia [person]
Lee Arrendale State Prison [facility]
Matthew Charles [person]
McRae Correctional Facility [facility]
National Incarceration Association [organization]
Octavius Holiday [person]
Phillips State Prison [facility]
Prison Rape Elimination Act [legislation]
Pulaski State Prison [facility]
Randy Robertson [person]
Randy Sauls [person]
Residential Substance Abuse Treatment [program]
Riverbend Correctional Facility [facility]
Senate Resolution 570 [legislation]
Smith State Prison [facility]
Southern Center for Human Rights [organization]
SR 570 Study Committee [organization]
Tyrone Oliver [person]
Walker State Prison [facility]
Wellpath [organization]
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