Prison conditions
Close-custody men in four Medium prisons: Calhoun, Dooly, Washington and Wilcox
County siting deals, designation, rules and record for Close-custody men held at Calhoun, Dooly, Washington and Wilcox.
Where this research is used
This page is a research collection: individual facts drawn from the sources listed further down, each traced to where it came from. A research topic brings many collections together into one overview of an issue. The facts on this page feed these 3 topics; open one to see how they fit with the rest of the evidence.
Facility Conditions & Infrastructure
Georgia's prison system is a physically failing estate: buildings averaging more than 30 years old, a maintenance record in which the state's own auditors found that funding availability — not need — drove repairs, and a documented pattern of doors that do not lock, plumbing that does not carry waste, and housing that does not cool. Two state-commissioned studies and a federal civil rights investigation agree on the diagnosis. They disagree sharply on how overcrowded the system actually is, because Georgia publishes at least four different capacity figures for the same prison. This page sets out what the record shows about the physical plant, what the state has committed to spend on it, and what remains undocumented.
12,892 data points
Oversight & Accountability
Georgia runs one of the nation's largest prison systems with no independent body empowered to inspect it, no ombudsman outside the Department of Corrections, and no public reporting requirement attached to the $600 million it has been voted for prison spending. A six-year federal civil rights investigation found constitutional violations across the system in October 2024 and recommended 82 remedial measures; more than 230 days after its 49-day litigation deadline expired, no one had been arrested, fired, or sued as a result. What remains is a closed loop in which the department investigates its own deaths, codes its own mortality data, disciplines — or does not discipline — its own staff, and classifies its investigative files as confidential state secrets.
20,251 data points
Population & Demographics
Georgia's prison population rose from about 7,000 people in the late 1960s to a peak above 54,000 in the late 2000s, fell sharply during the pandemic, and is climbing again — reaching 53,571 people in state custody by May 2026. That population is roughly 60 percent Black in a state that is about one-third Black, is aging faster than the national average, and holds one person serving a life sentence for every five people behind the gate. The counts themselves are contested: different Georgia agencies and federal series publish different totals for the same years, and whole categories of people — the segregated, the Latinx, the recently released — are missing or misclassified.
11,934 data points
Key Findings
The most impactful data from this research collection. Tap a card for the full finding and its source.
The finding
A U.S. DOJ abstract of the GDC FY1989 Annual Report states that $41 million was appropriated in fiscal year 1989 to construct a new 800-bed, medium-security prison in Washington County and a 200-bed boot camp prison in Treutlen County.
The finding
The DOJ report states that in interviews at 16 of the 17 GDC prisons visited in 2022 and 2023, incarcerated people consistently reported that they have witnessed life-threatening violence, including stabbings.
The finding
The DOJ report finds GDC fails to provide incarcerated persons housed at the medium- and close-security levels with the constitutionally required minimum of reasonable physical safety, and that staffing levels at prisons housing people at those levels are inadequate to protect incarcerated people from harm. The report also finds GDC fails to provide LGBTI incarcerated persons reasonable protection from sexual abuse.
The finding
The DOJ report states that with a systemwide correctional officer vacancy rate over 50%, GDC cannot, and does not, staff the most critical posts or conduct other basic correctional operations in its prisons.
The finding
The DOJ report states that all incarcerated persons classified as close security, over 11,000 incarcerated people, about 23% of GDC's total population, always require supervision by a correctional officer according to GDC.
The finding
The DOJ report states that in December 2023, the correctional officer vacancy rate was over 60% at 18 medium- and close-security prisons, and ten of these prisons had vacancy rates above 70%.
The finding
GDC SOP 222.02 requires that an offender's security level be medium or below to be eligible for placement in a county facility (and requires a GED or high school diploma).
The finding
Correctional officer vacancy rates are around 50% systemwide and over 70% at ten of the largest GDC facilities. Source text: "(CO) vacancy rates around 50% systemwide and over 70% at ten of the largest facilities."
The finding
The Calhoun State Prison decedent's cause of death was dehydration with renal failure, after staff had shut off the water supply to his cell and did not deliver meals for two days. Source text: "His cause of death was dehydration with renal failure."
The finding
In May 2022, a 21-year-old man was killed by his cellmate at Calhoun State Prison following multiple failures in GDC's classification and housing systems. Source text: "In May 2022, a 21-year-old man was killed by his cellmate at Calhoun State Prison following multiple failures in GDC’s classification and housing systems."
The finding
GDC SOP 220.02 states that the security level of an offender sentenced to Life Without Parole shall never be lower than CLOSE, and that offenders currently under a Death Sentence shall never be reduced and must remain CLOSE security.
The finding
GDC SOP 220.02 states that the security level of an offender whose current sentence is a sex offense shall never be lower than MEDIUM, and if identified as a sexual predator, that offender's security level shall never be below CLOSE.
The finding
In December 2023, at eleven close- and medium-security GDC prisons, 100 or more officer positions per facility remained vacant. Source text: "supervision. In December 2023, at eleven close- and mediumsecurity GDC prisons, 100 or more officer positions per facility remained vacant."
The finding
At one large medium-security prison, about 67% of the individuals surveyed in several different general population housing units were standing in front of cells other than those identified as theirs on GDC's roster. Source text: "At one large medium-security prison, our expert found that about 67% of the individuals surveyed in several different general population housing units were standing in front of cells other than those identified as theirs on GDC’s roster."
All Data Points
243 verified data points extracted from primary sources.
Dooly SP security level Medium (2012 Special Examination table) Statistic
A Georgia state prison performance data table in the February 2012 Special Examination lists Dooly SP with a Security Level of Medium. Source text: "Dooly SP 305,404 1,704 7 Medium 18 Southwest $395.18 $2.20 179 243 43,629".
GDC target for close-security offenders in medium facilities Policy
A DOAA special examination report states GDC 'attempts to house offenders in minimum or medium level facilities and strives to keep the percentage of close (or high risk) offenders in these facilities at or below 5%. The majority of offenders in close risk facilities are high-risk offenders; approximately 10-40% of the offenders in these same facilities are classified as medium or low risk.'
Wilcox State Prison PREA audit custody breakdown Statistic
Wilcox State Prison's PREA audit reports inmate custody levels of Minimum 30, Medium 1,321, and Close 497. The source text sums to 1,848 (30+1,321+497).
1,848 inmates
NIC standard: discretionary overrides for 5-15% of custody levels Finding
NIC's classification guide states the general standard is that initial classification or reclassification scores require a discretionary override for 5 to 15 percent of a prison population's custody levels.
Board of Corrections has sole rule-making authority over inmate assignment and housing Legal fact
OCGA § 42-2-11 provides that the Georgia Board of Corrections 'shall adopt rules governing the assignment, housing, working, feeding, clothing, treatment, discipline, rehabilitation, training, and hospitalization of all inmates coming under its custody.' The section states no statutory requirement of local input.
GDC SOP 220.02 defines Override in security classification Policy
GDC policy defines an Override as a determination that, upon analysis and investigation, may result in the evaluator recommending a higher or lower custody level status, beyond any mandatory considerations within the classification instrument. Source text: "Upon analysis and investigation, an Override may result in the evaluator recommending a higher or lower custody level status. This consideration is beyond any mandatory considerations within the classification instrument; along with the reviewer’s assessment regarding an offender’s observed and documented behavior."
DOJ: GDC does not enforce classification housing assignments Finding
The DOJ Civil Rights Division's findings report states that GDC does not enforce classification housing assignments, enabling gangs and other security threat groups (STG) or other incarcerated individuals to dictate housing assignments and other aspects of daily life.
Washington SP security level Medium (2012 Special Examination table) Statistic
A Georgia state prison performance data table in the February 2012 Special Examination lists Washington SP with a Security Level of Medium. Source text: "Washington SP 344,694 1,548 9 Medium 20 Central $489.69 $2.20 223 172 38,299".
DOAA definitions of standard, special use, and physical beds Methodology note
The Georgia Department of Audits and Accounts defines 'Standard (Operational) beds' as those beds available within a facility for general offender assignment, 'Special use beds' as beds for offenders with an identified need (e.g., infirmary, isolation/segregation, mental health observation beds), and 'Physical beds' as the two bed types combined.
Dooly State Prison construction and opening Case detail
Dooly State Prison in Unadilla, GA was constructed in 1993 and opened in 1994, with a security level of medium.
Wilcox State Prison close-custody count Statistic
Wilcox State Prison's PREA audit reports 497 inmates at Close custody level.
497 inmates
NIC standard: ~50% of overrides should lower custody, 50% raise Finding
NIC's classification guide states that in general, approximately 50 percent of discretionary overrides should assign individuals to custody levels lower than that derived from their original scores, and 50 percent should assign individuals to higher custody levels.
Mega prison construction began near Washington State Prison in Davisboro Case detail
Construction of the new mega prison began a few months before the article, near the existing Washington State Prison in Davisboro, Washington County, on land already owned by the State of Georgia.
Board rules govern correctional institution contracts with no stated local-hearing requirement Legal fact
OCGA § 42-2-11 states the Board of Corrections 'shall also adopt rules and regulations governing the negotiation and execution of any contract for the land acquisition, design, construction, operation, maintenance, use, lease, or management of a state correctional institution or for any services pertaining to the custody, care, and control of inmates.' No statutory local-hearing or county-consent requirement is stated in this section.
GDC SOP 220.02 defines Threshold/Override Review every 12 months Policy
GDC policy defines a Threshold/Override Review as one conducted every twelve months on offenders whose security level resulted from an Override or whose system-generated security level crossed the threshold from one security level to another. Source text: "A Threshold/Override Review is conducted every twelve (12) months on those offenders whose security level was the result of an Override or when the offender’s system-generated security level changes by crossing the threshold from one security level to another."
Calhoun restrictive-housing death: emergency responders delayed at gates Case detail
DOJ's Georgia prisons report found that in February 2023, an incarcerated person was found dead in his restrictive-housing cell at Calhoun State Prison, leaning against the door and wrapped in mattress padding. Emergency responders arrived at 1:04 p.m. but were not let inside until 1:11 p.m. due to delays waiting for staff to open the prison gates.
Wilcox SP security level Medium (2012 Special Examination table) Statistic
A Georgia state prison performance data table in the February 2012 Special Examination lists Wilcox SP with a Security Level of Medium. Source text: "Wilcox SP 316,180 1,862 9 Medium 18 Southwest $370.02 $2.18 170 207 35,131".
Calhoun State Prison FY2018 bed counts Statistic
DOAA's FY2018 inventory of state prisons lists Calhoun State Prison as Male, Medium risk level, with an FY18 average standard bed count of 1,438, special use bed count of 170, and physical bed count of 1,608.
1,608 beds
Dooly State Prison mission statement Policy
GDC describes Dooly State Prison's mission as housing medium security general population inmates who may not be suitable for a county prison due to their offense or physical limitations, and providing Medical, Counseling, Education, Recreation, Library, Chapel, Fire Services, Farm Services, and General Work Programs.
Wilcox State Prison medium-custody count Statistic
Wilcox State Prison's PREA audit reports 1,321 inmates at Medium custody level.
1,321 inmates
NIC definition of false positive (overclassification) Finding
NIC's classification guide defines a false positive error, or overclassification, as occurring 'when someone is classified as positive for high-risk behavior but does not exhibit such behavior,' giving as an example someone placed in administrative segregation for alleged drug distribution activities who was not involved in such activities.
Overcrowding in GDC facilities described as 'no secret' Finding
The article states that overcrowding in correctional facilities operated by the Georgia Department of Corrections is 'no secret,' framing the mega prison appropriation as a response to overcrowding.
$41 million appropriated in FY1989 for 800-bed Washington County prison Statistic
A U.S. DOJ abstract of the GDC FY1989 Annual Report states that $41 million was appropriated in fiscal year 1989 to construct a new 800-bed, medium-security prison in Washington County and a 200-bed boot camp prison in Treutlen County.
$41M
GDC SOP 220.02 limits number of Override requests; Central Office has final authority Policy
GDC classification policy states that the classification system allows only a limited number of request Overrides, and that Central Office will review Override requests and has final authority. Source text: "The system allows for a limited number of request Overrides. The request is submitted through SCRIBE which will produce a list of acceptable Override reasons. Supporting comments are necessary to facilitate a change in security status. Comments should include supporting data, justification for the request, and details citing documented information. Central Office will review and has final authority."
Calhoun cellmate homicide after STG housing warning ignored Case detail
The DOJ report describes a Calhoun State Prison incident in which an individual was killed by his cellmate after an officer had previously reported the two men should not have been in the same cell because of the STG status of both and because the assailant was seven feet tall and 340 pounds; a supervisor failed to verify the room status of the men.
Calhoun SP housing configuration Policy
GDC describes Calhoun State Prison's housing as nine housing units with 24 triple-bunked cells each and 24 double-bunked cells each, plus eight open dormitories with a total of 480 beds and 95 segregation/isolation cells.
Dooly State Prison FY2018 bed counts Statistic
DOAA's FY2018 inventory of state prisons lists Dooly State Prison as Male, Medium risk level, with an FY18 average standard bed count of 1,590, special use bed count of 56, and physical bed count of 1,645.
1,645 beds
Calhoun State Prison construction and capacity Case detail
Calhoun State Prison (Morgan, GA) was constructed in 1993 and opened in 1994, with physical capacity 1663 and operational capacity 1560, at a MEDIUM security level.
Wilcox State Prison minimum-custody count Statistic
Wilcox State Prison's PREA audit reports 30 inmates at Minimum custody level.
30 inmates
NIC definition of false negative (under-classification) Finding
NIC's classification guide defines a false negative error, or under-classification, as occurring 'when a potentially disruptive individual is classified as low risk...but exhibits high-risk behavior.'
NIC guide: internal classification handles intrainstitutional placement and programs Methodology note
NIC's guide on internal prison classification systems states that internal classification systems complement external custody-classification systems; the task of an internal system is to devise appropriate housing plans and program interventions within a particular facility for inmates who share a common custody level (minimum, medium, close, or maximum). External classification models influence interinstitutional placement, whereas internal management systems focus on intrainstitutional placement and program assignment.
Source
Washington County prison planned as 800-bed medium-security facility Statistic
The GDC FY1989 annual report described appropriations 'to construct a new 800 bed medium security prison in Washington County and a 200 bed boot-camp style prison in Treutlen County.'
800 beds
GDC SOP 220.02 requires Central Office/Facility Operations review of Override requests within 10 business days Policy
GDC classification policy requires Central Office/Facility Operations review of all Override requests to be completed within ten business days of submission. Source text: "Central Office/ Facility Operations shall review and approve all Override requests. These reviews shall be completed within ten (10) business days upon submission of the Override."
Former Calhoun officer sentenced for smuggling meth and phones Case detail
The DOJ report states that in September 2022, a former Calhoun correctional officer received a five-year federal prison sentence for attempting to smuggle two pounds of methamphetamine and eight cellphones into the prison.
Calhoun SP capacity 1,677 Statistic
GDC's own facility page lists Calhoun State Prison's capacity as 1,677.
1,677 beds
Washington State Prison FY2018 bed counts Statistic
DOAA's FY2018 inventory of state prisons lists Washington State Prison as Male, Medium risk level, with an FY18 average standard bed count of 1,223, special use bed count of 123, and physical bed count of 1,346.
1,346 beds
Wilcox State Prison construction year Case detail
Wilcox State Prison was constructed in 1993.
Wilcox State Prison design capacity Statistic
Wilcox State Prison's PREA audit lists a designed facility capacity of 1,838.
1,838 beds
California misconduct rates: 29% at Level I vs 53% at Level III Statistic
Camp & Gaes (Federal Bureau of Prisons) report that Berk et al. found institutional misconduct rates of 29 percent for California inmates housed at Level I (lowest security) prisons versus 53 percent for inmates housed at Level III prisons, a 24 percentage point difference.
24%
Custody levels defined as minimum, medium, close, maximum Policy
The NIC guide lists the custody-level categories used in internal classification as minimum, medium, close, or maximum.
Source
Washington County prison use about two years away at FY1989 Finding
The GDC FY1989 annual report stated that 'the use of the new prison in Washington County was about two years away,' while other fast-track construction was designed to make space available within six months.
GDC SOP 220.02: Life Without Parole and Death Sentence offenders never below CLOSE security Policy
GDC classification policy provides that the security level of an offender sentenced to Life Without Parole shall never be lower than CLOSE, and offenders currently under Death Sentence shall never be reduced and must remain CLOSE security. Source text: "Life Without Parole: The security level of an offender sentenced to Life Without Parole shall never be lower than CLOSE. b. Under Death Sentence: Offenders currently under Death Sentence shall never be reduced and must remain CLOSE security."
Dooly gang fight while STG sergeant post vacant three months Case detail
The DOJ report states that on June 23, 2023, a gang fight broke out at Dooly State Prison, and around the same time, the STG sergeant's position had been vacant for three months.
Calhoun SP opened 1994 Statistic
GDC's own facility page states Calhoun State Prison opened in 1994.
1,994 year
Wilcox State Prison FY2018 bed counts Statistic
DOAA's FY2018 inventory of state prisons lists Wilcox State Prison as Male, Medium risk level, with an FY18 average standard bed count of 1,659, special use bed count of 124, and physical bed count of 1,783.
1,783 beds
Calhoun State Prison housing configuration Case detail
Calhoun State Prison housing consists of nine housing units with 24 triple-bunked cells each and 24 double-bunked cells each, plus eight open dormitories with a total of 480 beds and 95 segregation/isolation cells.
Wilcox State Prison housing units Statistic
Wilcox State Prison's PREA audit records 9 inmate/resident/detainee housing units at the facility.
9 housing units
California quasi-experiment: equal misconduct regardless of Level I or III assignment Finding
Camp & Gaes's quasi-experimental analysis of a subsample of California male inmates whose risk scores jumped from Level I to Level III found inmates were equally likely to commit institutional misconduct in prison regardless of whether they were assigned to a Level I or a Level III prison.
Rule 125-3-1-.02 defines CLOSE custody Legal fact
Georgia Board of Corrections Rule 125-3-1-.02 defines CLOSE custody as inmates who are suspected escape risks, habitual rule violators, have assaultive criminal or institutional history, or are unreliable, and requires constant supervision by an armed correctional officer outside the security boundaries and regular supervision inside. Such inmates must remain at this level for one year before being considered for reduction.
GDC SOP 220.02: sentences over 15 years and sex offenders never below MEDIUM; sexual predators never below CLOSE Policy
GDC classification policy provides that offenders serving sentences exceeding 15 years, including Life with Parole, shall never receive a security level lower than MEDIUM, and that a sex offender's security level shall never be lower than MEDIUM (or below CLOSE if identified as a sexual predator). Source text: "Time Restriction: Offenders serving sentences that exceed 15 years, to include Life with Parole, shall never receive a security level lower than MEDIUM. An Override can be requested to reduce or raise an offender’s security level, but it shall never go below MEDIUM security. e. Sex Offender: The security level of an offender whose current sentence is a sex offense shall never be lower than MEDIUM. If the offender has been identified as a sexual predator, then that offender’s security level shall never be below CLOSE."
Wilcox assault video on contraband cellphone; officers used warden's orderly Case detail
The DOJ report states that shortly before DOJ visited Wilcox State Prison for a site visit in June 2023, a video shot on a contraband cellphone circulated on social media appearing to show an incarcerated person assaulting another incarcerated person outdoors on a prison walkway while an officer watched. GDC records confirm multiple officers, including those in supervisory positions, brought an incarcerated 'warden's orderly' to the victim's housing unit to help move the victim.
Calhoun SP renovated 2008 Statistic
GDC's own facility page states Calhoun State Prison was renovated in 2008.
2,008 year
Dooly State Prison PREA Cycle 2 capacity and population Statistic
A PREA audit of Dooly State Prison recorded facility capacity as 1678 and current population as 1666.
1,666 people vs. 1,678 capacity
Wilcox State Prison opening year Case detail
Wilcox State Prison opened in 1994.
FY2025 capital outlay for Washington State Prison and new prison design Statistic
GDC's FY2025 Annual Report lists $100,003,375 in capital outlay for vehicle replacements, new Washington State Prison furniture, fixtures, and equipment, and design for a new state prison.
$100.0M USD
Source
California experiment: 561 inmates randomly assigned to Level I or III Finding
Camp & Gaes found that among 561 male inmates with equivalent classification scores randomly assigned by a California experimental classification system to either the lowest security-level (Level I) or Level III prisons (one step down from the highest security level, Level IV), inmates were equally likely to commit misconduct regardless of whether they were assigned to a Level I or a Level III prison.
Rule 125-3-1-.02 defines MEDIUM custody Legal fact
Georgia Board of Corrections Rule 125-3-1-.02 defines MEDIUM custody as inmates who have established reliability, have no major adjustment problems and no current alcohol or drug addiction problems, requiring constant supervision outside the security boundaries by trained and approved staff and regular supervision inside. These inmates must remain at this level for six months before being considered for reduction.
GDC SOP 220.03: limited override capability submitted through SCRIBE for NGA Classification Manager final approval Policy
A GDC classification committee SOP states that the system allows limited override capability submitted through SCRIBE for the NGA Classification Manager at Central Office to review and give final approval. Source text: "b. The system also allows limited override capability that is submitted through SCRIBE for the NGA Classification Manager at Central Office to review and give final approval;"
DOJ visited 17 GDC prisons in 2022 and 2023 Methodology note
The DOJ report lists the prisons DOJ visited in 2022 and 2023 as including Lee Arrendale State Prison, Ware State Prison, Hays State Prison, Walker State Prison, Calhoun State Prison, Pulaski State Prison, Baldwin State Prison, Georgia Diagnostic and Classification Prison, Macon State Prison, Coastal State Prison, Smith State Prison, Telfair State Prison, Rogers State Prison, Dooly State Prison, Wilcox State Prison, and others.
Calhoun SP security level MEDIUM Policy
GDC's own facility page lists Calhoun State Prison's security level as MEDIUM.
Dooly State Prison PREA Cycle 2 custody levels Statistic
A PREA Dooly audit report lists among facility security level/inmate custody levels: 'Medium (1503)' and 'Close (19)'.
1,503 inmates
Dooly State Prison capacity figures Case detail
Dooly State Prison (Unadilla, GA) was constructed in 1993 and opened in 1994, with physical capacity 1702 and operational capacity 1623, at a MEDIUM security level.
Washington County prison construction timeline as of FY1989 Finding
GDC's FY1989 annual report stated the new prison being built in Washington County was about two years away from use, while other fast-tracked construction was expected to add space within six months.
Serious misconduct: 33% Level I vs 36% Level III among randomly assigned inmates Statistic
Camp & Gaes found that among Level III inmates randomly assigned to Level I or Level III prisons, serious misconduct occurred in 97 (33%) of those in Level I prisons and 94 (36%) of those in Level III prisons, for a combined total of 191 (34%) with misconduct out of 297 (100%) totals.
33% vs. 36 Level III serious misconduct percent
Rule 125-3-1-.02 defines MINIMUM custody Legal fact
Georgia Board of Corrections Rule 125-3-1-.02 defines MINIMUM custody as inmates who have shown they can abide by rules and present minimum risk of escape and minimum risk to community and institutional safety, subject to hourly checks inside and outside the security boundaries, and must remain at this level for at least three months before being considered for reduction.
GDC SOP 220.03: Classification Committee responsible for assignments, reclassification, transfers, housing, segregation hearings Policy
A GDC classification committee SOP states the Classification Committee is responsible for all offender initial assignments, reclassification actions, and movements regarding work details, program assignments, transfer requests, housing assignments and facility segregation hearings, subject to the review and approval of the Warden/Superintendent. Source text: "4. The Classification Committee shall be responsible for all offender initial assignments, reclassification actions and movements regarding work details, program assignments, transfer requests, housing assignments and facility segregation hearings. The Classification Committee's decisions are subject to the review and approval of the Warden/Superintendent."
Life-threatening violence witnessed at 16 of 17 prisons visited Finding
The DOJ report states that in interviews at 16 of the 17 GDC prisons visited in 2022 and 2023, incarcerated people consistently reported that they have witnessed life-threatening violence, including stabbings.
Calhoun SP serves adult male felons, medium security Policy
GDC's current official facility page for Calhoun State Prison lists it as serving Adult Male Felons and designates it Medium Security.
Dooly State Prison PREA Cycle 1 capacity and population Statistic
A PREA audit of Dooly State Prison recorded 'Designed facility capacity: 1689' and 'Current population of facility: 1672.'
1,672 people vs. 1,689 capacity
Wilcox State Prison capacity figures Case detail
Wilcox State Prison's security level is Medium, with physical capacity 1862 and operational capacity 1782.
Hancock CI and Washington CI near completion in FY1992 Finding
GDC's FY1992 annual report states Hancock CI and Washington CI neared completion, with inmates to be assigned beginning in September 1992.
Source
Camp & Gaes caveat: inmate culture effect may be overcome by security measures Finding
Camp & Gaes caveat their finding by stating this analysis provides evidence that the types of inmates housed together 'may not be as important as often thought, or at least that the effect can be overcome with adequate security and custody measures and other environmental influences,' while acknowledging their limited analysis does not demonstrate 'once and for all' that inmate culture has no impact on inmate conduct.
Rule 125-3-1-.02 defines MAXIMUM custody Legal fact
Georgia Board of Corrections Rule 125-3-1-.02 defines MAXIMUM custody as inmates estimated to be extremely assaultive or dangerous or high escape risks, who require constant supervision by correctional officers and shall not be assigned to routine work outside the institution.
GDC SOP 220.03: Classification Committee Chairperson must be DWCT or Chief Counselor Policy
GDC classification policy requires the Classification Committee Chairperson to be the DWCT or Chief Counselor. Source text: "1. Chairperson: DWCT or Chief Counselor;"
DOJ: GDC fails to provide minimum physical safety at medium and close security Finding
The DOJ report finds GDC fails to provide incarcerated persons housed at the medium- and close-security levels with the constitutionally required minimum of reasonable physical safety, and that staffing levels at prisons housing people at those levels are inadequate to protect incarcerated people from harm. The report also finds GDC fails to provide LGBTI incarcerated persons reasonable protection from sexual abuse.
Calhoun SP constructed 1993 Statistic
GDC's current facility page for Calhoun State Prison lists CONSTRUCTED: 1993, CAPACITY: 1,677, OPENED: 1994, SECURITY LEVEL: MEDIUM, RENOVATED: 2008.
1,993 year
Dooly State Prison PREA Cycle 1 narrative capacity Statistic
A PREA Dooly audit report's narrative separately describes the facility as 'classified as a medium security level, 762 inmate capacity facility.'
762 inmates
Dooly State Prison housing configuration Case detail
Dooly State Prison housing consists of nine living units where the bottom range are 24 triple bunked cells and the top range are double-bunked cells, 120 beds per dorm, plus one open living unit with four separate living areas containing 368 beds, one isolation/segregation unit with 71 beds, and a Fast Track Unit that is double bunked and houses 256 beds.
Washington CI listed among female inmate facilities in FY1992 Finding
GDC's FY1992 annual report lists Washington CI among facilities providing services for female inmates, alongside Georgia Women's Correctional Institution and Milan Women's Center.
Source
Tahamont: Level II inmates ~11 points more likely to be written up than Level III Statistic
Tahamont found using a regression discontinuity design that inmates placed in Level II (medium security) California prisons are approximately 11 percentage points more likely to be written up (receive serious rules violation reports) than inmates placed in Level III (close security) prisons.
11%
Rule 125-3-1-.02 requires housing and privileges consistent with security classification Legal fact
GDC Board Rule 125-3-1-.02 requires each inmate to be assigned to quarters, subjected to institutional controls, and permitted institutional privileges in a manner consistent with the degree of control indicated by their individual security classification.
GDC SOP 220.03: Classification Committee Security Member must be Sergeant or higher Policy
GDC classification policy requires the Classification Committee's Security Member to be a Sergeant or higher rank. Source text: "3. Security Member: Sergeant or higher rank; and"
DOJ: classification and segregation reviews untimely due to staffing and incomplete data Finding
The DOJ report finds that GDC's classification and housing systems do not function properly; GDC does not conduct timely and accurate classification and segregation reviews due to staffing shortages and incomplete data in GDC's automated systems, and does not enforce classification housing assignments.
Dooly SP operating capacity 1702 and housing configuration Policy
GDC describes Dooly State Prison's operating capacity as 1702, with housing consisting of nine living units (bottom range 24 triple-bunked cells, top range double-bunked cells, 120 beds per dorm), one open living unit with four separate living areas containing 368 beds, one isolation/segregation unit with 71 beds, and a Fast Track Unit that is double bunked and houses 256 beds.
Calhoun State Prison PREA Cycle 2 capacity and population Statistic
A PREA audit of Calhoun State Prison recorded 'Designated Facility Capacity: 1639' and 'Current Population of Facility: 1582.'
1,582 people vs. 1,639 capacity
Washington State Prison construction and capacity Case detail
Washington State Prison (Davisboro, GA) was constructed in 1991 and opened in 1991, with physical capacity 1548 and operational capacity 1456, at a MEDIUM security level.
Washington CI listed as farm facility in development in FY1991 Finding
GDC's FY1991 annual report lists Washington CI as a farm facility that was still 'in development.'
Source
Steiner et al.: medium security placement results most mixed Finding
The Steiner et al. systematic review found the results for medium security placement were the most mixed, with placement in medium security facilities found to be fairly evenly split between positive (38%), inverse (33%) and nonsignificant (29%) correlations with misconduct.
Close-classified inmates must remain one year before reduction consideration Legal fact
GDC Board Rule 125-3-1-.02 requires Close-classified inmates to remain at that level for one year before being considered for a security reduction.
GDC SOP 220.03: offenders not classified or housed based on race, religion, national origin, sex, disability, or political views Policy
GDC classification policy states that offenders will not be classified or housed based on race, religion, national origin, sex, disability, or political views. Source text: "Offenders will not be classified or housed based on race, religion, national origin, sex, disability, or political views"
GDC Next Generation Assessment (NGA) classification tool Policy
The DOJ report describes GDC's computerized classification system, the 'Next Generation Assessment' (NGA) tool, which uses data entered into GDC's correctional management database to calculate a security-level score for each incarcerated person.
October 3, 2022 segregation cell homicide: STG member killed sexually aggressive cellmate Case detail
The DOJ report describes an incident on October 3, 2022, in which a validated STG member was placed in a segregation cell with a non-gang member who was classified as sexually aggressive, and the STG member killed the cellmate. DOJ notes that putting two individuals with these classification factors together in a segregation cell is risky and would not normally be defensible under a classification scheme.
Dooly SP opened 1994 Statistic
GDC's own facility page states Dooly State Prison opened in 1994.
1,994 year
Calhoun State Prison PREA Cycle 2 security level Statistic
The PREA Calhoun audit report lists 'Facility security level/inmate custody levels: 4/Medium.'
4 security level
Washington State Prison housing configuration Case detail
Washington State Prison housing consists of eleven general population dorms with 2- and 3-man cells, one isolation/segregation dorm housing 92 inmates with 1- and 2-man cells, and one 200-bed Annex with four 50-bed open bay dormitories.
Administrative overrides almost always raise security level Finding
Tahamont notes that administrative overrides occur when classification staff place an inmate in a facility that does not match the security level indicated by the classification instrument, and can result in placement either above or below the classification score's suggested level, but almost always result in placement at a higher security level than the classification instrument suggests.
Medium-classified inmates must remain six months before reduction consideration Legal fact
GDC Board Rule 125-3-1-.02 requires Medium-classified inmates to remain at that level for six months before being considered for a security reduction.
FY1990 GDC annual report: almost 5,000 beds under construction plus 8,400 new beds funded Statistic
The FY1990 Georgia DOC annual report stated that almost 5,000 previously-funded beds were already under construction at state prisons and probation centers, and that the FY90 budget provided additional funding for construction of another 8,400 new prison and probation center beds, with completion of these construction programs "within the next two years." Source text: "During a time when almost 5,000 previously- funded beds already were under construction at state prisons and probation centers, in the FY90 budget you wisely provided additional funding for construction of another 8,400 new prison and proba- those offenders who qualify. To your credit, Georgia tion center beds. With completion of these historic is the recognized leader in the United States in pio- construction programs within the next two years,"
8,400 beds vs. 5,000 beds already under construction
Systemwide CO vacancy rate over 50% Statistic
The DOJ report states that with a systemwide correctional officer vacancy rate over 50%, GDC cannot, and does not, staff the most critical posts or conduct other basic correctional operations in its prisons.
50%
Dooly SP capacity 1702 and security level MEDIUM Statistic
GDC's own facility page lists Dooly State Prison's security level as MEDIUM and capacity as 1702.
1,702 beds
Washington State Prison PREA Cycle 3 security levels Finding
The PREA Washington audit report lists 'Facility security levels/inmate custody levels: Minimum, Medium, Close.'
Wilcox State Prison location and capacity Case detail
Wilcox State Prison (Abbeville, GA) was constructed in 1993 and opened in 1994, with physical capacity 1862 and operational capacity 1782, at a MEDIUM security level.
California study: 60% of Level III inmates committed misconduct regardless of housing Statistic
A study cited in Tahamont found that 60% of inmates classified under a new California system as Level III engaged in misconduct of some kind within a two-year follow-up period regardless of whether they were housed in Level I (minimum security) or Level III (close security), and that inmates classified as Level III but housed in Level I were no more likely to commit serious misconduct than inmates classified and housed as Level III.
60%
Minimum-classified inmates must remain three months before reduction consideration Legal fact
GDC Board Rule 125-3-1-.02 requires Minimum-classified inmates to remain at that level for at least three months before being considered for a security reduction.
Close-security population over 11,000, about 23% of GDC total Statistic
The DOJ report states that all incarcerated persons classified as close security, over 11,000 incarcerated people, about 23% of GDC's total population, always require supervision by a correctional officer according to GDC.
11,000 people vs. 23 percent of GDC total population
Dooly SP constructed 1993 Statistic
GDC's current facility page for Dooly State Prison lists CONSTRUCTED: 1993, CAPACITY: 1702, OPENED: 1994, SECURITY LEVEL: MEDIUM.
1,993 year
Wilcox, Calhoun, Dooly in FY1996 Level IV/III Finding
GDC's FY1996 annual report lists Wilcox SP under 'Level IV / III' facilities, described as where 'Medium security inmates (and lower) perform work details and Correctional Industries operations both inside and outside the fence,' alongside Calhoun SP and Dooly SP.
Wilcox State Prison housing configuration Case detail
Wilcox State Prison housing consists of four and one-half buildings with 120 per dorm in 24 double-bunked and 24 triple-bunked cells each, three housing units of four open dormitories (two housing approximately 48 per dorm and the other housing approximately 94 per dorm), 22 isolation cells and 24 double-bunked segregation cells.
Abbeville wastewater ponds upgraded for prison in 1992 Case detail
The City of Abbeville's wastewater oxidation ponds were upgraded in 1992 to accommodate the prison.
Steiner et al.: maximum security strongest association with misconduct (78% of models) Statistic
A systematic review by Steiner et al., reviewing close to 100 studies comprising more than 300 model specifications, found that maximum security placement had the strongest and most consistent association with misconduct, with a positive association estimated in 78% of models reviewed.
78%
Facility buildings must conform to security requirements of housed classification Legal fact
Georgia Board of Corrections Rule 125-2-2-.01 requires that the physical aspects of each building housing offenders conform to the security requirements dictated by the classification of offenders to be housed therein.
DOJ findings report on Georgia prisons dated October 1, 2024 Legal fact
The DOJ Civil Rights Division's findings report on Georgia prisons is dated October 1, 2024. Source text: "October 1, 2024"
CO vacancy over 60% at 18 medium/close prisons; over 70% at ten Statistic
The DOJ report states that in December 2023, the correctional officer vacancy rate was over 60% at 18 medium- and close-security prisons, and ten of these prisons had vacancy rates above 70%.
18 prisons vs. 10 prisons with vacancy above 70%
Violent offenders housed in medium security facilities Finding
The Georgia Senate DOC Facilities Study Committee's final report states that some violent offenders are housed in medium security facilities because the classification of "violent offenders" includes convicted offense and prison disciplinary record, and in medium security an offender may access positive influences and opportunities.
Washington SP in FY1996 Level V Finding
GDC's FY1996 annual report lists Washington SP under 'Level V' facilities, whose 'primary mission... is secure housing for inmates with management problems, in combination with inside-the-perimeter work details and programming.'
Calhoun State Prison renovation year Case detail
A GDC facility descriptions document lists Calhoun State Prison as constructed in 1993, opened in 1994, and renovated in 2008.
Wilcox State Prison opening as major economic change Finding
The Joint Wilcox County Comprehensive Plan describes the opening of Wilcox State Prison in 1994 as the biggest economic base structural change in Wilcox County in recent years.
Tahamont: no detectable effect of Level IV maximum security on rules violations Finding
Tahamont's abstract states that using administrative records of roughly 60,000 inmates in the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, the study found no detectable effect of Level IV (maximum security) prisons on rules violation reports, in contrast to prior work, and that the fuzzy regression discontinuity design 'provides an evidence base for policy-makers facing capacity constraints within the prison system.'
GDC facility design SOP requires perimeter security matched to facility security level Policy
GDC SOP 410.04 requires that facility perimeter fencing, lighting and sally ports be designed to match the facility's security level, with adequate lighting and clearance adjacent to the perimeter.
GDC incarcerates almost 50,000 people in 34 state-operated and 4 private prisons Statistic
GDC incarcerates almost 50,000 people in 34 state-operated prisons and 4 private prisons. Source text: "GDC incarcerates almost 50,000 people in 34 stateoperated prisons and 4 private prisons"
50,000 people
DOJ recommendation: objective classification system based on risk and needs Policy
The DOJ report's recommendations include that GDC ensure it has, and is following, policies and procedures for an appropriate, objective classification system that ensures incarcerated persons are housed based on their risk and needs and are protected from unreasonable risk of harm.
Seven close security prisons statewide, each at least 30 years old Finding
The Georgia Senate DOC Facilities Study Committee's final report states Georgia has seven close security prisons statewide, each at least 30 years old, housing individuals who represent an escape risk or have a history of assault, dangerous, or serious crimes.
FY1996 Level V definition Policy
In GDC's FY1996 annual report, Level V is defined as: the primary mission of this level prison is secure housing for inmates with management problems, in combination with inside-the-perimeter work details and programming.
Five new prisons opened in FY94 Case detail
Calhoun Correctional Institution was one of five new prisons opened by the Georgia Department of Corrections in FY94: Calhoun, Dooly, Macon, Smith and Wilcox Correctional Institutions.
Source
Georgia Power easement for Washington State Prison compost site Policy
A Georgia Board of Corrections resolution granted Georgia Power Company a temporary revocable lease agreement and non-exclusive utility easement to install new three-phase electric service to the compost site at Washington State Prison because the current service needed to be relocated from the new building site.
ACA standard: at least three custody levels, least restrictive necessary Policy
ACA Performance-Based Standards for Adult Correctional Institutions (5th ed.) state, in the standard governing classification, that a correctional system should provide at least three levels of custodial control and all inmates should be assigned to the least restrictive custody level necessary.
County facility placement requires medium or below security level Policy
GDC SOP 222.02 requires that an offender's security level be medium or below to be eligible for placement in a county facility (and requires a GED or high school diploma).
Correctional officer vacancy rates around 50% systemwide and over 70% at ten largest facilities Statistic
Correctional officer vacancy rates are around 50% systemwide and over 70% at ten of the largest GDC facilities. Source text: "(CO) vacancy rates around 50% systemwide and over 70% at ten of the largest facilities."
50% vs. 70 percent vacancy at ten largest facilities
Over 1,400 violent incidents Jan 2022-Apr 2023; 19.7% weapon, 45.1% serious injury, 30.5% offsite care Statistic
The DOJ report found that from January 2022 through April 2023, there were more than 1,400 reported incidents of violence, including fights, assaults, hostage incidents, and homicides, across the close-security prisons and most of the medium-security prisons. Of these incidents, 19.7% involved a weapon, 45.1% resulted in serious injury, and 30.5% resulted in offsite medical treatment.
1,400 incidents
Washington SP housing configuration Policy
GDC describes Washington State Prison's housing as eleven general population dorms with 2 and 3 man cells, one isolation/segregation dorm housing 92 inmates with 1 and 2 man cells, and one 200-bed Annex with four 50-bed open bay dormitories.
FY1996 Level IV definition Policy
In GDC's FY1996 annual report, Level IV is defined as: medium security inmates (and lower) perform work details and Correctional Industries operations both inside and outside the fence.
Wilcox CI FY1994 start-up average daily count and cost Statistic
The FY1994 GDC cost-per-inmate table lists Wilcox CI as an institution in start-up phase for the period July 1993-June 1994, with an average daily inmate count of 240, 87,600 inmate days, total annual costs of $14,948, and a cost per inmate per day of $40.95.
240 average daily inmate count vs. 41.0 cost per inmate per day (dollars)
Source
Dooly State Prison listed as stakeholder in Dooly County plan Finding
The Georgia Department of Corrections (Dooly State Prison) was listed as a stakeholder organization in the Community Participation Program for the Greater Dooly Comprehensive Plan.
ACA standard: no more surveillance or secure status than risk requires Policy
ACA Performance-Based Standards for Adult Correctional Institutions (5th ed.) state that no inmate should receive more surveillance or assistance than required or be kept in a more secure status than potential risk requires.
GDC uses Next Generation Assessment to recommend close, medium, or minimum classification Policy
GDC SOP 220.02 applies the Next Generation Assessment instrument to all offenders to assess institutional risk and recommend a security classification of close, medium, or minimum, applicable to state, private, county facilities and transitional centers.
More than 32,000 medium-security and more than 11,600 close-security people in GDC Statistic
More than 32,000 of GDC's population are classified as medium security and more than 11,600 are classified as close security. Source text: "More than 32,000 of GDC’s population are classified as medium security and more than 11,600 are classified as close security."
32,000 people vs. 11,600 close security population
24 of ~34 GDC prisons house close- and medium-security levels Statistic
The DOJ report states that Calhoun State Prison, Dooly State Prison, Wilcox State Prison and other named prisons constitute 24 of the approximately 34 prisons in GDC housing incarcerated men or women at the close- and medium-security levels.
24 prisons vs. 34 approximately total GDC prisons
Washington SP constructed 1991 Statistic
GDC's own facility page states Washington State Prison was constructed in 1991.
1,991 year
FY1996 Level III definition Policy
In GDC's FY1996 annual report, Level III is defined as: these prisons house select inmate populations and focus upon particular work or program missions.
Dooly CI FY1994 start-up average daily count and cost Statistic
Dooly Correctional Institution, listed by GDC as an institution in start-up phase, had an average daily inmate count of 211, 77,015 inmate days, total annual costs of $16,142, and a cost per inmate per day of $44.23.
211 average daily inmate count vs. 44.2 cost per inmate per day (dollars)
Source
Dooly State Prison backup water well and sewage lift station project Policy
The Greater Dooly Comprehensive Plan lists coordinating with the Georgia Department of Corrections to install a backup water well and sewage lift station for Dooly State Prison as a City of Unadilla Public Works project, with a $50 cost estimate.
ACA standard: classification system specifies custody level and regular review Policy
ACA's Performance-Based Standards and Expected Practices for Adult Correctional Institutions (5th ed.) states that a correctional system should provide at least three levels of custodial control, and that all inmates should be assigned to the least restrictive custody level necessary, with the classification system specifying the level of custody required and providing for regular review.
GDC SOP defines security classification Override Policy
GDC SOP 220.02 defines an Override as, upon analysis and investigation, resulting in the evaluator recommending a higher or lower custody level status, beyond any mandatory considerations within the classification instrument, along with the reviewer's assessment of observed and documented behavior.
Calhoun State Prison decedent died of dehydration with renal failure after water shut off and no meals for two days Case detail
The Calhoun State Prison decedent's cause of death was dehydration with renal failure, after staff had shut off the water supply to his cell and did not deliver meals for two days. Source text: "His cause of death was dehydration with renal failure."
Calhoun grievance: moved to 'the hole' over safety concerns and extortion Case detail
The DOJ report states that in February 2023, an incarcerated person at Calhoun State Prison filed a grievance alleging that he had been removed from his housing unit to 'the hole' because of safety concerns and that he had been the victim of attempted extortion.
Washington SP opening dates 1991 males, 1992 females, 2005 males Statistic
GDC's own facility page states Washington State Prison opened in 1991 for males, 1992 for females, and 2005 for males.
Wilcox, Calhoun, Dooly in FY1997 Level IV/III Finding
GDC's FY1997 annual report lists Wilcox SP under 'Level IV/III' facilities alongside Calhoun SP and Dooly SP.
FY2015 hardening of six large medium-security prisons Policy
As of the GDC FY2015 annual report, Washington, Calhoun, Dooly and Wilcox State Prisons (along with Autry and Johnson) were described as the state's six large medium security state prisons undergoing facility 'hardening,' after the agency completed hardening of all Level V (close security) state prisons.
Dooly State Prison imminent major expansion Finding
The Greater Dooly Comprehensive Plan states that Dooly State Prison, in the northeastern corner of the City of Unadilla, had an imminent major expansion being planned and accounted for on the Future Development Map.
ACA custody level criteria: Level III (Maximum) vs Level I (Minimum) Policy
ACA's Performance-Based Standards Appendix A classification guidelines describe Custody Level III (Maximum) as characterized by 'Conduct that indicates high probability of escape attempts' and 'History of escape or escape attempts from secure setting during the past ten years,' with 'Length of sentence is ten years or more to projected release date,' compared to Custody Level I (Minimum), characterized by 'No history of escape or escape attempts from secure or nonsecure settings (within past five years)' and 'Length of sentence is three years or less to projected release date.'
Wardens may request Override; Central Office has final authority Policy
GDC SOP 220.02 states that if the Warden/Superintendent or Designee does not concur with the system-generated security level, an Override request can be submitted through SCRIBE, and Central Office will review and has final authority over the request.
May 2022: 21-year-old killed by cellmate at Calhoun State Prison after classification and housing failures Case detail
In May 2022, a 21-year-old man was killed by his cellmate at Calhoun State Prison following multiple failures in GDC's classification and housing systems. Source text: "In May 2022, a 21-year-old man was killed by his cellmate at Calhoun State Prison following multiple failures in GDC’s classification and housing systems."
OPS found policy violations in 2022 Calhoun homicide housing Finding
The DOJ report states that OPS's investigation of a 2022 homicide at Calhoun State Prison identified multiple policy violations and other errors by staff that contributed to inappropriately housing the victim with the person who allegedly murdered him in their shared cell.
Washington SP capacity 1548 and security level MEDIUM Statistic
GDC's current facility page for Washington State Prison lists CONSTRUCTED: 1991, CAPACITY: 1548, OPENED: 1991/Males, 1992/Females, 2005/Males, SECURITY LEVEL: MEDIUM.
1,548 beds
Washington SP in FY1997 Level V Finding
GDC's FY1997 annual report lists Washington SP under 'Level V' facilities, whose 'primary mission... is secure housing for inmates with management problems.'
Calhoun CI construction completion reported by GDC Engineering and Maintenance Case detail
Calhoun CI was named among several major institutions whose construction the Georgia Department of Corrections' Engineering and Maintenance section reported as completed, alongside Hancock CI, Washington CI, Autry CI, Johnson CI, and Phillips CI Phase II.
NIC: classification system is the 'brain' of prison management Finding
NIC's Internal Prison Classification Systems: Case Studies report states that a properly functioning classification system governs important decisions including fiscal matters such as staffing levels, bed space, and programming, and describes it as 'the brain of prison management.'
Source
Central Office Override reviews due within ten business days Policy
GDC SOP 220.02 requires that Central Office Override reviews be completed within ten business days of submission of the Override.
Calhoun segregation-unit killing by known gang member cellmate after lieutenant approved placement without Unit Manager review Case detail
An individual was killed in a segregation unit in Calhoun State Prison by his cellmate, a known gang member, after a lieutenant approved the placement without review by a Unit Manager as required by procedure. Source text: "In another instance, an individual was killed in a segregation unit in Calhoun State Prison by his cellmate, a known gang member. A later investigation showed that the assailant requested that staff place him in the victim’s cell. A lieutenant approved the placement. The placement was not reviewed by a Unit Manager as required by procedure."
GDC SOP 209.09: Tier III offenders classified Close Security Policy
A GDC SOP for the Special Management Unit Tier III Program states that all offenders assigned to the Tier III Program are classified as Close Security.
Wilcox SP housing configuration Policy
GDC describes Wilcox State Prison's housing as four and one-half buildings with 120 per dorm in 24 double-bunked and 24 triple-bunked cells each, three housing units of four open dormitories (two housing approximately 48 per dorm and the other approximately 94 per dorm), 22 isolation cells and 24 double-bunked segregation cells.
Dooly SP photo caption 'Medium Security' in FY1999 Finding
GDC's FY1999 annual report includes a photo caption reading 'Dooly State Prison, Unadilla, Georgia' on the same page as 'Medium Security' printed beneath it, on the page listing facilities by security level (Level IV/III lists Dooly SP as medium security).
Board Rule 125-2-4-.03 Classification Committee composition Legal fact
GDC Board Rule 125-2-4-.03 requires the Warden/Superintendent to appoint a Classification Committee, consisting at minimum of a Deputy Warden/Superintendent or senior counselor as Chairperson, at least one member of security staff, and at least one treatment staff member, which reviews security status as stipulated in Rule 125-3-1-.02.
New Jersey study: classification reduced overclassification, violence, walkaways Finding
A New Jersey Department of Corrections study cited in NIC's Internal Prison Classification Systems report found that empirical research demonstrated the state's classification system had effectively reduced the overclassification of inmates, institutional violence, and walkaways from minimum-security facilities.
Source
Life Without Parole and Death Sentence offenders never below CLOSE Policy
GDC SOP 220.02 states that the security level of an offender sentenced to Life Without Parole shall never be lower than CLOSE, and that offenders currently under a Death Sentence shall never be reduced and must remain CLOSE security.
Calhoun killing by 7-foot, 340-pound cellmate after officer flagged incompatible STG status Case detail
A third individual incarcerated at Calhoun State Prison was killed by his cellmate, who was seven feet tall and 340 pounds, after an officer had previously reported the two men should not have been housed together because of their STG status. Source text: "In a third instance, an individual incarcerated at Calhoun State Prison was killed by his cellmate. An officer had previously reported that the two men should not have been in the same cell because of the STG status of both, and because the assailant was significantly bigger (seven feet tall and 340 pounds)."
GDC SOP 209.09: Tier III transport requires three COs, two armed Policy
A GDC SOP for the Special Management Unit Tier III Program requires that offenders be escorted by at least three Correctional Officers when being transported, two of whom must be armed, with the unarmed officer tasked with removing the offender's restraints.
Wilcox SP constructed 1993 Statistic
GDC's own facility page states Wilcox State Prison was constructed in 1993.
1,993 year
Washington and Wilcox in FY1999 Level V; Dooly and Calhoun in Level IV/III Finding
The Georgia Department of Corrections FY1999 annual report lists Washington SP and Wilcox SP under a 'Level V' security-level heading described as prisons whose primary mission is secure housing for inmates with management problems combined with inside-the-perimeter work details and programming, while listing Dooly SP and Calhoun SP under a separate 'Level IV/III' heading described as medium security.
Board Rule 125-3-2-.12 authorized restraint use Legal fact
GDC Board Rule 125-3-2-.12 provides that handcuffs, leg chains, waist chains, and waist belts may be used in transferring violent or potentially dangerous inmates within a prison or between facilities, and in securing violent or potentially dangerous inmates in public and private areas such as hospitals and clinics.
Calhoun County State Prison among largest employers Finding
Calhoun County's Comprehensive Plan Update states that Calhoun County State Prison and the local school system are the largest employment in the county.
NIC: crowding increases importance of internal classification decisions Finding
NIC's Internal Prison Classification Systems report states that the widespread use of double-celling in high-security units and the expanding use of dormitories for low- and medium-custody inmates have triggered the need for a systematic process for assigning inmates to beds or cells, as internal classification decisions play a more significant role when correctional facilities become more crowded.
Source
ICE detainers and sentences over 15 years never below MEDIUM Policy
GDC SOP 220.02 states that offenders with an active ICE detainer shall never receive a security level lower than MEDIUM, and offenders serving sentences exceeding 15 years, including Life with Parole, shall never receive a security level lower than MEDIUM.
February 2023: incarcerated person found dead in restrictive-housing cell at Calhoun State Prison Case detail
In February 2023, an incarcerated person was found dead in his restrictive-housing cell at Calhoun State Prison, leaning against the door and wrapped in a mattress padding. Source text: "In February 2023, an incarcerated person was found dead in his restrictive-housing cell at Calhoun State Prison, leaning against the door and wrapped in a mattress padding."
GDC SOP 209.09: Tier III transfer restraint equipment requirements Policy
A GDC SOP for the Special Management Unit Tier III Program requires that transfer officers restrain all offenders utilizing handcuffs with a Black Box, waist chains, leg irons, and the Bandit or R.E.A.C.T. remote electronically activated control technology restraint system.
Wilcox SP opened 1994 Statistic
GDC's own facility page states Wilcox State Prison opened in 1994.
1,994 year
FY1999 Level V definition Policy
In GDC's FY1999 annual report, Level V is defined as: the primary mission of this level prison is secure housing for inmates with management problems, in combination with inside-the-perimeter work details and programming.
Mental health counselor staffing ratios by security level Policy
GDC mental health staffing policy sets different Mental Health Counselor ratios for medium security facilities versus close security facilities: at least 1.0 FTE per 75 Level II offenders at medium security facilities versus 1.0 FTE per 60 Level II offenders at close security facilities.
Calhoun County State Prison described as welcome addition providing jobs Finding
Calhoun County's Comprehensive Plan Update states the prison was a welcome addition and has provided numerous jobs to local residents.
New Mexico classification policy cites ACA Standard 5-ACI-5B-04 Policy
The New Mexico Corrections Department's institutional classification policy cites ACA Standard 5-ACI-5B-04 as its basis for using pre-institutional assessment information about an inmate's progress and adjustment.
Sex offense sentences never below MEDIUM; sexual predators never below CLOSE Policy
GDC SOP 220.02 states that the security level of an offender whose current sentence is a sex offense shall never be lower than MEDIUM, and if identified as a sexual predator, that offender's security level shall never be below CLOSE.
June 23, 2023 gang fight at Dooly State Prison while STG sergeant position vacant three months Case detail
On June 23, 2023, a gang fight broke out at Dooly State Prison, and around the same time the STG sergeant's position at Dooly had been vacant for three months. Source text: "For example, on June 23, 2023, a gang fight broke out at Dooly State Prison. Around the same time, the STG sergeant’s position had been vacant for three"
Board rule: additional counts for maximum, close, medium security inmates Legal fact
A Georgia Board of Corrections rule requires that additional inmate counts be made of all inmates who are maximum, close, or medium security risks, beyond the minimum of four master counts per 24-hour period.
Wilcox SP capacity 1827 and security level MEDIUM Statistic
GDC's current facility page for Wilcox State Prison lists CAPACITY: 1827, OPENED: 1994, SECURITY LEVEL: MEDIUM.
1,827 beds
FY1999 Level IV/III definition Policy
In GDC's FY1999 annual report, Level IV/III is defined as: medium security inmates perform work details and Correctional Industries operations both inside and outside the fence, and Level III prisons focus upon particular work or program missions.
Calhoun facility expansion planned beds and costs Statistic
A Georgia Department of Corrections expansion project at the Calhoun state facility was planned to add 192 beds at a start-up cost of $776,802 and estimated annual operating cost of $2,556,124.
192 additional beds vs. 776,802 start-up costs (dollars)
Traffic increase in Morgan attributed to Calhoun County State Prison Finding
Calhoun County's Comprehensive Plan Update states that traffic in the City of Morgan has increased substantially due to the construction of the Calhoun County State Prison, with the increase coming from employees who travel to Calhoun County and the City of Morgan.
New Davisboro prison to support services for up to 3,000 inmates Statistic
A Washington County radio-station news article states the new Davisboro/Washington County prison is described as a state-of-the-art facility that will support services for up to 3,000 inmates, including housing, administration, educational opportunities, medical care and more.
3,000 inmates
Threshold/Override Review every twelve months Policy
GDC SOP 220.02 requires a Threshold/Override Review every twelve months for offenders whose security level was set by an Override, and also when an offender's system-generated security level crosses the threshold from one security level to another, such as from medium to close or close to medium.
Mid-June 2022 Gangster Disciples vs. Bloods fight at Dooly State Prison: 4 windows broken, 7 hospitalized Case detail
On a morning in mid-June 2022, a large gang fight between Gangster Disciples and Bloods erupted at Dooly State Prison, involving gang members from multiple housing units; four windows were broken and seven incarcerated people were transported to outside hospitals for lacerations and puncture wounds. Source text: "On a morning in mid-June 2022, a large gang fight between Gangster Disciples and Bloods erupted at Dooly State Prison, involving gang members from multiple housing units. Four windows were broken in the melee, and seven incarcerated people were transported to outside hospitals for lacerations and puncture wounds."
Board rule: minimum two security staff on duty, one certified CO Legal fact
A Georgia Board of Corrections rule requires that all state and county institutions and state transitional centers have no less than two security staff on duty at the facility at any time, with at least one of them a certified Correctional Officer.
GDC medium-security facilities document lists twelve prisons Policy
A Georgia Department of Corrections publication titled "Medium Security Facilities" lists Washington and Wilcox among twelve state prisons named as its medium-security facilities (Autry, Calhoun, Central, Dodge, Dooly, Johnson, Lee, Montgomery, Rogers, Rutledge, Washington, Wilcox).
Dooly facility expansion planned beds and costs Statistic
GDC-reported State Prison System Facility Expansion Projects listed Dooly as planned to add 192 beds, with start-up costs of $776,802 and estimated annual operating costs of $2,556,124.
192 additional beds vs. 776,802 start-up costs (dollars)
Calhoun State Prison listed as community opportunity Finding
Calhoun County's Comprehensive Plan Update lists Calhoun State Prison as an opportunity alongside education and an improved water and sewage system.
Document contains no population or capacity data for the four medium prisons Data gap
The document names Calhoun, Dooly, Washington and Wilcox as medium prisons holding close-custody men but provides no population counts, capacity figures, or percentage-of-capacity data for any of them.
SART investigation rejected Dooly sexual assault claim because cellmate assigned to different cell Finding
One SART investigation concluded that an individual's allegation that his cellmate at Dooly State Prison sexually assaulted him must be false because the two men were assigned to different cells, without considering that the cellmate may not have been in his assigned cell. Source text: "One SART investigation concluded that an individual’s allegation that his cellmate at Dooly State Prison sexually assaulted him must be false because the two men were assigned to different cells, apparently failing to consider the possibility that the cellmate was not in his assigned cell"
FY1989 construction as stopgap for overcrowding pending 1990s prison buildout Finding
Georgia's FY1989 Department of Corrections annual report described the FY1989 construction as a stopgap 'to relieve as soon as possible some of the system's dire overcrowding problems until a host of large new prisons could be built in the decade of the 1990s in anticipation of massive growth in the criminal population by the year 2000.'
Washington SP special work details Policy
The GDC medium-security-facilities document lists Washington State Prison's special work details as including the City of Davisboro, DOT, and Central State Hospital.
Calhoun State Prison PREA security/custody levels Case detail
Calhoun State Prison's PREA audit lists the facility's security levels/inmate custody levels as Minimum, Medium, Closed.
Morgan population figure includes Calhoun County State Prison population Statistic
Calhoun County's Comprehensive Plan Update reports Morgan's total population as 1,464, with a footnote stating the Calhoun County State Prison population is counted in that figure.
1,464 people
Contraband cellphone video before June 2023 DOJ Wilcox visit showed assault while officer watched Case detail
Shortly before DOJ visited Wilcox State Prison for a site visit in June 2023, a video shot on a contraband cellphone circulated on social media appearing to show an incarcerated person assaulting another incarcerated person outdoors on a prison walkway while an officer watched. Source text: "Shortly before DOJ visited Wilcox State Prison for a site visit in June 2023, a video shot on a contraband cellphone circulated on social media, appearing to show an incarcerated person assaulting another incarcerated person outdoors on a prison walkway, while an officer watched."
FY1989 plan: 800-bed medium prison in Washington County, 200-bed boot camp in Treutlen Policy
The Georgia Department of Corrections' FY1989 annual report states plans to construct a new 800-bed medium security prison in Washington County and a 200-bed boot-camp style prison in Treutlen County.
Wilcox SP special work details Policy
The GDC Medium Security Facilities document lists Wilcox State Prison's special work details as including DOT, City of Cordele, the Farmers Market, and a fire station.
Calhoun State Prison PREA designed capacity Statistic
Calhoun State Prison's PREA audit lists a designed facility capacity of 1,651.
1,651 designed capacity
Wilcox State Prison facility profile (archived GDC page) Finding
GDC's facility page for Wilcox State Prison listed it as constructed 1993, opened 1994, capacity 1827, and security level MEDIUM, describing its mission as housing medium security, general population inmates who may not be suitable for a county facility.
Two Wilcox correctional officers terminated after allowing assailant to strike and drag victim Case detail
Two Wilcox correctional officers were terminated from GDC employment shortly after prison staff allowed an assailant to strike a victim and drag him along an outdoor walkway with one bare foot dragging on the pavement. Source text: "foot dragging on the pavement. Two Wilcox COs were terminated from GDC employment shortly thereafter."
2012 audit: most state prisons operate at medium security level Finding
A Georgia Department of Audits and Accounts report states that most Georgia state prisons operate at the medium security level, designated to house minimum and medium custody level inmates, while close security level prisons house all types of offenders including those requiring close monitoring.
GDC medium-security document states 12 close security prisons (apparent error) Finding
A Georgia Department of Corrections document titled "MEDIUM SECURITY FACILITIES" states in its overview text that there are 12 close security prisons in the state and lists Autry, Calhoun, Central, Dodge, Dooly, Johnson, Lee, Montgomery, Rogers, Rutledge, Washington and Wilcox as the state prisons under that heading. The document appears to conflate medium- and close-security designations.
Calhoun State Prison PREA housing unit count Statistic
Calhoun State Prison's PREA audit records the number of inmate/resident/detainee housing units at the facility as 7.
7 housing units
Dooly State Prison facility profile (archived GDC page) Finding
GDC's facility page for Dooly State Prison listed it as constructed 1993, opened 1994, capacity 1702, and security level MEDIUM.
Wilcox segregation: incarcerated people reported no required services, programs, or outside recreation Finding
Incarcerated individuals at Wilcox State Prison reported that in segregation they did not receive any required services, programs, or outside recreation. Source text: "Likewise, incarcerated individuals at Wilcox State Prison reported that in segregation they did not receive any required services, programs, or outside recreation."
2012 audit lists Calhoun SP security level as Medium Statistic
A Georgia state prison performance data table in the February 2012 Special Examination lists Calhoun SP with a 'Security Level' of Medium.
GDC fact sheet: 14 medium-security prisons statewide Statistic
GDC's Medium Security Facilities fact sheet states there are 14 medium-security prisons statewide and lists Calhoun (Morgan), Dooly (Unadilla), Washington (Davisboro), and Wilcox (Abbeville) among the state prison locations under that designation.
14 prisons
Source
Dooly State Prison PREA designed capacity and custody levels Statistic
Dooly State Prison's PREA audit lists a designed facility capacity of 1,706 and facility security levels/inmate custody levels of Close, Medium, Minimum.
1,706 designed capacity
Source
Commissioner Oliver on violent offenders in medium security Quote
GDC Commissioner Tyrone Oliver told the Senate Study Committee that some violent offenders are housed in medium security facilities because classification as a violent offender is based on convicted offense and prison disciplinary record, and that in medium security an offender may access positive influences and opportunities.
State allocated funds for new Washington County prison to replace Washington State Prison Policy
The State recently allocated funds for a new state prison in Washington County to replace the current Washington State Prison. Source text: "The State also recently allocated funds for a new state prison in Washington County, to replace the current Washington State Prison, as well as some increased funding for facility maintenance and repairs statewide."
GDC classification process drives facility placement Policy
GDC's own fact sheet states that upon arrival into GDC custody, all offenders are classified and given a security level, and that security level drives which prison an offender will be housed.
Source
Dooly State Prison PREA housing units and youthful inmates Statistic
Dooly State Prison's PREA audit records the number of inmate/resident/detainee housing units at the facility as 11, and states the facility does hold youthful inmates.
11 housing units
Source
Commissioner Oliver on close security prisons Quote
GDC Commissioner Tyrone Oliver told the Senate Study Committee that the state has seven close security prisons statewide, that close security prisons include individuals who represent an escape risk or have a history of assault, dangerous, or serious crimes, and that each close security prison is at least 30 years old.
Dozens of GDC prisons as old or older than Washington State Prison; physical condition problems persist Finding
Dozens of GDC prisons are roughly as old as or older than Washington State Prison, and serious problems with the physical condition of GDC's facilities persist due to aging buildings and ongoing maintenance problems. Source text: "However, dozens of GDC prisons are roughly as old as or older than Washington, and serious problems with the physical condition of GDC’s facilities persist due to the aging buildings, ongoing maintenance problems, and failure to adequately supervise the population, as described elsewhere in this Findings Report."
Calhoun SP established 1994 (fact sheet) Statistic
GDC's Medium Security Facilities fact sheet identifies Calhoun State Prison as "established 1994."
1,994 year
Source
Washington State Prison PREA designed capacity and custody levels Statistic
Washington State Prison's PREA audit lists a designed facility capacity of 1,550 and facility security levels/inmate custody levels of Minimum, Medium, Close.
1,550 designed capacity
Chen and Shapiro finding on harsher prison conditions and recidivism Finding
Chen and Shapiro's study of federal prisoners found that inmates housed in higher security levels are no less likely to recidivate than those housed in minimum security, and their estimates suggest harsher prison conditions may lead to more post-release crime.
December 2023: 100+ officer vacancies at each of eleven close- and medium-security GDC prisons Statistic
In December 2023, at eleven close- and medium-security GDC prisons, 100 or more officer positions per facility remained vacant. Source text: "supervision. In December 2023, at eleven close- and mediumsecurity GDC prisons, 100 or more officer positions per facility remained vacant."
11 prisons vs. 100 vacant officer positions per facility
GDC close security fact sheet lists seven prisons, excluding the four Policy
GDC's current Close Security Facilities fact sheet states there are seven close security prisons statewide, and its table of close-security state prisons lists Hancock, Hays, Macon, Smith, Telfair, Valdosta, and Ware, a list that does not include Calhoun, Dooly, Washington, or Wilcox State Prisons.
Washington State Prison PREA housing units and youthful inmates Statistic
Washington State Prison's PREA audit records the number of inmate/resident/detainee housing units at the facility as 16, and states the facility does hold youthful inmates.
16 housing units
NIC essential components of objective classification Policy
NIC's guide 'Objective Prison Classification' lists a formal housing plan with a security/custody designation for each housing unit, and adherence to that housing plan, among the essential components of an objective prison classification system.
October 3, 2022: validated STG member placed in segregation cell with sexually aggressive non-gang member and killed him Case detail
On October 3, 2022, a validated STG member was placed in a segregation cell with a non-gang member who was classified as sexually aggressive, and the STG member killed the cellmate. Source text: "On October 3, 2022, a validated STG member was placed in a segregation cell with a non-gang member who was classified as sexually aggressive."
Close security classification criteria Policy
GDC's current Close Security Facilities fact sheet states offenders classified as close security typically fall in one or more categories: escape risk, assault history, deemed dangerous, or have detainers for other serious crimes.
NIC standard for discretionary overrides Policy
NIC's objective classification guide sets a general standard that 5-15 percent of a prison population's custody levels are based on discretionary overrides rather than original classification/reclassification scores, and that approximately 50 percent of discretionary overrides should assign a lower custody level and 50 percent a higher custody level.
About 67% of surveyed individuals at one large medium-security prison stood in front of cells not matching GDC roster Statistic
At one large medium-security prison, about 67% of the individuals surveyed in several different general population housing units were standing in front of cells other than those identified as theirs on GDC's roster. Source text: "At one large medium-security prison, our expert found that about 67% of the individuals surveyed in several different general population housing units were standing in front of cells other than those identified as theirs on GDC’s roster."
67%
Calhoun SP physical capacity 1,663 and operational capacity 1,560 Statistic
A Georgia Department of Corrections facility-description document lists Calhoun State Prison's security level as medium and gives its physical capacity as 1,663 and operational capacity as 1,560.
1,663 beds vs. 1,560 operational capacity
NIC on overclassification from static reclassification Finding
NIC's objective classification guide states that a reclassification process that does not allow prisoners to work their way to lower custody levels over time results in significant overclassification of prisoners who were originally assigned higher custody levels because they were convicted of serious crimes.
Review of 16 GDC prisons Jan 2022–Aug 2023: most failed to fully staff counselors; several at 50% or lower Finding
In a review of data from 16 GDC prisons from January 2022 to August 2023, most of the prisons reviewed failed to fully staff allotted counselor positions, and several had counselor staffing rates in the 50% range or lower. Source text: "In a review of data from 16 GDC prisons from January 2022 to August 2023, we found that most of the prisons reviewed failed to fully staff allotted counselor positions, and several had counselor staffing rates in the 50% range or lower."
Dooly SP mission statement Policy
A GDC facility-description document describes Dooly State Prison's mission as housing medium security general population inmates not suitable for a county prison due to their offense or physical limitations, and provides Medical, Counseling, Education, Recreation, Library, Chapel, Fire Services, Farm Services, and General Work Programs.
NIC on outcomes of objective classification adoption Finding
NIC's objective classification guide states that adoption of objective prison classification systems since the 1980s produced reduced overclassification and declining institutional violence, alongside more validated and consistent custody decisions.
Facility risk classification denotes majority population; close offenders in lower-security facilities ~5% Finding
A 2018 DOAA special examination of GDC states that a facility's risk classification denotes the classification of the majority of the population within it, that facilities can technically house most offenders, and that the percentage of close (or high risk) offenders in lower security facilities can approximate 5%. The report also noted that approximately 10-40% of offenders in closed facilities were minimum or medium risk offenders according to a June 30, 2018 offender count.
NIC definition of non-discretionary overrides Policy
NIC's classification guide defines non-discretionary overrides as static policies that typically restrict placement of certain individuals from minimum- or low-security facilities, such as prohibiting someone convicted of a sex offense from residing in a minimum-security unit until within six months of release, or prohibiting anyone with more than two years to serve from a minimum-security level unit.
Dooly SP bed inventory (2018 DOAA): 1,590 + 56 = 1,645 Statistic
A DOAA report's bed-inventory table lists Dooly State Prison with a facility Risk Level of Medium. Source text: "Dooly State Prison Male Medium 1,590 56 1,645".
1,645 beds
NIC definitions of external and internal classification Policy
NIC's classification guide defines 'external classification' as determining an individual's custody classification and facility assignment, while 'internal classification' governs facility-level decisions such as where and with whom the individual will be housed within that facility.
Washington SP bed inventory (2018 DOAA): 1,223 + 123 = 1,346 Statistic
A DOAA report's bed-inventory table lists Washington State Prison with a facility Risk Level of Medium. Source text: "Washington State Prison Male Medium 1,223 123 1,346".
1,346 beds
Wilcox SP bed inventory (2018 DOAA): 1,659 + 124 = 1,783 Statistic
A DOAA report's bed-inventory table lists Wilcox State Prison with a facility Risk Level of Medium. Source text: "Wilcox State Prison Male Medium 1,659 124 1,783".
1,783 beds
Calhoun SP bed inventory (2018 DOAA): 1,438 + 170 = 1,608 Statistic
A DOAA report's bed-inventory table lists Calhoun State Prison with a facility Risk Level of Medium. Source text: "Calhoun State Prison Male Medium 1,438 170 1,608".
1,608 beds
Sources
68 cited sources backing this research.
Primary
Official report
Primary
Official report
Primary
Official report
Primary
Official report
Primary
Official report
Primary
Official report
Primary
Official report
Primary
Official report
Primary
Official report
Primary
Official report
Primary
Official report
Primary
Official report
Primary
Official report
Primary
Academic
Primary
Data portal
Primary
Data portal
Primary
Academic
Primary
Official report
Primary
Official report
Primary
Official report
Primary
Official report
Primary
Official report
Primary
Official report
Primary
Official report
Primary
Official report
Primary
Legislation
Primary
Legislation
Primary
Legislation
Primary
Legal document
Primary
Legislation
Primary
Official report
Secondary
Official report
Primary
Official report
Primary
Official report
Primary
Official report
Primary
Official report
Primary
Official report
Primary
Data portal
Primary
Data portal
Primary
Official report
Primary
Official report
Primary
Official report
Primary
Official report
Primary
Official report
Primary
Academic
Primary
Official report
Secondary
Journalism
Primary
Official report
Primary
Official report
Primary
Legal document
Primary
Official report
Primary
Official report
Primary
Official report
Primary
Official report
Primary
Official report
Primary
Official report
Primary
Official report
Primary
Official report
Primary
Official report
Primary
Official report
Primary
Official report
Primary
Official report
Primary
Official report
Primary
Official report
Primary
Official report
Primary
Official report
Primary
Data portal
Primary
Official report
Key Entities
Organizations, people, facilities, and other named entities referenced in this research.
American Correctional Association
[organization]
Bloods
[organization]
Calhoun State Prison
[facility]
California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation
[organization]
Davisboro mega prison
[facility]
Department of Audits and Accounts
[organization]
DOJ Civil Rights Division
[organization]
Dooly State Prison
[facility]
Federal Bureau of Prisons
[organization]
Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 125-2-2-.01
[legislation]
Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 125-3-1-.02
[legislation]
Gangster Disciples
[organization]
GDC SOP 220.02, Security Classification
[program]
GDC SOP 222.02, County Facility Placement
[program]
GDC SOP 410.04, Facility Design and Space Planning
[program]
Georgia Board of Corrections
[organization]
Georgia Department of Audits and Accounts
[organization]
Georgia Department of Corrections
[organization]
Georgia Department of Corrections SOP 220.02, Security Classification
[legislation]
Georgia Department of Corrections SOP 220.03, Classification Committee
[legislation]
Georgia General Assembly
[organization]
Georgia Power Company
[organization]
Georgia Senate DOC Facilities Study Committee
[organization]
National Institute of Corrections
[organization]
New Jersey Department of Corrections
[organization]
New Mexico Corrections Department
[organization]
Next Generation Assessment (NGA)
[program]
Office of Professional Standards
[organization]
Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 42-2-11
[legislation]
Tier III Program
[program]
Tyrone Oliver
[person]
U.S. Department of Justice
[organization]
Wilcox State Prison
[facility]