Oversight
DOJ's 2024 findings on Georgia prisons: what they said and what happened since
The Justice Department's 2024 findings on Georgia prisons and what followed.
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 5 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
Healthcare & Medical Neglect
Georgia's prison health care has been litigated, contracted out, audited and re-litigated for fifty years, and in October 2024 the U.S. Department of Justice still described it as "abhorrent," "life-threatening" and unconstitutional — with 10-month waits to see a psychiatrist and roughly a tenth of people with hepatitis C or HIV receiving treatment. This page traces the record: the constitutional floor, the vendors who hold the contracts and what they cost, the deaths and settlements behind the legal claims, the mental-health system Georgia runs in place of a hospital system, the food that undernourishment research suggests is killing people under a cause code the state never writes, and the 1,928 deaths GPS has recorded in custody since January 1, 2020.
5,401 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
Staffing Crisis
Georgia's prison system has run correctional officer vacancy rates between roughly 28 percent and 60 percent since 2020, and its own annual fiscal reports still showed 47.24 percent unfilled in fiscal year 2025. The consequences are documented at the shift level — two officers covering an entire prison compound, seven officers supervising 1,013 people, housing units with nobody watching — and the department's evidence of progress is contested by four different turnover figures that measure four different things.
10,698 data points
Violence & Safety
Georgia's prison system kills people at a rate that federal investigators found unconstitutional, and then undercounts the dead. A 93-page Department of Justice findings report released October 1, 2024 concluded that the State of Georgia and the Georgia Department of Corrections violate the Eighth Amendment by failing to protect incarcerated people from violence and sexual abuse, describing 'near-constant life-threatening violence as the norm.' The documented record — 142 homicides reported from 2018 through 2023, more than 1,400 violent incidents in a 16-month window, 456 sexual abuse allegations in a single year with 35 substantiated — rests on the Department's own numbers, which the Department itself misreports.
12,020 data points
Key Findings
The most impactful data from this research collection. Tap a card for the full finding and its source.
The finding
The federal report described by the Georgia Recorder finds that the homicide rate in Georgia prisons is nearly triple that of the national average, and that other serious and life-threatening incidents are 'exponentially more frequent.' The report contains descriptions of numerous assaults, including beatings, stabbings, rapes and acts of torture.
The finding
DOJ's report found a record 35 homicides in GDC prisons in 2023, by GDC's own reported numbers.
The finding
DOJ's report found that over the six-year period from 2018 through 2023, GDC reported a total of 142 homicides in its prisons, with 48 in the first three years and 94 homicides in the latter three years, a 95.8% increase.
The finding
DOJ's report found that as of December 2023, 18 GDC prisons had correctional officer (CO) vacancy rates over 60%, and 10 of those were over 70%.
The finding
DOJ's report found that GDC's correctional officer vacancy rates were around 50% systemwide and over 70% at ten of the largest facilities.
The finding
A May 2022 review by outside consultants that GDC commissioned to review its PREA investigations found that, of 388 PREA investigations reviewed, none met all applicable PREA Standards.
The finding
A May 2022 audit report that GDC commissioned by outside consultants found that zero of 388 surveyed PREA investigations complied with all applicable PREA Standards.
The finding
DOJ's report found that between 2018 and 2023 GDC's systemwide correctional officer vacancy rate reached 60% in April 2023, with over 2,800 vacant officer positions, and that as of the end of 2023 GDC still had over 2,800 unfilled CO positions.
The finding
DOJ's report found that on June 27, 2022, the second day of DOJ's site visit to Ware State Prison, an incarcerated person there was blindfolded, tied up, beaten, and burned by other incarcerated people.
All Data Points
179 verified data points extracted from primary sources.
Kemp and GDC unveil $600 million additional prison spending plan Policy
The Georgia Department of Corrections and Gov. Brian Kemp unveiled a plan to spend an additional $600 million on the state prison system, which has suffered from inadequate staffing, violence, and facilities in disrepair.
DOJ opened statewide civil investigation into Georgia prison conditions Legal fact
The Justice Department announced it had opened a statewide civil investigation into conditions of confinement of prisoners held in Georgia's prisons.
DOJ remedial measure 72: timely, thorough PREA investigations Legal fact
Under section C 'Investigations' of the Minimum Remedial Measures, measure 72 directs GDC to ensure all PREA allegations are investigated in a timely and thorough fashion.
DOJ findings report length and scope Statistic
The DOJ's findings report on Georgia prisons is 93 pages and details findings from a thorough investigation of Georgia's state-operated and private correctional facilities.
93 pages
State prison capacity FY2025 Statistic
GDC's Daily Population by Facility report for 07/01/2024 to 06/30/2025 shows State Prisons had capacity of 37,638.
37,638 beds
PREA allegations at GDC facilities in 2023 Statistic
During calendar year 2023, there were 819 PREA allegations reported at GDC operated and contracted facilities.
819 allegations
DOJ investigation scope: physical harm and LGBTI sexual abuse Legal fact
The investigation would examine whether Georgia provides prisoners reasonable protection from physical harm at the hands of other prisoners, and DOJ would also continue its existing investigation into whether Georgia provides lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex prisoners reasonable protection from sexual abuse by other prisoners and by staff.
DOJ remedial measure 73: centralized PREA notification and monthly tracking Legal fact
Measure 73 directs GDC to ensure notifications regarding all PREA allegations are timely sent to the centralized PREA unit and that the status of each PREA investigation is centrally tracked and documented at least monthly.
Georgia state prison population rank and size Statistic
Georgia has the fourth-highest state prison population in the country, with approximately 50,000 people incarcerated, according to the DOJ press release.
50,000 people
State prison average on-hand population FY2025 Statistic
GDC's Daily Population by Facility report for 07/01/2024 to 06/30/2025 shows State Prisons had an average on-hand population of 35,369.
35,369 people
Substantiated PREA allegations in 2023 Statistic
Of the 819 PREA allegations reported in 2023, 57 (7%) were substantiated.
57 allegations vs. 819 total allegations
DOJ report: Georgia prison homicide rate nearly triple national average Finding
The federal report described by the Georgia Recorder finds that the homicide rate in Georgia prisons is nearly triple that of the national average, and that other serious and life-threatening incidents are 'exponentially more frequent.' The report contains descriptions of numerous assaults, including beatings, stabbings, rapes and acts of torture.
Investigation conducted under CRIPA Legal fact
DOJ stated the investigation would be conducted under the Civil Rights of Institutionalized Persons Act (CRIPA), under which the department has authority to investigate whether violations of prisoners' constitutional rights result from a 'pattern or practice of resistance to the full enjoyment of such rights.'
DOJ remedial measure 74: timely SANE nurse response to sexual abuse allegations Legal fact
Measure 74 directs GDC to ensure SANE nurses respond timely to sexual abuse allegations in all cases where GDC learns of the allegation.
DOJ finding of Eighth Amendment violations Legal fact
The Justice Department announced findings that conditions of confinement in Georgia's prisons violate the Eighth Amendment to the Constitution.
State prison utilization rate FY2025 Statistic
GDC's Daily Population by Facility report for 07/01/2024 to 06/30/2025 shows State Prisons operated at 94.0% utilization.
94%
Unsubstantiated PREA allegations in 2023 Statistic
Of the 819 PREA allegations reported in 2023, 369 (45%) were unsubstantiated.
369 allegations vs. 819 total allegations
Kemp budget: $40M for new prison design and planning Policy
Kemp's budget recommendations include spending $40 million to design and plan a new prison facility.
DOJ investigation conducted jointly with U.S. Attorney's Offices Legal fact
The DOJ investigation into Georgia prisons announced in this press release was conducted jointly by the Special Litigation Section of the Civil Rights Division with the U.S. Attorney's Offices for the Northern, Middle and Southern Districts of Georgia.
November 2023 federal indictment of 23 individuals for gang crimes tied to GDC prisons Case detail
DOJ's report states that in November 2023, 23 individuals, including several incarcerated at six different GDC prisons, were charged in a federal indictment stemming from gang-related crimes committed inside and outside GDC prisons, including stabbings and assaults at multiple GDC prisons in 2020 and a shooting death in Griffin.
DOJ finding on failure to protect from violence Legal fact
DOJ's Civil Rights Division found reason to believe the State of Georgia and GDC fail to protect incarcerated people from violence and harm by other incarcerated people, and from harm caused by sexual violence.
State prison capacity FY2024 Statistic
GDC's Daily Population by Facility report for 07/01/2023 to 06/30/2024 shows State Prisons had capacity of 37,045.
37,045 beds
Unfounded PREA allegations in 2023 Statistic
Of the 819 PREA allegations reported in 2023, 330 (40%) were unfounded.
330 allegations vs. 819 total allegations
Kemp budget: 446 beds added to private prison contract Policy
Kemp's recommendations include adding 446 beds to an existing private prison contract.
DOJ launched LGBTI sexual abuse investigation in 2016, expanded to violence in 2021 Legal fact
In 2016, DOJ launched a statewide investigation into whether GDC adequately protects incarcerated persons who are LGBTI from sexual abuse by staff and by other incarcerated persons, and in 2021 DOJ expanded the investigation to include protection of all incarcerated persons at the medium- and close-security-level prisons from violence by other incarcerated persons.
DOJ remedial measure 81: electronic system to track sexual abuse allegations and staff discipline Legal fact
Under section C 'Use of Data,' measure 81 directs GDC to implement an electronic data system or systems to track allegations of sexual abuse by incarcerated individuals and by staff, as well as any adverse actions taken against staff in relation to those allegations.
Kristen Clarke quote on inhumane conditions Quote
Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke said: "Our findings report lays bare the horrific and inhumane conditions that people are confined to inside Georgia's state prison system."
State prison average on-hand population FY2024 Statistic
GDC's Daily Population by Facility report for 07/01/2023 to 06/30/2024 shows State Prisons had an average on-hand population of 34,832.
34,832 people
Allegations deemed not PREA in 2023 Statistic
Of the 819 PREA allegations reported in 2023, 63 (8%) were deemed not PREA.
63 allegations vs. 819 total allegations
Kemp budget: 126 bed units added to ease inmate movement Policy
Kemp's recommendations include adding 126 bed units to ease inmate movement while capital and security improvements are underway.
Record 35 homicides in GDC prisons in 2023 Statistic
DOJ's report found a record 35 homicides in GDC prisons in 2023, by GDC's own reported numbers.
35 homicides
DOJ finding: GDC fails constitutional minimum safety at medium- and close-security levels Finding
The Findings Report states that GDC fails to provide incarcerated persons housed at the medium- and close-security levels with the constitutionally required minimum of reasonable physical safety, and also fails to provide LGBTI incarcerated persons reasonable protection from sexual abuse.
Ossoff and Warnock letter to GDC Commissioner Case detail
U.S. Senators Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock wrote to GDC Commissioner Tyrone Oliver on November 19, 2024, urging the State of Georgia and GDC to promptly address the deeply concerning findings in DOJ's October 2024 report.
State prison utilization rate FY2024 Statistic
GDC's Daily Population by Facility report for 07/01/2023 to 06/30/2024 shows State Prisons operated at 94.0% utilization.
94%
Georgia lacks state pattern-or-practice statute Legal fact
Georgia is among the states that lack their own state pattern-or-practice statute, along with Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas, Alabama and Tennessee, which HRW identifies as states where federal pattern-or-practice intervention has been directed.
GDC requests $50M for contraband interdiction technology Policy
The corrections department is requesting an extra $50 million to install new contraband interdiction technology, including equipment to detect cell phones and drones, which prison officials say is the most common method of smuggling drugs and weapons into prisons.
DOJ visited 17 GDC prisons in 2022-2023 Methodology note
As part of the investigation, between 2022 and 2023, DOJ visited 17 GDC prisons -- about half of the state prisons -- and conducted hundreds of private, one-on-one interviews with incarcerated persons.
DOJ concludes reasonable cause that Georgia and GDC violate Eighth Amendment Legal fact
After an extensive investigation of Georgia prisons housing people at medium- and close-security levels, DOJ concludes there is reasonable cause to believe the State of Georgia and GDC violate the Eighth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.
Senators' quote urging swift remedy Quote
Ossoff and Warnock wrote: "In light of these alarming findings, we urge GDC to give DOJ's report due consideration and act swiftly to remedy the troubling state of Georgia state prisons."
GDC: cell phones and drones most common method of smuggling drugs and weapons Finding
Prison officials say cell phones and drones are the most common method of smuggling drugs and weapons into Georgia prisons.
GDC delayed document production until mid-2023 after subpoena enforcement Finding
Shortly after launching the expanded investigation in September 2021, DOJ issued a first request for documents to GDC, and GDC refused to produce most of the requested materials until mid-2023, after DOJ issued an administrative subpoena and sought and obtained court enforcement of the subpoena.
Smith State Prison lockdown before DOJ inspection after armed fight; seven hospitalized Case detail
DOJ's report found that on March 27, 2023, Smith State Prison went into lockdown immediately before a DOJ site inspection, imposed because of a fight with weapons early that morning following a Ramadan breakfast in the D-2 dorm; seven individuals required hospitalization, two by air.
Valdosta State Prison deaths January 2025 to August 2026 Statistic
The Southern Center for Human Rights says 25 people died at Valdosta State Prison between January 2025 and August 2026.
25 deaths
GDC and DOJ agree on officer shortage Finding
GPB reported that the presentation of GDC's budget recommendations and the DOJ report came to the same basic conclusion that Georgia prisons have too few correctional officers on the job to be run safely, though GDC had not released the state's full consultant report.
$77M for lock replacement and infrastructure improvements Policy
Another $77 million would be used to replace locks inside the facilities as well as perform other major infrastructure improvements.
142 homicides in GDC prisons 2018-2023, 95.8% increase in latter three years Statistic
DOJ's report found that over the six-year period from 2018 through 2023, GDC reported a total of 142 homicides in its prisons, with 48 in the first three years and 94 homicides in the latter three years, a 95.8% increase.
142 homicides vs. 95.8 percent increase in latter three years
DOJ finding: State fails to protect LGBTI people from substantial risk of sexual violence Finding
The report's FINDINGS section states that the State also fails to adequately protect people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex (LGBTI) from a substantial risk of serious harm from sexual violence and abuse by staff and other incarcerated people.
Je'Vion Benham death at Valdosta State Prison Case detail
It took two days before the body of 21-year-old incarcerated man Je'Vion Benham was discovered on Christmas Eve, and his death was ruled a homicide caused by strangulation.
DOJ memo halts LGBTQ safety standards in inspections Policy
A Justice Department memo obtained by NPR instructs inspectors to stop evaluating prisons and jails using standards designed to protect transgender, intersex and gender-nonconforming people from sexual violence.
$86M for emergency repairs and maintenance at facilities Policy
The corrections department is recommending spending an additional $86 million for emergency repairs and maintenance at facilities.
Homicides never exceeded nine annually 2011-2018 Statistic
DOJ's report found that from 2011 through 2018, the number of homicides systemwide in GDC prisons never exceeded nine deaths annually, and that DOJ identified multiple additional homicide deaths that GDC's reported homicide totals fail to reflect.
9 homicides per year
DOJ methodology: dozens of staff interviews and tens of thousands of records reviewed Methodology note
DOJ states it conducted several dozen interviews with GDC facility staff, investigators, and executive leadership; additional interviews with local coroners, first responders, prosecutors, and employees of other Georgia state agencies; and reviewed tens of thousands of records from GDC, other state agencies, and third parties such as local coroners, EMS providers, and community stakeholders.
Valdosta correctional officer vacancy rate Statistic
As of May 2026, the vacancy rate for prison correctional officers at Valdosta State Prison was 73%, according to the Southern Center for Human Rights' October 1, 2026 letter.
73%
HB 1230 drone prohibition signed Legal fact
Georgia House Bill 1230, 'Aviation; prohibit operation of unmanned aircraft systems over a place of incarceration,' was signed by the Governor on 05/05/2026 as Act 388, effective 07/01/2026.
GDC correctional officer staffing shortage Statistic
GDC Commissioner Tyrone Oliver said there was a staffing shortage of 2,600 correctional officers, and records kept by the Governor's Office of Data Analytics show 3,326 correctional officers employed by GDC in the 2025 fiscal year.
2,600 officers vs. 3,326 officers employed in FY2025
Valdosta State Prison population: 1,013 on June 1, 2026 Statistic
On June 1, 2026, there were 1,013 people incarcerated at Valdosta State Prison, according to the Southern Center for Human Rights.
1,013 people
Five homicides at four prisons in December 2023 Statistic
DOJ's report found that in December 2023, GDC experienced five homicides at four different prisons.
5 homicides
Southern Center letter length and warning Case detail
The Southern Center for Human Rights sent a 14-page letter to GDC officials warning of a "humanitarian disaster unfolding at Valdosta State Prison."
PREA allegations in 2024 Statistic
GDC's 2024 Annual PREA Report states that during calendar year 2024, there were 817 PREA allegations reported at GDC operated and contracted facilities.
817 allegations
Officer-to-inmate ratio and improvement goal Statistic
Oliver described the officer staffing ratio as about 1 officer for every 14 incarcerated people, with a near-term goal of improving that ratio to 1 per 11.
14 inmates per officer vs. 11 target ratio
Valdosta State Prison: as few as 7 officers on duty per shift Statistic
GDC's own staffing reports show that on any given day in the first weekend of June 2026, there were no more than 15, and as few as 7, officers on duty at Valdosta State Prison on any given shift, while 1,013 people were incarcerated there.
7 officers vs. 15 maximum officers on duty per shift
Stabbing death at Central State Prison December 2023 Case detail
DOJ's report found that on December 8, 2023, a man in his 20s was stabbed in the barber shop at Central State Prison in Bibb County, received treatment, returned to the prison, and died after going into cardiac arrest 'secondary to stabbing' on December 18.
456 sexual abuse allegations between incarcerated individuals in 2022; 35 substantiated Statistic
In 2022, the year with the most recent data available, GDC documented 456 allegations of sexual abuse, including sexual violence, between incarcerated individuals, of which 35 were found to be substantiated.
456 allegations vs. 35 substantiated allegations
PREA substantiated allegations in 2024 Statistic
GDC's 2024 Annual PREA Report states that of 817 PREA allegations in 2024, 31 (4%) were substantiated.
31 allegations vs. 817 total allegations
US Attorney's Office declines comment on DOJ follow-up Finding
WTOC Investigates reached out to the US Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Georgia, which contributed to the DOJ investigation, to find out what measures have been taken after the report, and the office declined to comment.
18 GDC prisons had CO vacancy rates over 60% as of December 2023 Statistic
DOJ's report found that as of December 2023, 18 GDC prisons had correctional officer (CO) vacancy rates over 60%, and 10 of those were over 70%.
18 prisons vs. 10 prisons over 70% vacancy
Broken locks persist because maintenance staff are pulled to cover security posts Finding
DOJ's report found that staff from GDC prisons said getting broken locks fixed is a slow process because the position responsible for maintenance is frequently pulled from that assignment to cover security posts, leaving the lock-and-key system unmaintained.
PREA unsubstantiated allegations in 2024 Statistic
GDC's 2024 Annual PREA Report states that of 817 PREA allegations in 2024, 367 (45%) were unsubstantiated.
367 allegations vs. 817 total allegations
CRIPA 49-day lawsuit notice Legal fact
DOJ stated that 49 days after issuance of the Findings Report letter, the Attorney General may initiate a lawsuit pursuant to CRIPA to correct deficiencies identified in the letter if State officials have not satisfactorily addressed DOJ's concerns, citing 42 U.S.C. § 1997b(a)(1).
Weapons and contraband black markets commonplace; officials cite drones, smartphones, gangs Finding
DOJ's report states weapons and other items contributing to unacceptable violence are commonplace at most facilities reviewed, and black markets for drugs, electronics, and other contraband proliferate; state officials point to technological advances such as drones and smartphones and large, sophisticated gangs as the reasons.
PREA unfounded allegations in 2024 Statistic
GDC's 2024 Annual PREA Report states that of 817 PREA allegations in 2024, 349 (43%) were unfounded.
349 allegations vs. 817 total allegations
SCHR: VSP conditions violate Eighth Amendment, cause preventable deaths Finding
The Southern Center for Human Rights said people incarcerated at Valdosta State Prison live in repulsive conditions that violate their Eighth Amendment rights and have led to widespread suffering and preventable deaths, and warned GDC that these conditions are unlawful, demanding immediate remedial action.
Systemwide CO vacancy rate around 50%, over 70% at ten largest facilities Statistic
DOJ's report found that GDC's correctional officer vacancy rates were around 50% systemwide and over 70% at ten of the largest facilities.
50% vs. 70 percent vacancy at ten largest facilities
May 2022 consultant review: none of 388 PREA investigations met all PREA Standards Finding
A May 2022 review by outside consultants that GDC commissioned to review its PREA investigations found that, of 388 PREA investigations reviewed, none met all applicable PREA Standards.
Kemp recommendation: 4% CO salary increase Policy
Governor Kemp's corrections budget recommendations included a four percent salary increase for all correctional officer staff to bring pay parity with neighboring states.
PREA allegations deemed not PREA in 2024 Statistic
GDC's 2024 Annual PREA Report states that of 817 PREA allegations in 2024, 70 (8%) were deemed not PREA.
70 allegations vs. 817 total allegations
SCHR attorney Alison Ganem quote on Valdosta conditions Quote
"The conditions at Valdosta State Prison are immoral, unconstitutional, and the foreseeable result of GDC's years-long failure to keep people safe," said Alison Ganem, an attorney in the Impact Litigation Unit at the Southern Center for Human Rights, adding that this is despite warnings from GDC's internal auditors, federal courts, the U.S. Department of Justice, and the Southern Center.
Attorney General may intervene in private suits 15 days after findings letter Legal fact
DOJ stated the Attorney General may also move to intervene in related private suits 15 days after issuance of the Findings Report letter, citing 42 U.S.C. § 1997c(b)(1)(A).
Transgender woman placed in isolation after PREA complaint died by suicide next day Case detail
The report states that GDC's handling of sexual abuse complaints by LGBTI individuals places them at further risk of harm, and that a transgender woman placed in isolation after making a PREA complaint died by suicide the next day.
Kemp recommendation: 8% behavioral health counselor raise Policy
Governor Kemp's corrections budget recommendations included an eight percent salary increase for behavioral health counselor positions to align with statewide averages to improve recruitment and retention.
GDC response to DOJ notice letter Finding
The Georgia Department of Corrections said it was 'extremely disappointed to learn today of the decision by the Department of Justice to issue a Notice Letter leveling a variety of accusations against our prison system.'
Judge Self questions GDC credibility Finding
U.S. District Court Judge Tilman E. 'Tripp' Self III said he wanted GDC Commissioner Tyrone Oliver on the witness stand to hear 'from my mouth ... how little credibility the Department of Corrections has.'
AG Carr quote on gangs and public safety in Georgia prisons Quote
Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr, asked by WSAV about gangs inside Georgia prisons in the wake of the DOJ report, said: "If you are going to break the law, we're coming after you. I don't care who you are. This is a public safety issue. People are dying. They're losing their life savings in scams. And we're going after them."
Average CO vacancy rate: 49.3% (2021), 56.3% (2022), 52.5% (2023) Statistic
DOJ's report found that GDC's average correctional officer vacancy rate was 49.3% in 2021, 56.3% in 2022, and 52.5% in 2023.
49.3% vs. 56.3 percent vacancy (2022)
GDC housing of transgender individuals based solely on external genitalia violates PREA Finding
The report states GDC's screening, classification, and housing assignment systems fail to adequately consider LGBTI status and vulnerability indicators, and that GDC houses transgender individuals based solely on external genitalia in violation of PREA, with no consideration of preferences or particular vulnerabilities.
Kemp recommendation: 330 additional officer positions Policy
Governor Kemp's corrections budget recommendations called for increasing correctional and close security officer positions by 330 positions to improve staff-to-offender ratios.
GDC claims full cooperation with DOJ Finding
GDC's statement said it 'fully cooperated with DOJ's investigation and will continue to do so as we begin discussions with DOJ over next steps,' while calling 'DOJ's track record in prison oversight... poor.'
Oliver admits no excuse for failing court order Finding
GDC Commissioner Tyrone Oliver agreed there was no excuse for the department's failure to follow a court order, at a federal court hearing in Macon.
GDC seized over 15,500 cell phones in one year Statistic
Attorney General Chris Carr's office said that just last year, GDC seized and processed over 15,500 cell phones and more than 150 drones.
15,500 cell phones vs. 150 drones seized
DOJ report calls GDC activity 'unconstitutional' Finding
A recent report from the Justice Department calls the activity inside Georgia Department of Corrections facilities 'unconstitutional.'
DOJ found reasonable cause of Eighth Amendment violations Legal fact
The Department has reasonable cause to believe that the State of Georgia violates the Eighth Amendment by failing to protect incarcerated persons from violence and sexual abuse, and by failing to provide reasonably safe conditions.
May 2022 audit: zero of 388 PREA investigations fully compliant Finding
A May 2022 audit report that GDC commissioned by outside consultants found that zero of 388 surveyed PREA investigations complied with all applicable PREA Standards.
Kemp recommendation: $40M for new prison planning Policy
Governor Kemp's corrections budget recommendations included investing $40 million for planning and design purposes for a new prison facility.
Joan Heath denies DOJ allegations Finding
GDC spokesperson Joan Heath said: 'Contrary to DOJ's allegations, the State of Georgia's prison system operates in a manner exceeding the requirements of the United States Constitution.'
Carr statement on contraband cell phones and murders Finding
AG Chris Carr said: 'Prisoners with contraband cell phones are ordering murders, and this has to stop now.'
142 homicides in GDC facilities over 6 years Statistic
A report from the Justice Department shows there were 142 homicides in GDC facilities over a 6 year period.
142 homicides
CO vacancy reached 60% in April 2023 with over 2,800 vacant positions Statistic
DOJ's report found that between 2018 and 2023 GDC's systemwide correctional officer vacancy rate reached 60% in April 2023, with over 2,800 vacant officer positions, and that as of the end of 2023 GDC still had over 2,800 unfilled CO positions.
60% vs. 2,800 vacant officer positions
GDC September 2023 board deck noted 38 homicides and 40 suicides in prior fiscal year Statistic
DOJ's report found that GDC's 50-page 'Agency Overview' slide deck to the State Board of Corrections in September 2023 included only a small chart acknowledging 38 homicides and 40 suicides of people in GDC custody in the previous fiscal year.
38 homicides vs. 40 suicides
Kemp recommendation: 446 private prison beds and modular units Policy
Governor Kemp's corrections budget recommendations included increasing funds to add 446 private prison beds to the existing contract and funding construction of four 126-bed modular correctional units to facilitate offender population movement necessary for capital and security improvements.
AJC describes GDC response as defiant Finding
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported that Georgia Department of Corrections officials 'responded to the announcement with defiance and denial,' saying they were extremely disappointed to learn of the Justice Department's decision to level a variety of accusations against the prison system.
Carr statement on drone contraband drops Finding
AG Chris Carr said: 'Drones are dropping a staggering amount of contraband into our prisons, and law enforcement are doing their best to combat the problem, but their hands are tied.'
35 homicides in GDC facilities in 2023 alone Statistic
A report from the Justice Department shows there were 35 homicides in GDC facilities in 2023 alone, with the department stating the violence reached 'crisis level.'
35 homicides
Remedial measure 82: data collection on sexual abuse trends Policy
The Minimum Remedial Measures section's 'Use of Data' subsection lists measure 82 requiring GDC to collect, consolidate, analyze, track, and use data to evaluate trends in reports of sexual abuse, PREA investigation outcomes, and discrepancies in reporting or documentation related to PREA.
AJC predicts Georgia pushback on DOJ findings Finding
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported that 'The GDC's response Tuesday suggests Georgia is poised to push back instead of quickly working with the Justice Department to address the findings.'
No significant measures after DOJ recommendations Finding
No significant measures have been taken to change the 'just ignore it' culture of Georgia's prison administrators in the 10 months following the DOJ's corrective recommendations and threat of lawsuits.
Georgia spends 14 times more on medical care than food per incarcerated person Statistic
The Marshall Project reported that Georgia spends about 14 times more on medical care than on food for the people in its prisons, a $432 million medical bill that Georgia Prisoners Speak describes as 'what the State pays to treat the disease that underfeeding produces.'
14 ratio (medical to food spending)
Systemic deficiencies in incident reporting contribute to constitutional violations Finding
DOJ's report states that systemic deficiencies in incident reporting and investigation practices contribute to a pattern or practice of constitutional violations.
DOJ conducted hundreds of private interviews with incarcerated people and used four expert consultants Methodology note
DOJ states it conducted hundreds of private, one-on-one interviews with incarcerated persons plus many brief conversations during facility tours, and worked with four expert consultants, including a former high-level state corrections official, a former law enforcement official with data-analysis expertise, and two certified PREA auditors.
DOJ withdrawal from transgender prisoner surgery case Case detail
DOJ withdrew its support for a Georgia transgender prisoner's lawsuit against the Georgia Department of Corrections. Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon said the prior administration's arguments in transgender inmate cases were based on "junk science" and that states' limited resources need not be wasted to provide gender-affirming surgeries to inmates.
Atteeyah Hollie on routine death in Georgia prisons Finding
Atteeyah Hollie, deputy director at the Southern Center for Human Rights, said: 'Death should not be a routine feature of any prison system, but it has become one here in Georgia.'
GDC hires 118 of every 800 officer applicants Statistic
Consultants hired by Gov. Brian Kemp found the GDC was on average only able to hire 118 officers for every 800 applicants it received.
118 officers hired vs. 800 applicants
Assault video on contraband cellphone before Wilcox site visit Case detail
DOJ's report found 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.
GDC produced over 19,000 records under subpoena; process 'unnecessarily contentious and lengthy' Finding
DOJ's report states that GDC ultimately produced over 19,000 records in response to DOJ's subpoena, but that the process of obtaining records and information from GDC was unnecessarily contentious and lengthy.
GDC correctional officer vacancy rates FY23-FY25 Trend
GDC's FY25 Annual Fiscal Report shows the Correctional Officer Vacancy rate was 54.47% in FY23, 50.92% in FY24, and 47.24% in FY25.
Source
Ossoff cites over 200 human rights abuses Finding
At a hearing held by the Senate Subcommittee on Human Rights, chaired by Sen. Jon Ossoff, Ossoff said: 'We identified over 200 human rights abuses in state prisons and jails.'
29 of 34 Georgia prisons need critical upgrades Statistic
Citing an internal GDC evaluation completed in January 2023, the Kemp-hired consultants said 29 of the 34 Georgia prisons are in need of critical upgrades.
29 prisons vs. 34 total prisons
DOJ Civil Rights Division dismisses Biden-era police investigations and retracts findings Legal fact
DOJ's Civil Rights Division under Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon announced it would take all necessary steps to dismiss the Louisville and Minneapolis police lawsuits with prejudice, close the underlying investigations, and retract the Biden administration's findings of constitutional violations, and would also close investigations and retract findings as to Phoenix and Trenton police departments.
Incarcerated person beaten and burned at Ware State Prison during DOJ visit Case detail
DOJ's report found that on June 27, 2022, the second day of DOJ's site visit to Ware State Prison, an incarcerated person there was blindfolded, tied up, beaten, and burned by other incarcerated people.
DOJ recommends State implement 'at minimum' listed remedial measures Finding
The report states: 'To remedy the constitutional violations identified in this Findings Report, we recommend that the State implement, at minimum, the remedial measures listed below,' under the heading 'MINIMUM REMEDIAL MEASURES.'
No formal DOJ-Georgia resolution as of February 2025 Legal fact
As of February 22, 2025, DOJ and the State of Georgia have not reached a formal resolution to resolve GDC's allegedly unlawful practices.
Budget for managed access and drone detection Statistic
The Governor's Budget Report for Amended FY2026/FY2027 recommended $13,387,475 for managed access and drone detection systems to prevent contraband in facilities.
$13.4M USD
SCHR urged DOJ intervention in September 2020; DOJ opened statewide investigation September 2021 Case detail
The Southern Center for Human Rights said that in September 2020 it implored the U.S. Department of Justice to intervene as Georgia prisons descended into unprecedented violence, chaos and neglect, and one year later, in September 2021, the DOJ's Civil Rights Division announced a state-wide investigation into all Georgia Department of Corrections facilities; SCHR said GDC was then obstructing that investigation.
Assault at Rogers State Prison after DOJ left on first day of visit Case detail
DOJ's report found that DOJ conducted a two-day site visit at Rogers State Prison in March 2023, and shortly after DOJ left the facility on the first day, in the early evening, an incarcerated person was assaulted by another incarcerated person.
Seventeen GDC prisons visited by DOJ in 2022 and 2023 Case detail
DOJ lists the facilities visited in 2022 and 2023: Lee Arrendale, Ware, Hays, Walker, Calhoun, Pulaski, Baldwin, Georgia Diagnostic and Classification Prison, Macon, Coastal, Smith, Telfair, Rogers, Dooly, Wilcox, Phillips, and Augusta State Medical Prison.
DOJ 49-day deadline and 233 days without action Finding
The DOJ advised GDC and the State of Georgia that legal action could begin in 49 days if substantial efforts were not made to correct the failures identified in the report; 233 days later, no one had been arrested, fired, or sued.
Budget for additional correctional officer positions (AFY2026) Statistic
The Governor's Budget Report recommended $4,982,902 for additional correctional officer positions to improve staff to offender ratios for Amended FY2026.
$5.0M USD
12 prisoners charged with murder in Washington State Prison fight Case detail
Twelve prisoners have been charged with murder and other crimes in a fight that left four inmates dead and a dozen injured at Washington State Prison in January, corrections officials confirmed on April 27.
Remedial measure 1: request NIC technical assistance Policy
Under 'MINIMUM REMEDIAL MEASURES,' section A ('Short-Term and Immediate Measures'), measure 1 directs GDC to contact the National Institute of Corrections (NIC) to request technical assistance to develop and implement a strategy and timeframe to assess conditions in GDC prisons that need immediate attention.
DOJ remedial measure 29: formal sexual-safety classification reviews and predator-victim separation Legal fact
Under section A of the Minimum Remedial Measures, measure 29 directs GDC to conduct formal classification reviews of every incarcerated person for sexual-safety issues and ensure potential predators are separated from potential victims.
GDC withholding cause-of-death data Data gap
GDC continues to withhold the cause-of-death data it is legally required to include in its mortality reports, according to Filter.
Budget for additional correctional officer positions (FY2027) Statistic
The Governor's Budget Report recommended $26,824,134 for additional correctional officer positions to improve staff to offender ratios for FY2027.
$26.8M USD
Four inmates dead and a dozen injured in Washington State Prison fight Case detail
A fight at Washington State Prison in January left four inmates dead and a dozen injured, according to corrections officials.
Remedial measure 4: bring all facilities to 10% or lower CO vacancy Policy
Under section A's 'Staffing and Supervision' subsection, measure 4 directs GDC, within reasonable time frames, to properly screen, hire, and fully train sufficient correctional officers to staff all mandatory posts and to bring all GDC facilities within 90% of currently allotted posts, i.e., a 10% or lower correctional officer vacancy rate.
DOJ remedial measure 30: review and revise systemwide and facility policies Legal fact
Under section B 'Violence: Long-Term Measures,' measure 30 directs GDC to conduct a thorough review of all relevant GDC and individual facility policies and procedures and, based on that review, promptly make appropriate changes to systemwide and facility-specific policies.
DOJ 49-day deadline passed without further action Finding
The DOJ report, released after a three-year investigation, included 13 pages of remedial measures and an admonishment that the federal government could initiate a lawsuit if its concerns weren't addressed within 49 days. Although that deadline has passed, the DOJ has yet to take further action.
Budget for security threat group coordinators Statistic
The Governor's Budget Report line-item detail for the Department of Corrections includes $137,802 in start-up costs for three security threat group regional coordinators.
$137,802 USD
Data gap: GDC 2024 press releases contain no DOJ/findings references Data gap
A search of the Georgia Department of Corrections' 2024 Press Releases page for 'Department of Justice', 'DOJ', 'Notice Letter' and 'findings' returned no match, indicating GDC did not publicly address the DOJ findings through that channel.
Remedial measure 12: revise classification and housing to protect victims Policy
Under section A's 'Classification and Housing' subsection, measure 12 directs GDC to revise its classification and housing procedures and practices to avoid subjecting victims to housing conditions that deter reporting of violence or sexual abuse, including placement in segregation, isolation, or restrictive housing, when they seek assistance or protection from harm.
DOJ experts observed security-affecting maintenance defects during site visits Finding
Despite repair work before DOJ's site visits, DOJ experts observed physical building and maintenance issues affecting security, including broken or exposed electrical outlets and wiring, metal fixtures, large holes or patched areas in ceilings and walls, and small holes and cracks in walls and windows.
Budget for canine handlers Statistic
The Governor's Budget Report line-item detail for the Department of Corrections includes $964,650 in start-up costs for six canine handlers.
$964,650 USD
GDC has 300 more correctional officers than June 2024 Statistic
Since FY 2025, the General Assembly has worked to improve recruitment and retention of correctional officers, and the department has 300 more correctional officers than it did in June of 2024.
300 officers
Data gap: GDC Board of Corrections March 2026 minutes lack DOJ references Data gap
A search of the Georgia Board of Corrections March 2026 meeting minutes for 'Department of Justice', 'DOJ' and 'findings report' returned no match.
Incarcerated people at 16 of 17 prisons reported witnessing life-threatening violence Finding
DOJ's report states that in interviews at 16 of the 17 GDC prisons DOJ visited in 2022 and 2023, incarcerated people consistently reported that they have witnessed life-threatening violence, including stabbings, and that weapons are widespread.
Ware State Prison: man left for hours without control-center officers; died of acute methamphetamine toxicity Case detail
DOJ's report found that on July 3, 2022, incarcerated persons at Ware State Prison found a man slumped over a second-floor cell block railing; he was left there for several hours because there were no officers in the control center and staff failed to come to the building. The victim's cause of death was acute methamphetamine toxicity.
Drone contraband deliveries described by sheriff Finding
Muscogee County Sheriff Greg Countryman said drones have been used to deliver contraband to incarcerated individuals, including tobacco, food and cell phones.
Data gap: GDC Board of Corrections September 2025 minutes lack DOJ references Data gap
A search of the Georgia Board of Corrections September 2025 meeting minutes for 'Department of Justice', 'DOJ' and 'findings report' returned no match.
Gangs control housing units and extort incarcerated people and families Finding
DOJ's report found that gangs control housing units at GDC prisons, directing where other incarcerated people sleep and extorting incarcerated people and their families for money, and that contraband weapons, illicit drugs, and cellphones are present.
Man interviewed at Macon State Prison in 2023 reportedly killed at Augusta State Medical Prison in May 2024 Case detail
DOJ's report found that in late May 2024, an incarcerated man whom DOJ interviewed at Macon State Prison in early 2023 reportedly died by homicide at Augusta State Medical Prison, where he had been transferred.
SB 6 (2019) drone contraband felony Legal fact
In 2019, Georgia passed SB 6, making it a felony to use a drone to deliver or attempt to deliver contraband to a prison or jail.
Data gap: AJC DOJ investigation article lacks Kemp/Carr office statements Data gap
A search of the AJC article 'Federal investigators find Georgia prisons inhumane and in a violent state of chaos' for 'Kemp said', 'Carr said', 'the governor's office said', 'Carr's office said' and 'Kemp's office said' returned no match, indicating no direct on-record statements from those offices in that article.
Remedial measures 69-71: PREA compliance and LGBTI training Policy
Section C of the Minimum Remedial Measures, 'Sexual Safety: Long-Term Measures,' measures 69-71 direct GDC to ensure compliance with PREA and its implementing regulations (28 C.F.R. §§ 115 et seq.), to enforce a 'zero tolerance' policy on sexual abuse in all GDC facilities, and to retrain all staff on GDC policies regarding sexual abuse including training regarding the special vulnerabilities of LGBTI individuals.
Findings Report issued under CRIPA, 42 U.S.C. §§ 1997 et seq. Legal fact
The Findings Report states it is issued 'Consistent with the Civil Rights of Institutionalized Persons Act, 42 U.S.C. §§ 1997 et seq. (CRIPA),' to notify Georgia and GDC of DOJ's conclusions, supporting facts, and the minimum remedial measures necessary to address the violations identified.
HB 1230 drone felony and jamming authority Legal fact
House Bill 1230 makes it a felony to fly a drone over a jail or prison for criminal purposes, authorizing law enforcement agencies and officers to jam, hack and seize the aircraft, as a reaction to the increasing use of unmanned aircraft to deliver drugs, weapons and other contraband.
Budget for managed access analysts Statistic
The Governor's Budget Report line-item detail for GDC includes $409,040 for five managed access analysts.
$409,040 USD
LGBTI incarcerated person beaten and stabbed to death at Hancock State Prison Case detail
DOJ's report found that at Hancock State Prison an incarcerated person who identified as LGBTI was beaten and stabbed to death by multiple gang members inside a dorm.
DOJ case list: Georgia GDC matter remains investigation with no complaint or consent decree (as of Oct 16, 2026) Legal fact
DOJ's Special Litigation Section case list shows the Georgia Department of Corrections matter as an investigation with only a Cover Letter, Findings Report, Findings Report Executive Summary, Findings Report One Pager (all 2024), and a Press Release, no Complaint or Consent Decree, while the separate Fulton County Jail matter lists a 2024 Notice Letter and Findings Report plus a 2025 Complaint and 2025 Consent Decree.
State prison capacity and utilization CY2024 Statistic
GDC's Daily Population by Facility report for 01/01/2024 to 12/31/2024 shows State Prisons had capacity 37,406, average on-hand population 35,220, for 94.2% utilization.
94.2%
Source
Budget to annualize OWL Unit personnel Statistic
The Governor's Budget Report line-item detail for GDC includes $1,238,495 to annualize personnel for the Over Watch and Logistics (OWL) Unit.
$1.2M USD
Nearly half of GDC officer positions vacant Statistic
Of the Georgia Department of Corrections' 5,991 budgeted corrections officer positions, 2,985 were vacant, Commissioner Tyrone Oliver told the joint House and Senate appropriations committees during budget hearings.
2,985 vacant positions vs. 5,991 budgeted positions
Data gap: Kemp 2025 State of the State lacks prison/DOJ references Data gap
A search of Governor Brian P. Kemp's 2025 State of the State Address for 'prison', 'correction', 'Department of Justice', 'Justice Department' and 'GDC' returned no match.
GDC reported 142 people killed in prisons 2018-2023 Statistic
DOJ's report states that according to GDC, from 2018 through 2023, 142 people have been killed in GDC prisons.
142 people killed
DOJ Special Litigation Section page footer dated October 16, 2026 Methodology note
The DOJ Civil Rights Division's Special Litigation Section Cases and Matters page carries a page-footer date of 'Updated October 16, 2026.'
Budget for OWL Unit technology Statistic
The Governor's Budget Report line-item detail for GDC includes $5,521,230 for additional technology costs for the Over Watch and Logistics (OWL) Unit to enhance safety, security, and technology.
$5.5M USD
Data gap: Kemp 2026 State of the State lacks prison/DOJ references Data gap
A search of Governor Kemp's 2026 State of the State Address for 'prison', 'correction', 'Department of Justice', 'Justice Department' and 'GDC' returned no match.
GDC investigated 66 homicides in 2024 Statistic
GDC said it investigated 66 prisoner deaths deemed to be homicides in Georgia state prisons in 2024, without offering details, as reported by the AJC.
66 deaths
GDC response to DOJ findings Finding
The Georgia Department of Corrections responded to the DOJ's findings report by labeling the Justice Department's accusations a misunderstanding of the systemic challenges of operating expansive prison systems, and criticized the federal department for its own record of overseeing federal prisons.
Data gap: GDC PREA annual reports page lacks 2025 report Data gap
A search of the GDC PREA Annual Reports page for '2025 PREA Annual Report' and '2025 Annual Report (PDF' returned no match, indicating the 2025 PREA annual report was not available at that URL.
AJC identified 62 suspected homicides in 2024 Statistic
The AJC identified 62 people who died from suspected homicides in Georgia state prisons in 2024, a count the newspaper describes as exceeding 2023's record of at least 38 killings.
62 deaths vs. 38 2023 record killings
Data gap: OPLA final passage document lacks contraband device language Data gap
A search of the legis.ga.gov July 1 OPLA final passage document for 'wireless telecommunication device', 'guard lines', 'SENATE BILL 159', 'cellular telephone' and 'contraband device' returned no match.
2023 record homicides in state prisons Statistic
The AJC reported that 2023's record was at least 38 killings in Georgia state prisons.
38 deaths
Officer vacancy rates in 20 of 34 prisons Finding
A state-hired consultants' report found that in 20 of Georgia's 34 state prisons, more than half of the correctional officer jobs were not filled, against a national standard of no more than 10% of officer jobs open.
Oliver affirms transparency to lawmakers Finding
GDC Commissioner Tyrone Oliver, when asked by state Sen. Randy Robertson, R-Cataula, during an August hearing, 'Is the Department of Corrections being fully transparent with everything that's going on?' responded 'Absolutely.'
Oliver calls news accounts 'propaganda' Finding
GDC officials denied the prison system is in crisis, with Commissioner Tyrone Oliver telling state lawmakers that news accounts of undisclosed homicides and record deaths were 'propaganda.'
Federal judge holds GDC in contempt Legal fact
U.S. District Judge Marc T. Treadwell issued a contempt order in April citing GDC for making false statements or misrepresentations about its efforts to comply with the 2019 settlement over conditions in the agency's supermax prison, and the judge appointed an independent monitor to report on compliance.
GDC removed cause of death from mortality reports Data gap
GDC stopped including the preliminary cause of death in its monthly mortality reports identifying each prisoner who had died, which made it difficult to know how many prisoners were being killed and how many had committed suicide, the AJC reported.
GDC technology projects list Policy
GDC's Board of Corrections minutes list technology projects including officer tablets, Aerodefense/Air Warden drone detection, managed access, an OWL Unit, and mail screening.
GDC construction projects list Policy
GDC's Board of Corrections minutes record construction projects at Smith Transitional Center, Washington State Prison, a New State Prison with an estimated construction start of Summer 2026, and ModCorr Units.
Commissioner Oliver discusses new state prison design Policy
GDC Commissioner Oliver's report to the Board of Corrections discussed the design for a new state prison.
Budget recommendation includes 4% CO pay increase Policy
GDC Commissioner Oliver's budget recommendations presentation to the Board of Corrections included a four percent increase for Correctional Officer personal services.
Sources
58 cited sources backing this research.
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Official report
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Key Entities
Organizations, people, facilities, and other named entities referenced in this research.
Alison Ganem
[person]
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
[organization]
Atteeyah Hollie
[person]
Augusta State Medical Prison
[facility]
Autry State Prison
[facility]
Baldwin State Prison
[facility]
Blake Tillery
[person]
Brian Kemp
[person]
Calhoun State Prison
[facility]
Central State Prison
[facility]
Chris Carr
[person]
Civil Rights of Institutionalized Persons Act
[legislation]
Coastal State Prison
[facility]
Department of Justice
[organization]
DOJ investigation of Georgia prisons
[operation]
Dooly State Prison
[facility]
Eighth Amendment
[organization]
Fulton County Jail
[facility]
Georgia Board of Corrections
[organization]
Georgia Department of Corrections
[organization]
Georgia Diagnostic and Classification Prison
[facility]
Georgia General Assembly
[organization]
Georgia House of Representatives
[organization]
Georgia Prisoners Speak
[organization]
Governor's Office of Data Analytics
[organization]
Greg Countryman
[person]
Hancock State Prison
[facility]
Harmeet Dhillon
[person]
Harmeet K. Dhillon
[person]
Hays State Prison
[facility]
HB 1230
[legislation]
HB 974
[legislation]
Human Rights Watch
[organization]
Je'Vion Benham
[person]
Joan Heath
[person]
Jon Ossoff
[person]
Kristen Clarke
[person]
Lee Arrendale State Prison
[facility]
Macon State Prison
[facility]
Marc T. Treadwell
[person]
National Institute of Corrections
[organization]
Over Watch and Logistics Unit
[program]
Phillips State Prison
[facility]
Prison Rape Elimination Act
[legislation]
Pulaski State Prison
[facility]
Randy Robertson
[person]
Raphael Warnock
[person]
Rogers State Prison
[facility]
SB 6
[legislation]
Senate Subcommittee on Human Rights
[organization]
Smith State Prison
[facility]
Smith Transitional Center
[facility]
Southern Center for Human Rights
[organization]
State Board of Corrections
[organization]
State of Georgia
[organization]
Telfair State Prison
[facility]
Tilman E. Self III
[person]
Tyrone Oliver
[person]
U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Georgia
[organization]
U.S. Department of Justice
[organization]
Walker State Prison
[facility]
Ware State Prison
[facility]
Wilcox State Prison
[facility]