Budget/Policy/Rehabilitation

GDC Mission vs. Reality: The Rehabilitation That Does Not Exist

118 Data Points 21 Sources 31 Entities Research Date: Mar 31, 2026

This GPS analysis document systematically dismantles the Georgia Department of Corrections' stated mission of rehabilitation by demonstrating a 46:1 spending ratio favoring surveillance over programming (~$120M vs ~$2.6M), ranking Georgia dead last among Southern states in per-inmate education spending at ~$39/year. Combined with DOJ findings of constitutional violations, 142 homicides (2018-2023), 50% officer vacancy rates, and neuroscience research showing chronic threat environments make learning biologically impossible, the document argues GDC has functionally abandoned its rehabilitation mandate while spending $1.8 billion annually on containment.

Pre-written explainers based on this research

Public Written for the general public Read article → Legislator Written for lawmakers and policy staff Read article → Media Written for journalists and editors Read article → Advocate Written for advocacy organizations Read article →

$1.5B GDC FY2024 Actual Budget

$1.9B GDC FY2025 Actual Budget

$1.7B GDC FY2026 Original Budget

$1.8B GDC FY2026 Amended Budget

$1.8B GDC FY2027 Budget

$634M Largest Corrections Funding Increase in Georgia H…

All Data Points

118 verified data points extracted from primary sources.

GDC FY2024 Actual Budget Statistic

GDC's actual budget for FY2024 was $1,526,654,104.

$1.5B

budget

GDC FY2025 Actual Budget Statistic

GDC's actual budget for FY2025 was $1,913,888,054.

$1.9B

budget

GDC FY2026 Original Budget Statistic

GDC's original budget for FY2026 was $1,712,067,948.

$1.7B

budget

GDC FY2026 Amended Budget Statistic

GDC's amended budget for FY2026 was $1,799,204,979.

$1.8B

budget

GDC FY2027 Budget Statistic

GDC's budget for FY2027 is $1,778,839,635.

$1.8B

budget

Largest Corrections Funding Increase in Georgia History Statistic

In 2025, the Georgia legislature approved $634 million in new corrections spending — the largest corrections funding increase in Georgia history: $434 million (AFY2025) + $200 million (FY2026).

$634M

budget policy

GDC Healthcare Budget FY2026-27 Statistic

GDC healthcare spending is $417–432 million (FY2026-27), roughly 24% of the total budget.

$417M vs. million dollars (high end FY2027)

budget medical

Physical Health Contract Increase AFY2026 Statistic

GDC's physical health contract increased by $38.9 million in AFY2026.

$38.9M

budget medical

Outside-the-Wire Care Funding Statistic

GDC allocated $15 million for outside-the-wire care.

$15M

budget medical

Electronic Health Records Funding Statistic

GDC allocated $15 million for Electronic Health Records.

$15M

budget medical

Technology/Surveillance Spending Over $150 Million Statistic

GDC allocated over $150 million for technology and surveillance across multiple fiscal years, including thermal cameras/CCTVs/perimeter security ($84.7M), body cameras and tasers ($7.2M), officer tablets ($2.5M), off-site mail screening ($913K), man…

$150M

budget operations contraband

Thermal Cameras, CCTVs, Perimeter Security Funding Statistic

GDC allocated $84.7 million for thermal cameras, CCTVs, and perimeter security.

$84.7M

budget operations

Managed Access Cell Phone Blocking Funding Statistic

GDC allocated over $35 million for managed access (cell phone blocking) technology.

$35M

budget contraband operations

Total New Rehabilitation/Education Investment ~$2.6 Million Statistic

Total new rehabilitation/education investment across AFY2026 and FY2027 budget years was approximately $2.6 million, including $336,851 (AFY2026) and $992,819 (FY2027) for additional programming through offender reentry services and a high school di…

$2.6M

budget reentry policy

Surveillance-to-Rehabilitation Spending Ratio 46:1 Finding

Georgia invested approximately $2.6 million in rehabilitation and education programming across two budget years and over $120 million in surveillance and technology in the same period — a ratio of roughly 46:1 in favor of watching people over helpin…

budget policy operations

Education Not a Standalone Budget Program Data gap

Education is not a standalone budget program in GDC. It is buried inside the 'State Prisons' appropriation ($901–938 million) with no dedicated line item. GBPI noted increases of $1.2M (AFY2025) and $805,000 (FY2026) for 'technical and vocational ed…

budget policy

GDC Mission Statement Policy

GDC's stated mission: 'To protect Georgians by operating secure facilities and providing opportunities for offender rehabilitation.' Two stated obligations: (1) operating secure facilities and (2) providing opportunities for rehabilitation.

policy

142 Homicides in Georgia Prisons 2018-2023 Statistic

The U.S. Department of Justice confirmed 142 homicides in Georgia prisons between 2018 and 2023.

142 homicides

violence death

2024 Prison Homicides: GDC Count vs AJC Count Statistic

GDC's own count was 66 homicides in 2024, but the AJC confirmed 100+ homicides.

66 homicides (GDC count) vs. homicides (AJC confirmed, minimum)

violence death investigations

1,400+ Reported Violence Incidents Jan 2022-Apr 2023 Statistic

Over 1,400 violence incidents were reported in Georgia prisons from January 2022 to April 2023. 19.7% involved a weapon, 45.1% resulted in serious injury, and 30.5% required offsite medical treatment.

1,400 violence incidents (minimum)

violence

19.7% of Violence Incidents Involved a Weapon Statistic

Of the 1,400+ reported violence incidents from January 2022 to April 2023, 19.7% involved a weapon.

19.7%

violence contraband

45.1% of Violence Incidents Resulted in Serious Injury Statistic

Of the 1,400+ reported violence incidents from January 2022 to April 2023, 45.1% resulted in serious injury.

45.1%

violence medical

30.5% of Violence Incidents Required Offsite Medical Treatment Statistic

Of the 1,400+ reported violence incidents from January 2022 to April 2023, 30.5% required offsite medical treatment.

30.5%

violence medical

27,425 Weapons Recovered from Prisons Statistic

27,425 weapons were recovered from Georgia prisons between November 2021 and August 2023.

27,425 weapons

violence contraband

Violence Systematically Underreported in GDC Finding

Violence is systematically underreported in Georgia prisons — incidents are coded as 'injury' or 'disruptive event' instead of assault.

violence data_integrity

5,991 Budgeted Corrections Officer Positions Statistic

GDC has 5,991 budgeted corrections officer positions.

5,991 positions

staffing

2,985 Vacant Corrections Officer Positions — Nearly 50% Vacancy Statistic

2,985 corrections officer positions were vacant — nearly a 50% vacancy rate.

2,985 vacant positions vs. percent vacancy rate

staffing

One Officer Responsible for Nearly 400 Beds at Close-Security Prison Case detail

At one close-security prison, one officer was responsible for nearly 400 beds.

staffing conditions

Hundreds of GDC Officers Arrested on Criminal Charges Statistic

Hundreds of GDC officers have been arrested on criminal charges in the past six years.

corruption staffing

Padlocks Used on Cell Doors Violating National Standards Finding

GDC uses padlocks on cell doors, violating national standards.

conditions policy

Fire Safety Systems Non-Operational in Georgia Prisons Finding

Fire safety systems in Georgia prisons are non-operational.

conditions

Gangs Control Housing Units in Georgia Prisons Finding

DOJ found that gangs control housing units, direct where people sleep, and extort families in Georgia prisons.

gangs violence conditions

DOJ Found Reasonable Cause Georgia Violates Eighth Amendment Legal fact

The U.S. Department of Justice found reasonable cause that Georgia violates the Eighth Amendment (October 2024).

legal violence conditions

Prefrontal Cortex Shuts Down Under Mild Acute Stress Finding

Research from Yale (Arnsten, 2009) found: 'Even quite mild acute uncontrollable stress can cause a rapid and dramatic loss of prefrontal cognitive abilities.' Chronic stress causes structural damage: 'dendrites in the PFC begin to change after only …

mental_health conditions

Chronic Stress Physically Shrinks the Hippocampus Finding

Chronic stress physically shrinks the hippocampus. PTSD patients had smaller hippocampal volume correlating with deficits in verbal memory.

mental_health

Incarceration Causes Cognitive Decline — Rikers Island Study Finding

Rikers Island study (N=197) found cognitive control declined significantly over just 4 months (Cohen's d=0.41, p

mental_health conditions

Incarcerated Youth Executive Functioning Deficits Statistic

Incarcerated youth scored at the 30th–37th percentile on executive functioning. 74% had Individual Education Plans.

74%

mental_health demographics

Georgia Released 11,681 People in 2022 Statistic

According to BJS Prisoners in 2023 Table 9, Georgia released 11,681 people in 2022.

11,681 people released

reentry demographics

Georgia Released 11,798 People in 2023 Statistic

According to BJS Prisoners in 2023 Table 9, Georgia released 11,798 people in 2023.

11,798 people released

reentry demographics

FY24 Parole Board Releases: 5,443 Statistic

In FY2024, the Georgia Parole Board released 5,443 people.

5,443 parole releases

parole reentry

95% of All State Prisoners Eventually Released Statistic

National BJS statistic: At least 95% of all state prisoners will eventually be released.

95%

reentry demographics

~12,000 People Released from Georgia Prisons Annually Statistic

Every year, approximately 12,000 people walk out of Georgia's prisons — approximately 33 per day.

12,000 people per year

reentry demographics

Georgia's Official 3-Year Reconviction Rate: 25-27% Statistic

Georgia's official 3-year reconviction rate is 25-27%, meaning approximately 3,000-3,200 people per release cohort will be reconvicted.

25% vs. percent (high end)

reentry policy

Reducing Recidivism 10 Points = ~1,200 Fewer Crimes and ~$40M Savings Finding

Reducing recidivism by 10 percentage points would mean approximately 1,200 fewer crimes per year, approximately 1,200 fewer victims, and approximately $40 million in avoided incarceration costs.

reentry budget policy

RAND: Educational Programs Reduce Recidivism by 43% Statistic

RAND Corporation found that inmates who participate in educational programs are 43% less likely to recidivate.

43%

reentry policy

Bard Prison Initiative: Under 4% Recidivism Statistic

The Bard Prison Initiative achieves under 4% recidivism among its participants.

reentry policy

RAND: Every $1 in Education Saves $4-5 Statistic

RAND Corporation found that every $1 invested in prison education saves $4-5.

$4.00 vs. dollars return per dollar invested (high end)

budget reentry policy

Georgia Spends $52 Per Inmate Per Year on Rehabilitation Statistic

Georgia spends approximately $52 per inmate per year on rehabilitation ($2.6M divided by 50,000 inmates = $52).

$52.00 vs. dollars per year cost to incarcerate

budget reentry policy

Cost to Incarcerate: ~$34,000 Per Year Statistic

The cost to incarcerate one person in Georgia is approximately $34,000 per year.

$34,000

budget

No Pay for Prison Labor in Georgia ($0) Policy

Georgia provides no pay for prison labor — incarcerated workers earn $0.

conditions policy

Georgia Bans Financial Aid for Incarcerated Students Policy

Georgia bans financial aid for prison education. This is NOT a law — it's a 1995 administrative regulation from Governor Zell Miller's reelection anxiety. Georgia and Indiana specifically stripped existing aid from incarcerated students.

policy legal

No Published Data on Programming Access Percentage Data gap

GDC publishes no data on what percentage of the prison population has access to programming.

policy data_integrity

No Dedicated Rehabilitation Budget Line Data gap

GDC has no dedicated rehabilitation budget line item.

budget policy

California: 299 Innovative Programming Grants Since 2014 Statistic

California has issued 299 Innovative Programming Grants since 2014 following Brown v. Plata.

299 programming grants

policy reentry

Texas Prison Entrepreneurship Program: 6,000 Men Annually Statistic

Texas Prison Entrepreneurship Program serves 6,000 men annually with a Baylor-certified Mini-MBA.

6,000 men annually

policy reentry

Thinking for a Change: 23% vs 36% Control Recidivism Statistic

Evidence shows Thinking for a Change produces 23% recidivism compared to 36% in the control group.

23% vs. percent recidivism (control group)

reentry policy

Gate Release Package: $25 Visa Card and Minimal Support Policy

GDC provides upon release: a $25 prepaid Visa card, whatever was in the inmate trust account, a shirt/pants/cheap shoes, and a bus ticket if no one picks them up. No housing referral, no job placement, no ID, no phone, no transitional support.

reentry policy conditions

Post-Release Mortality Dramatically Elevated in First Two Weeks Finding

Post-release mortality is dramatically elevated in the first two weeks after prison release, according to NEJM (Binswanger 2007).

death reentry medical

GDC Claims 45,000 Certificates in FY2024 Finding

GDC Commissioner Oliver claimed 45,000 certificates were issued in FY2024, but this bundles micro-credentials (CPR, food handler, 'Business Etiquette') with real vocational certifications.

policy reentry

Reentry Centers: 2,344 Beds for ~50,000 Inmates (4.7% Capacity) Statistic

Georgia's reentry centers have 2,344 beds for approximately 50,000 inmates, representing only 4.7% capacity.

2,344 beds vs. percent of prison population

reentry facilities

Vocational Education Budget: $172,000 Statewide ($3.44/Person) Statistic

Georgia's vocational education budget is $172,000 statewide for FY2025, equaling $3.44 per person.

$172,000 vs. dollars per person

budget reentry

Vocational Completers Recidivate at 13.64% vs 26% General Statistic

Vocational program completers in Georgia prisons recidivate at 13.64% compared to 26% general population — proving programs work when they exist.

13.6% vs. percent recidivism (general population)

reentry policy

50-66% of Prisoners Have Substance Use Disorders Statistic

50-66% of Georgia prisoners have substance use disorders, but RSAT capacity is 'severely limited.'

50% vs. percent (high end)

drugs mental_health medical

40% of Georgia Prisoners Lack a High School Credential Statistic

40% of Georgia prisoners lack a high school credential.

40%

demographics policy

DOJ Found Programming 'Slashed Rather Than Expanded' Finding

The DOJ found that programming in Georgia prisons was 'slashed rather than expanded' and participation was 'effectively impossible.'

policy reentry

Georgia State University Shut Down Prison Education Program March 2024 Case detail

Georgia State University shut down its prison education program in March 2024. The program cost $180,000 per year and served 60 students.

policy reentry

Statewide Lockdown Estimate: ~60 Days Per Year Statistic

Statewide estimate of approximately 60 days per year on lockdown in Georgia prisons.

60 days per year

conditions operations

Washington State Prison Locked Down Since January 11 Riots Case detail

Washington State Prison has been locked down since January 11 riots — 60+ normal days plus 60+ continuous post-riot lockdown days.

conditions violence facilities

Evening Programming Never Restored After COVID (2020) Finding

Evening programming in Georgia prisons was never restored after COVID (2020) — 6 years later as of the document date.

conditions policy

DOJ: Understaffing Affects Programs Quote

DOJ found: 'Understaffing affects programs... prisons do not have enough staff to prevent or even respond to the most blatant gang activities, let alone provide programs.'

staffing policy gangs

Georgia K-12 Education: ~$28 Billion Per Year Statistic

Total Georgia K-12 education spending from all sources is approximately $28 billion per year ($16,526 per pupil × 1.7 million students).

$28B

budget

TCSG vs GDC Education Spending Ratio: 69:1 Statistic

Technical College System of Georgia spends $444M for 159,280 students ($2,788/student) while GDC spends approximately $2M for 50,000 people ($40/person) — a ratio of 69:1.

69 ratio (TCSG:GDC per student)

budget policy

DREAMS Scholarship vs GDC Education Spending Ratio: 162:1 Statistic

The DREAMS Scholarship was signed by Governor Kemp for $325M (AFY2026), compared to GDC's approximately $2M for prison education — a ratio of 162:1.

$325M vs. million dollars (GDC prison education)

budget policy

HOPE Scholarship: $1B/Year, Inmates Banned Since 1995 Statistic

Georgia's HOPE Scholarship provides $1 billion per year for education, but incarcerated people have been banned from accessing it since 1995 by administrative regulation.

$1B

budget policy legal

Education = 0.11% of $1.8B Corrections Budget Statistic

Prison education represents 0.11% of the $1.8 billion corrections budget — $40/year per person or $0.11/day, which is less than the cost of 45 ramen packets from commissary ($0.90 each).

0.1%

budget policy

Federal Pell Grants Restored July 1, 2023 Legal fact

Federal Pell Grants for incarcerated students were restored on July 1, 2023, with programs expanding in 44 states. Georgia is closing programs instead (GSU shutdown March 2024).

policy legal

Vocational Training: 205% ROI Statistic

Vocational training in prisons produces a 205% return on investment.

205%

budget reentry policy

College Programs: $16,908 Economic Impact Per Student Statistic

College programs in prisons produce $16,908 in economic impact per student.

$16,908

budget reentry policy

Quote: Wynter — 'No Matter How Good I Am' Quote

Wynter, 'No Matter How Good I Am': 'I finished my entire case plan within two years. I've worked many jobs including law library, education, vocation. I have graduated two different faith and character programs. Nothing helps to reduce my time. I've…

conditions reentry policy

Quote: Wynter on Mandatory Minimum Sentencing Quote

Wynter: 'That's what mandatory minimum sentencing does. It removes all hope of a person doing the right thing. No matter how good I am, no matter how much I change, it doesn't help me to go home.'

policy legal conditions

Quote: Mikemike — 'Magazines Wrapped Around My Chest' Quote

Mikemike, 'Magazines Wrapped Around My Chest': 'I'm a lifer so they don't like to give us education. They'll put short timers ahead of us on the list. They don't try to rehabilitate you. It seems easier to control a dumb person.'

conditions reentry policy

Quote: KingdomMan32 — 'Better Chances' Quote

KingdomMan32, 'Better Chances': 'I've been down 17 years now. Seventeen years of living in what I can only describe as a war zone. Literally war. Gang violence and extreme officer shortage. No yard call. No groups or classes. Nothing to help ease yo…

violence gangs staffing conditions

Quote: Mikemike — Sleeping with Weapons Quote

Mikemike: 'I've had to sleep with a knife in my hand. I have to use the bathroom with a weapon because I witnessed an associate get murdered while sitting on the toilet. I've had to sleep with magazines wrapped around my chest to keep from getting s…

violence conditions

Quote: NeverGiveUp — 'Let Me Go or Just Execute Me' Quote

NeverGiveUp, 'Let Me Go or Just Execute Me': 'We were sent here to learn a lesson from our mistakes and come out a better person. In most cases, that is the opposite of what happens.'

conditions reentry

Quote: Bandit — 'We Are People, Not Statistics' Quote

Bandit, 'We Are People, Not Statistics': 'I have been threatened, had weapons pulled on me, had someone five feet away from me stabbed, been fed rancid and moldy food, had roaches and rats everywhere, drank water I've been told is toxic, seen people…

conditions violence

Quote: Anonymous Prisoner — 'Invisible Scars' Quote

Anonymous prisoner, 'Invisible Scars': 'I watched in horror as I saw a man stabbed through the chest. He stumbled down the stairs, the only thing coming out of his mouth was blood and gurgling. For 30 agonizing minutes, we watched helplessly as this…

violence death staffing conditions

Quote: NeverGiveUp — 69 Years Old with Prostate Cancer Quote

NeverGiveUp: 'I'm 69 years old. I pee through a tube because of prostate cancer. I am a man who has no purpose to his existence on this earth. Let me go or just execute me.'

medical conditions mental_health

Quote: Forever19 — 'Seventy Dollars' Quote

Forever19, 'Seventy Dollars': 'I went in at 19 and came out at 36. My twenties and thirties, gone. The world moved on without me.'

reentry conditions

AJC: GDC Officials Presented False or Misleading Information Finding

AJC found GDC officials 'repeatedly presented false or misleading information to federal investigators, state lawmakers and a federal judge.'

investigations corruption

GDC Commissioner Called News Coverage 'Propaganda' Finding

GDC Commissioner called news coverage 'propaganda' in response to DOJ findings.

investigations policy

GDC Response to DOJ: 'Extremely Disappointed' Quote

GDC responded to DOJ findings saying they were 'Extremely disappointed... fails to acknowledge extraordinary efforts of staff.'

policy legal

Senate Study Committee Shot Down Oversight Body Dec 13, 2024 Case detail

The Senate Study Committee voted for the status quo on December 13, 2024, shooting down proposals for an oversight body, de-escalation training, and reintegration programming.

policy legal

Walker State Prison: Proof That Adequate Staffing + Programming = Zero Homicides Finding

Walker State Prison is GDC's own proof that adequate staffing combined with programming produces zero homicides.

staffing violence policy facilities

Georgia Ranks Dead Last Among Southern States in Per-Inmate Education Spending Finding

Georgia ranks dead last among Southern states in per-inmate education spending at approximately $39 per year.

budget policy

Only 3 of 82 DOJ Remedial Measures Address Programming Finding

Only 3 of the DOJ's 82 remedial measures address programming: #63 substance abuse, #64(a) graduated housing with programs, and #64(e) programs for community return. No mandates for education, vocational, cognitive-behavioral, GED, or college. Nobody…

policy legal reentry

Georgia Recidivism Data Suppressed by Three Exclusions Methodology note

Georgia's claimed 25-27% three-year felony reconviction rate is suppressed by three exclusions: reconviction only (not rearrest), three-year window only, and deaths excluded.

reentry policy data_integrity

National BJS Recidivism: 68% 3-Year Rearrest, 83% 9-Year Statistic

National BJS data (30 states including Georgia): 3-year rearrest rate 68%, 6-year 79%, 9-year 83%, average 5 arrests per person.

83% vs. percent 3-year rearrest rate

reentry

Actual Return-to-Incarceration Rate Estimated ~50% Statistic

Georgia's actual return-to-incarceration rate is estimated at approximately 50% — double the official figure of 25-27%.

50% vs. percent (official claim)

reentry data_integrity

Only 9 States Report All Three Recidivism Measures; Georgia Not Among Them Data gap

Only 9 states report all three recidivism measures (rearrest, reconviction, reincarceration); Georgia is not among them.

reentry data_integrity policy

Graham v. Florida: Rehabilitation Is a Penological Goal Legal fact

Supreme Court in Graham v. Florida, 560 U.S. 48 (2010): A life sentence without parole 'forswears altogether the rehabilitative ideal.' Rehabilitation is 'a penological goal that forms the basis of parole systems.'

legal parole

Miller v. Alabama: Mandatory LWOP for Juveniles Unconstitutional Legal fact

Miller v. Alabama, 567 U.S. 460 (2012): Mandatory life without parole for juveniles is unconstitutional; children have 'greater prospects for reform.'

legal

Montgomery v. Louisiana: Opportunity for Release Based on Rehabilitation Legal fact

Montgomery v. Louisiana, 577 U.S. 190 (2016): 'The opportunity for release will be afforded to those who demonstrate the truth of Miller's central intuition — that children who commit even heinous crimes are capable of change.'

legal

Holt v. Sarver: Absence of Rehabilitation May Have Constitutional Significance Legal fact

Holt v. Sarver, 300 F. Supp. 825 (1970): 'The absence of an affirmative program of training and rehabilitation may have constitutional significance where conditions and practices exist which actually militate against reform and rehabilitation.'

legal policy

Constitutional Advocacy Argument: Systematic Denial of Rehabilitation Finding

The document argues: If the Constitution forbids 'forswearing altogether the rehabilitative ideal' for one juvenile, what does it say about a state that systematically denies rehabilitation to 50,000 people — 95% of whom will return to society? Geor…

legal policy conditions

Florida Per-Inmate Education Spending: ~$1,028/Year Statistic

Florida spends approximately $91 million on prison education for 88,500 inmates, equaling approximately $1,028 per year per inmate, with 21% recidivism and a 119% increase in education spending in 3 years.

$1,028 vs. Georgia dollars per inmate per year

budget policy reentry

Alabama Per-Inmate Education Spending: ~$742/Year Statistic

Alabama spends approximately $19.3 million on prison education for 26,000 inmates, equaling approximately $742 per year per inmate — even under federal oversight, Alabama outspends Georgia 19x.

$742.00 vs. Georgia dollars per inmate per year

budget policy

Texas Per-Inmate Education Spending: ~$508-585/Year Statistic

Texas spends approximately $66-76 million on prison education for 130,000 inmates, equaling approximately $508-585 per year per inmate, with 15% recidivism. Texas operates the Windham School District.

$508.00 vs. dollars per inmate per year (high end)

budget policy reentry

Mississippi: 80% Enrolled in Programming Despite Being Poorest State Statistic

Mississippi, the poorest state in the nation, enrolls 80% of its 10,549 inmates in programming and spends $4 million or more on prison education.

80%

policy reentry

South Carolina: 17.1% Recidivism (Lowest in Nation) Statistic

South Carolina has 17.1% recidivism, the lowest in the nation, with 16,400 inmates and 8,294 credentials awarded per year.

17.1%

reentry policy

Quote: Winston Churchill on Treatment of Criminals Quote

Winston Churchill, Home Secretary, Parliament (July 20, 1910): 'The mood and temper of the public in regard to the treatment of crime and criminals is one of the most unfailing tests of the civilisation of any country.'

policy

Quote: Nelson Mandela on Judging Nations by Jails Quote

Nelson Mandela, Long Walk to Freedom: 'No one truly knows a nation until one has been inside its jails. A nation should not be judged by how it treats its highest citizens, but its lowest ones.'

policy

Quote: Dostoevsky on Prison Not Reforming Criminals Quote

Dostoevsky, The House of the Dead (1862): 'Prison and penal servitude do not, of course, reform the criminal; they only punish him and secure society against his further attempt on its space.'

policy

GPS Research Library: 5,000+ Data Points Across 80+ Collections Methodology note

GPS Research Library contains over 5,000 data points across more than 80 collections.

policy

Prisons Built 50+ Years Ago with Minimal Maintenance Finding

DOJ found Georgia prisons built 50+ years ago with minimal maintenance.

facilities conditions

Quote: Arnsten on Stress and Prefrontal Cortex Quote

Yale researcher Arnsten (2009): 'Even quite mild acute uncontrollable stress can cause a rapid and dramatic loss of prefrontal cognitive abilities.' Also: 'dendrites in the PFC begin to change after only one week of stress.'

mental_health

Hypervigilance Prevents Prefrontal Cortex Activation Finding

When the amygdala activates fight-or-flight, the prefrontal cortex cannot be simultaneously activated. Blood drains from the prefrontal cortex — no rational thought. It is 'virtually impossible to learn new things, focus on small tasks, or engage wi…

mental_health conditions

North Carolina Per-Inmate Education Spending: ~$463/Year Statistic

North Carolina spends approximately $13.9 million on prison education for 30,000 inmates, equaling approximately $463 per year per inmate, with a community college partnership.

$463.00

budget policy

GBPI: $1.2M AFY2025 and $805K FY2026 for Vocational Education Statistic

GBPI noted increases of $1.2 million (AFY2025) and $805,000 (FY2026) for 'technical and vocational education programs and related equipment.'

$1.2M vs. dollars (FY2026)

budget policy

Sources

21 cited sources backing this research.

Primary Official report

2024 Senate Study Committee Report

— Georgia Senate (Dec 13, 2024)

Secondary Journalism

AJC Investigations

— Atlanta Journal-Constitution (Jan 1, 2024)

Primary Official report

BJS Prisoners in 2023

— Bureau of Justice Statistics (Jan 1, 2024)

Primary Official report

DOJ Findings Report (September 2024)

— U.S. Department of Justice (Oct 1, 2024)

Secondary Official report

Education Commission of the States

— Education Commission of the States

Secondary Official report

GBPI Budget Overviews

— Georgia Budget and Policy Institute (Jan 1, 2025)

Primary Official report

GDC Official Website

— Georgia Department of Corrections

Primary Official report

Governor's Budget Report AFY2026/FY2027

— Office of the Governor of Georgia (Jan 1, 2025)

Secondary Gps original

GPS Analysis of Georgia Parole System (2025)

Georgia Prisoners' Speak — Georgia Prisoners' Speak (Jan 1, 2025)

Primary Gps original

GPS Research Library

— Georgia Prisoners' Speak

Primary Legal document

Graham v. Florida 560 U.S. 48

— U.S. Supreme Court (Jan 1, 2010)

Primary Legal document

Holt v. Sarver 300 F. Supp. 825

— U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Arkansas (Jan 1, 1970)

Primary Legal document

Miller v. Alabama 567 U.S. 460

— U.S. Supreme Court (Jan 1, 2012)

Primary Legal document

Montgomery v. Louisiana 577 U.S. 190

— U.S. Supreme Court (Jan 1, 2016)

Primary Academic

NEJM (Binswanger 2007)

Binswanger, Ingrid A. — New England Journal of Medicine (Jan 1, 2007)

Primary Academic

PMC4120991

— PubMed Central (Jan 1, 2014)

Primary Academic

PMC4561403

— PubMed Central (Jan 1, 2015)

Primary Academic

RAND Corporation (2013)

— RAND Corporation (Jan 1, 2013)

Primary Academic

Rikers Study (PMC5961486)

— PubMed Central (Jan 1, 2018)

Secondary Official report

Vera Institute

— Vera Institute of Justice

Primary Academic

Yale (Arnsten 2009)

Arnsten, Amy F.T. — Yale University (Jan 1, 2009)

Key Entities

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

Atlanta Journal-Constitution [organization]

Autry State Prison [facility]

Bard Prison Initiative [program]

Brown v. Plata [case]

California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation [organization]

Commissioner Oliver [person]

DREAMS Scholarship [program]

Eastern State Penitentiary [facility]

Georgia Budget and Policy Institute [organization]

Georgia Department of Corrections [organization]

Georgia Prisoners' Speak [organization]

Georgia Senate Study Committee [organization]

Georgia State Board of Pardons and Paroles [organization]

Georgia State University [organization]

Graham v. Florida [case]

Holt v. Sarver [case]

HOPE Scholarship [program]

ITF [program]

Metro Reentry Facility [facility]

Miller v. Alabama [case]

Montgomery v. Louisiana [case]

RAND Corporation [organization]

Residential Substance Abuse Treatment [program]

Technical College System of Georgia [organization]

Texas Prison Entrepreneurship Program [program]

Thinking for a Change [program]

U.S. Department of Justice [organization]

U.S. Supreme Court [organization]

Walker State Prison [facility]

Windham School District [organization]

Zell Miller [person]