Demographics & Context
Georgia Criminal Justice Data, 1988 (NCJ 128960, 1991)
This document is a 1988 Georgia criminal justice data report containing statements from state officials on jail and prison overcrowding, drug-related crime, and case processing trends. Key findings include Georgia county jails holding over 14,000 inmates in facilities designed for fewer than 10,000, approximately 120,000 individuals on probation and 11,000 on parole, and a 50% reduction in superior court case processing time from 1978 to 1987. The document also documents Governor Joe Frank Harris's March 7, 1989 emergency release order and a DUI pilot program finding that 64% of first-time DUI offenders were problem drinkers.
Key Findings
The most impactful data from this research collection.
4
Officers Killed in 1988
Statistic14,000
Jails at 140% Capacity
Statistic16,183
Fulton County Highest Crime Rate
Statistic67,002
16,875 Index Crime Arrests
Statistic4,000
4,000 Inmates Backed Up
StatisticMost Common Assault Weapon
FindingReported Crimes vs. Arrests Gap
Finding8.3%
Juvenile Share of Index Arrests
StatisticDrug Arrest Data Revealed
Methodology noteCrimes Against Children Statistics
Methodology noteCrime-Population Relationship Analyzed
Methodology noteDUI Fatality Data
Methodology note4,000
Emergency Releases Ordered
Statistic38,287
Index Crime Increase 1988
StatisticCocaine Surpasses Marijuana Arrests
TrendDeath Row Drops to 114
Trend14%
Non-Index Crime Increase 1988
Statistic1
Only One Execution in 1988
Statistic59%
Murder Clearance Rate
Statistic55.2%
Larceny Dominates Index Crimes
Statistic$405.9M
Total Property Stolen Value
StatisticAll Data Points
500 verified data points extracted from primary sources.
Georgia law enforcement officers killed in 1988 Statistic
Four law enforcement officers were killed in Georgia in 1988, according to Georgia Crime Information Center data.
4 officers
Active probationers on first offender status, 1984 Statistic
In December 1984, 12,544 probationers (15.7%) were on first offender status out of 79,929 total reported active probationers. An additional 10,203 reports were not received.
12,544 probationers vs. total reported active probationers
Total inmates in GDC custody as of November 30, 1988 Statistic
As of November 30, 1988, the Department and the Board of Corrections were responsible for the custody and care of 18,870 inmates institutionalized in facilities under the authority of the Department and the Board.
18,870 inmates
Georgia county jails holding over 14,000 inmates in facilities designed for under 10,000 Statistic
Georgia's county jails are holding more than 14,000 inmates in facilities that were designed to hold less than 10,000.
14,000 inmates vs. design capacity
Georgia law enforcement agencies count 1988 Statistic
The State of Georgia grants the power of arrest to some 740 active law enforcement agencies which can be grouped into seven major categories: state agencies, municipal agencies, county police agencies, county sheriff departments, campus agencies, st…
740 agencies
Publication date of Georgia Criminal Justice Data, 1988 Methodology note
Georgia Criminal Justice Data, 1988 was published by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation in July 1989.
Fulton County had the highest index crime rate in Georgia in 1988 Statistic
Fulton County ranked first among Georgia counties by index crime rate at 16,183.2 per 100,000 persons in 1988.
16,183 crimes per 100,000 persons
Georgia statewide non-index crimes 1987 Statistic
Total non-index crimes reported in Georgia for 1987 were 317,771.
317,771 crimes
Total Index crime arrests in Georgia, 1988 Statistic
Georgia law enforcement agencies reported 67,002 Index crime arrests in 1988, a 19.3% increase from 1987.
67,002 arrests vs. 1987 Index crime arrests
Georgia law enforcement officers killed 1984-1988 Statistic
The number of Georgia law enforcement officers killed by year from 1984 to 1988 was: 5 in 1984, 4 in 1985, 6 in 1986, 2 in 1987, and 4 in 1988, totaling 21 deaths over the five-year period.
21 officers
Active probationers on first offender status, 1985 Statistic
In December 1985, 13,382 probationers (15.4%) were on first offender status out of 87,100 total reported active probationers. An additional 13,747 reports were not received.
13,382 probationers vs. total reported active probationers
Active probationers under GDC supervision as of December 1988 Statistic
The Department and the Board were responsible for the supervision of 107,610 active probationers as of December 1988.
107,610 probationers
Approximately 4,000 sentenced state inmates held in county jails Statistic
Approximately 4,000 of the inmates in Georgia county jails are sentenced and belong in state institutions.
4,000 inmates
Georgia certified law enforcement officers 1988 Statistic
Georgia's 740 active law enforcement agencies employ 17,196 certified officers.
17,196 officers
Document length of Georgia Criminal Justice Data, 1988 Methodology note
The Georgia Criminal Justice Data, 1988 document consists of 176 PDF pages.
Glynn County had the second highest index crime rate in Georgia in 1988 Statistic
Glynn County ranked second among Georgia counties by index crime rate at 9,786.8 per 100,000 persons in 1988.
9,787 crimes per 100,000 persons
Georgia statewide non-index crimes 1988 Statistic
Total non-index crimes reported in Georgia for 1988 were 367,991.
367,991 crimes
Index crime arrests five-year trend, 1984-1988 Trend
Total Index crime arrests in Georgia increased 43.8% from 46,602 in 1984 to 67,002 in 1988.
Georgia law enforcement officers assaulted in 1988 Statistic
In 1988, 1,264 law enforcement officers were reported assaulted in Georgia, an increase from 1,101 in 1984.
1,264 officers vs. 1984
Active probationers on first offender status, 1986 Statistic
In December 1986, 14,412 probationers (16.3%) were on first offender status out of 88,470 total reported active probationers. An additional 11,919 reports were not received.
14,412 probationers vs. total reported active probationers
Number of state correctional institutions operated by GDC in 1988 Statistic
The Department has authority over 25 correctional institutions, 10 probation district offices and 19 diversion centers.
25 institutions
Roughly 120,000 individuals on probation in Georgia Statistic
Because the state has run out of prison space, there are now roughly 120,000 individuals in Georgia on probation.
120,000 individuals
Georgia State Patrol officer count 1988 Statistic
The Georgia State Patrol's duties are performed by 830 certified officers assigned to 48 Patrol Posts located throughout Georgia.
830 officers
Governor Joe Frank Harris statement on criminal justice data Quote
Governor Joe Frank Harris stated: 'Either directly or indirectly, each of us will at one time or another feel the impact of crime. The challenge presented by this fact requires the participation and cooperation of all components of the criminal just…
DeKalb County had the third highest index crime rate in Georgia in 1988 Statistic
DeKalb County ranked third among Georgia counties by index crime rate at 9,230.0 per 100,000 persons in 1988.
9,230 crimes per 100,000 persons
Georgia statewide other assaults 1987 Statistic
Total other assaults reported in Georgia for 1987 were 39,759.
39,759 offenses
Violent Index crime arrests, 1988 Statistic
Total violent Index crime arrests in Georgia reached 17,773 in 1988, a 22.3% increase from 1987 and a 40.7% increase from 1984.
17,773 arrests vs. 1987 violent Index crime arrests
Five-year increase in Georgia officer assaults 1984-1988 Statistic
Yearly changes in the total number of officers assaulted in Georgia remained fairly consistent, showing an increase of only 6.0% during the five-year period 1984-1988.
6%
Active probationers on first offender status, 1987 Statistic
In December 1987, 15,897 probationers (17.0%) were on first offender status out of 95,422 total reported active probationers. An additional 12,188 reports were not received.
15,897 probationers vs. total reported active probationers
GDC authorized employment total in 1988 Statistic
The Department of Corrections is authorized to employ 7,748 persons to carry out its assigned functions, making it the largest state criminal justice agency.
7,748 employees
About 11,000 individuals on parole in Georgia Statistic
Because the state has run out of prison space, there are now about 11,000 individuals in Georgia on parole.
11,000 individuals
Georgia Bureau of Investigation agent count 1988 Statistic
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation's duties are performed by 242 certified special agents and 48 narcotics agents. There are 13 regional offices and four regional drug enforcement offices located throughout Georgia.
242 special agents
Governor Harris on the purpose of criminal justice data Quote
Governor Joe Frank Harris stated that criminal justice data 'can be used by the Governor, the General Assembly, local governments, the various components of the criminal justice system and private organizations in making crucial decisions regarding …
Crisp County had the fourth highest index crime rate in Georgia in 1988 Statistic
Crisp County ranked fourth among Georgia counties by index crime rate at 9,156.8 per 100,000 persons in 1988.
9,157 crimes per 100,000 persons
Georgia statewide other assaults 1988 Statistic
Total other assaults reported in Georgia for 1988 were 49,214.
49,214 offenses
Property Index crime arrests, 1988 Statistic
Total property Index crime arrests in Georgia reached 49,229 in 1988, an 18.3% increase from 1987 and a 44.9% increase from 1984.
49,229 arrests vs. 1987 property Index crime arrests
Officer assault injuries during nighttime hours Finding
Most injuries sustained by Georgia law enforcement personnel during assaults over the five-year period 1984-1988 occurred between the hours of 6:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.
First offender probationers by age and sex, 1988 Statistic
In December 1988, among men on first offender status: 3,134 were ages 00-21, 7,394 were ages 22-39, and 1,242 were ages 40-98. Among women on first offender status: 334 were ages 00-21, 563 were ages 22-39, and 81 were ages 40-98. Total on first off…
15,897 probationers vs. total reported active probationers
Probation program employees in 1988 Statistic
The Department employs 713 probation program employees who actually supervise offenders sentenced to state probation by the courts.
713 employees
Inmates serving one month of incarceration per year of sentence Finding
Inmates are spending only a fraction of their sentences in confinement, generally serving one month of incarceration for each year of sentence.
Georgia Bureau of Investigation narcotics agents 1988 Statistic
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation employs 48 narcotics agents in addition to 242 certified special agents.
48 narcotics agents
Report structure organized by criminal justice system components Methodology note
The Georgia Criminal Justice Data, 1988 publication is organized into four divisions: law enforcement, the courts, corrections, and pardons and paroles. The information is organized in a manner consistent with the movement of an offender through the…
Dougherty County had the fifth highest index crime rate in Georgia in 1988 Statistic
Dougherty County ranked fifth among Georgia counties by index crime rate at 8,635.6 per 100,000 persons in 1988.
8,636 crimes per 100,000 persons
Georgia statewide forgery/counterfeit 1987 Statistic
Total forgery/counterfeit offenses reported in Georgia for 1987 were 10,500.
10,500 offenses
Murder arrests in Georgia, 1988 Statistic
Georgia reported 707 murder arrests in 1988, a 1.9% increase from 694 in 1987 and a 23.2% increase from 574 in 1984.
707 arrests vs. 1987 murder arrests
Most common weapon in officer assaults Finding
In contrast to weapon types most frequently used in aggravated assaults, Georgia law enforcement officers were most frequently assaulted by hands, fists or feet.
First offender status does not imply first-time offender Methodology note
Being sentenced under the First Offender Act does not necessarily imply that a probationer is a first-time offender. Any violator may ask to be sentenced under the First Offender Act as one of several options, and occasionally persons with one or mo…
Diversion center average stay length Statistic
The average stay in a diversion center is 120 days.
120 days
Sheriff Coursey: Drugs are the number one problem facing law enforcement Quote
Our number one problem today is drugs and it is definitely a war that one agency cannot win. It will take law enforcement as a whole to make any impact in stopping this crime that is ruining our society.
Georgia Department of Natural Resources conservation rangers 1988 Statistic
The Department of Natural Resources, Game and Fish Division's Law Enforcement Unit duties are performed by 406 certified conservation rangers assigned to the 159 counties in Georgia.
406 conservation rangers
Data collection methodology for Georgia Criminal Justice Data, 1988 Methodology note
The report represents the cooperation of many agencies and organizations within state government, as it is a compilation of information from multiple segments of Georgia's criminal justice system. Analyses of data are made solely from data collected…
Tattnall County had the sixth highest index crime rate in Georgia in 1988 Statistic
Tattnall County ranked sixth among Georgia counties by index crime rate at 8,492.6 per 100,000 persons in 1988.
8,493 crimes per 100,000 persons
Georgia statewide forgery/counterfeit 1988 Statistic
Total forgery/counterfeit offenses reported in Georgia for 1988 were 12,600.
12,600 offenses
Forcible rape arrests in Georgia, 1988 Statistic
Georgia reported 1,102 forcible rape arrests in 1988, a 12.7% increase from 978 in 1987 and a 17.0% increase from 942 in 1984.
1,102 arrests vs. 1987 forcible rape arrests
Officer assault injuries trend 1984-1988 Trend
The number of reported personal injuries sustained by Georgia law enforcement personnel during assaults increased from 1984 to 1987 but decreased in 1988.
State Board of Pardons and Paroles established 1943 Legal fact
The State Board of Pardons and Paroles was established in 1943 with its authority established in the Georgia Constitution. The Board is composed of five members appointed by the Governor for seven-year terms, subject to confirmation by the State Sen…
Diversion center authorized staffing Statistic
The Department is authorized to employ 285 employees to supervise offenders placed in 19 diversion centers.
285 employees
Sheriff Coursey: Criminal justice system no longer effective due to early release Quote
Today, the criminal justice system is no longer effective. Because the state has run out of prison space, there are now roughly 120,000 individuals in Georgia on probation and about 11,000 on parole. Inmates are spending only a fraction of their sen…
Georgia Department of Revenue Alcohol Tobacco Tax Unit agents 1988 Statistic
The Department of Revenue, Alcohol, Tobacco Tax Unit's duties are performed by 30 certified law enforcement agents.
30 agents
Report includes statements from senior officials Methodology note
The concluding section of Georgia Criminal Justice Data, 1988 contains statements of officials representing each major component, addressing critical topics relevant to Georgia's criminal justice system.
Clayton County had the seventh highest index crime rate in Georgia in 1988 Statistic
Clayton County ranked seventh among Georgia counties by index crime rate at 7,711.8 per 100,000 persons in 1988.
7,712 crimes per 100,000 persons
Georgia statewide fraud 1987 Statistic
Total fraud offenses reported in Georgia for 1987 were 13,458.
13,458 offenses
Robbery arrests in Georgia, 1988 Statistic
Georgia reported 3,928 robbery arrests in 1988, a 28.4% increase from 3,058 in 1987 and a 57.0% increase from 2,502 in 1984.
3,928 arrests vs. 1987 robbery arrests
Georgia traffic fatalities in 1988 Statistic
In 1988, more traffic fatalities occurred in Georgia than in any of the previous four years, with total fatalities increasing by 250 over 1984 figures.
250 fatalities vs. increase over 1984
Parole Board constitutional authority Legal fact
The State Board of Pardons and Paroles has constitutional authority to grant paroles, pardons, and reprieves; to commute and remit sentences; and to restore civil and political rights.
Diversion center annual capacity Statistic
The current capacity of the diversion centers allows for custody of a minimum of 3,451 residents per year.
3,451 residents per year
Sheriff Coursey: Early release undermines behavior modification programs Quote
With offenders serving only a small portion of their sentences, behavior modification programs have become ineffective. Recent U. S. Justice Department studies confirm that large numbers of inmates who are released early simply return to their home …
Georgia Secretary of State investigators 1988 Statistic
The Investigation Division, State Examining Boards, and the Securities Investigation Unit, Secretary of State, duties are performed by 32 certified investigators based in Atlanta.
32 investigators
OCR artifact warning for pre-1990 document Methodology note
Text was extracted with pdftotext from the NCJRS scan; OCR artifacts are possible in pre-1990 documents, so figures should only be recorded where the digits are unambiguous.
Bibb County had the eighth highest index crime rate in Georgia in 1988 Statistic
Bibb County ranked eighth among Georgia counties by index crime rate at 7,642.9 per 100,000 persons in 1988.
7,643 crimes per 100,000 persons
Georgia statewide fraud 1988 Statistic
Total fraud offenses reported in Georgia for 1988 were 15,743.
15,743 offenses
Aggravated assault arrests in Georgia, 1988 Statistic
Georgia reported 12,036 aggravated assault arrests in 1988, a 22.8% increase from 9,799 in 1987 and a 39.7% increase from 8,618 in 1984.
12,036 arrests vs. 1987 aggravated assault arrests
Georgia DUI-related traffic fatalities trend 1984-1988 Statistic
While total Georgia traffic fatalities increased by 250 over 1984 figures, DUI-related fatalities decreased by 17 during the same period.
17 fatalities vs. decrease in DUI-related fatalities
Parole Decision Guidelines exclude life sentences and armed robbery Policy
Paroles are granted based on Parole Decision Guidelines established to assist the Board in making consistent assessments. Excluded from guideline decisions are life sentences and sentences for armed robbery.
Detention center average stay length Statistic
The average stay in a detention center is 90 to 120 days.
90 days vs. days (upper range)
Sheriff Coursey: County jails are pre-trial detention facilities not designed for long-term care Quote
Our county jails are pre-trial detention facilities. They are not now nor have they ever been designed for long term care. The overcrowding of our county jails is creating a tremendous hardship on the sheriffs in this state and the tax payers at the…
Georgia Department of Transportation Permits and Enforcement officers 1988 Statistic
The Permits and Enforcement Division, Department of Transportation duties are performed by 297 certified officers located in state highway districts.
297 officers
Document reproduction authorization Legal fact
Permission to reproduce the copyrighted material was granted by the Georgia Office of the Governor to the National Criminal Justice Reference Service (NCJRS). Further reproduction outside of the NCJRS system requires permission of the copyright owne…
Dawson County had the ninth highest index crime rate in Georgia in 1988 Statistic
Dawson County ranked ninth among Georgia counties by index crime rate at 7,639.6 per 100,000 persons in 1988.
7,640 crimes per 100,000 persons
Georgia statewide embezzlement 1987 Statistic
Total embezzlement offenses reported in Georgia for 1987 were 2,657.
2,657 offenses
Burglary arrests in Georgia, 1988 Statistic
Georgia reported 10,493 burglary arrests in 1988, a 13.8% increase from 9,223 in 1987 and a 37.1% increase from 7,654 in 1984.
10,493 arrests vs. 1987 burglary arrests
Georgia total traffic fatalities 1988 Statistic
Total traffic fatalities in Georgia in 1988 were 1,660, up from 1,604 in 1987.
1,660 fatalities vs. 1987
Parole Board crime severity levels I-VII Policy
The Board initially identifies the crime severity level of the individual, ranked from Level I to VII, with VII being the most severe. Those ranked in higher severity categories will serve longer.
Detention center authorized staffing Statistic
The Department is authorized to employ 285 individuals to staff 5 detention centers which are to be fully operational by the middle of 1989.
285 employees
Sheriff Coursey: Several riots in local jails since start of year Quote
We have already had several riots in local jails since the first of the year and, as overcrowding continues to increase, the threat of riots causing damage, bodily injury and harm to prisoners in our custody and our own personnel becomes even more r…
Georgia state law enforcement agencies officer total 1988 Statistic
Workload measures generated by the State's six major law enforcement agencies, employing 1,837 officers with arrest powers, are included with the data in this report.
1,837 officers
NCJRS document identification number Methodology note
The document is catalogued in the NCJRS system with identification number NCJ 128960.
Tift County had the tenth highest index crime rate in Georgia in 1988 Statistic
Tift County ranked tenth among Georgia counties by index crime rate at 7,469.7 per 100,000 persons in 1988.
7,470 crimes per 100,000 persons
Georgia statewide embezzlement 1988 Statistic
Total embezzlement offenses reported in Georgia for 1988 were 2,819.
2,819 offenses
Larceny arrests in Georgia, 1988 Statistic
Georgia reported 34,980 larceny arrests in 1988, a 19.0% increase from 29,407 in 1987 and a 44.7% increase from 24,173 in 1984.
34,980 arrests vs. 1987 larceny arrests
Georgia DUI-related traffic fatalities 1988 Statistic
DUI-related traffic fatalities in Georgia in 1988 totaled 498, representing 30.0% of all traffic fatalities.
498 fatalities
Parole success factors considered by Board Policy
Parole success factors include age at first commitment, prior convictions (juvenile and adult), prior incarceration since age 17, parole or probation failure, use/possession/attempt to obtain heroin or opiates, whether current offenses involved burg…
Detention center capacity and annual service capacity Statistic
The capacity (220) of these centers will allow them to serve 2,450 residents per year.
220 beds vs. residents per year
Sheriff Coursey: Sheriffs facing lawsuits due to overcrowding Quote
Because of the serious overcrowding, sheriffs are also being bombarded with law suits. Every day we are concerned about injuries, hygiene, and riots occurring in our jails.
Georgia local law enforcement agencies count 1988 Statistic
In Georgia there are 539 local law enforcement agencies which employ 14,009 certified officers with arrest powers.
539 agencies
Report covers 1984-1988 data period Methodology note
The report includes tables and figures covering the five-year period from 1984 through 1988, including reported incidents of crime, arrests, clearances, and institutional populations.
Georgia statewide total index crimes in 1987 Statistic
The statewide total of index crimes in Georgia in 1987 was 358,842, including 36,273 violent crimes and 322,569 property crimes.
358,842 crimes
Georgia statewide stolen property 1987 Statistic
Total stolen property offenses reported in Georgia for 1987 were 2,261.
2,261 offenses
Motor vehicle theft arrests in Georgia, 1988 Statistic
Georgia reported 3,441 motor vehicle theft arrests in 1988, a 28.3% increase from 2,683 in 1987 and an 84.9% increase from 1,861 in 1984.
3,441 arrests vs. 1987 motor vehicle theft arrests
Georgia DUI-related fatal accidents 1988 Statistic
DUI-related fatal accidents in Georgia in 1988 totaled 426, representing 28.7% of all fatal accidents.
426 accidents
Parole Board employment and supervision, November 1988 Statistic
As of November 1988, the Board employed 539 individuals, with 211 of these employees engaged in actual investigation and/or supervision of 10,101 parolees.
539 employees vs. parolees under supervision
County correctional institutions and inmate population Statistic
As of November 30, 1988, the 27 county correctional institutions housed 2,924 inmates.
2,924 inmates
Sheriff Coursey: More than half of prison population are non-violent offenders Statistic
More than half of the prison population are property, DUI, or other non-violent criminals who stay in prison for very short periods of time, typically only a few months.
50%
Georgia local law enforcement officers 1988 Statistic
Georgia's 539 local law enforcement agencies employ 14,009 certified officers with arrest powers.
14,009 officers
Report includes county-level crime profiles Methodology note
The report includes county crime profiles for index crimes and non-index crimes for 1987-1988, as well as rankings of counties by number of reported index crimes and index crime rates per 100,000 persons.
Georgia statewide total index crimes in 1988 Statistic
The statewide total of index crimes in Georgia in 1988 was 397,129, including 42,734 violent crimes and 354,395 property crimes.
397,129 crimes
Georgia statewide stolen property 1988 Statistic
Total stolen property offenses reported in Georgia for 1988 were 3,089.
3,089 offenses
Arson arrests in Georgia, 1988 Statistic
Georgia reported 315 arson arrests in 1988, a 2.3% increase from 308 in 1987 and a 13.3% increase from 278 in 1984.
315 arrests vs. 1987 arson arrests
Thanksgiving 1988 holiday traffic fatalities Statistic
In 1988, Thanksgiving was the most costly holiday for traffic deaths in Georgia with a total of 33 fatalities in 102 hours.
33 fatalities
Total state inmates released by Parole Board, FY1988 Statistic
During Fiscal Year 1988, the Board released a total of 12,398 state inmates from confinement through its actions.
12,398 inmates
Superior court case processing time reduced by 50% from 1978 to 1987 Statistic
In the ten-year period from 1978 to 1987, superior court judges were able to reduce the average time required to dispose of a case by 50%. This accomplishment was made despite a 30% increase in the number of cases filed in these courts.
50% vs. percent increase in cases filed
Georgia municipal police departments count 1988 Statistic
Presently, 365 municipalities fund police departments which employ 7,233 certified officers. These departments range in size from 1 to 1,405 officers with the majority having 25 or fewer sworn officers.
365 departments
Report includes law enforcement employee data Methodology note
The report includes data on full-time law enforcement employees, officers killed and assaulted, and traffic enforcement including DUI fatalities and holiday traffic tolls.
Georgia statewide total murders in 1987 Statistic
The statewide total of murders in Georgia in 1987 was 719.
719 murders
Georgia statewide vandalism 1987 Statistic
Total vandalism offenses reported in Georgia for 1987 were 50,299.
50,299 offenses
Reported Index crimes vs. Index crime arrests, 1988 Finding
In 1988, Georgia reported 397,129 Index crime incidents but only 67,002 Index crime arrests, indicating arrests were made for only a small portion of reported crime incidents.
Georgia holiday traffic fatality rate 1988 Statistic
In 1988, one traffic fatality occurred every 4.5 holiday hours in Georgia, compared to one every 5.1 holiday hours in 1987.
4.5 hours per fatality vs. 1987
Parole releases peak in 1987 and 1988 Trend
1987 and 1988 are peak years for Parole Board activity. There were 11,024 parole releases in 1987 and 11,353 in 1988, while there were 2,702 returns to prison in 1987 and 2,896 in 1988.
State prison inmate population as of November 30, 1988 Statistic
As of November 30, 1988, there were 15,525 inmates housed in 25 state institutions.
15,525 inmates
Average case processing time fell from 10.6 months to 5.4 months Statistic
During this period, there has been a marked reduction in the estimated average case processing time (the estimated time from filing to disposition of all types of cases) from 10.6 months to 5.4 months.
5.4 months vs. months in 1978
Georgia municipal police officers 1988 Statistic
Georgia's 365 municipal police departments employ 7,233 certified officers.
7,233 officers
Report includes court caseload data Methodology note
The report includes caseload data for Georgia's Superior Courts, State Courts, Probate Courts, Juvenile Courts, Magistrate Courts, Court of Appeals, and Supreme Court.
Georgia statewide total murders in 1988 Statistic
The statewide total of murders in Georgia in 1988 was 705.
705 murders
Georgia statewide vandalism 1988 Statistic
Total vandalism offenses reported in Georgia for 1988 were 60,478.
60,478 offenses
Juvenile share of Index crime arrests, 1988 Statistic
In 1988, juveniles (persons 16 and under) accounted for 8.3% of all Index crime arrests in Georgia, a decrease of 1.6 percentage points from 9.9% in 1984.
8.3% vs. 1984 juvenile share of Index crime arrests
GBI criminal investigations in 1988 Statistic
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation Investigative Division conducted 5,331 criminal investigations in 1988.
5,331 investigations
Pardons peak in 1984 and 1988 Trend
1984 and 1988 are peak years for pardons, with 129 and 161 pardons issued respectively.
State prison authorized staffing Statistic
The Department is authorized to employ 5,744 individuals to staff these institutions.
5,744 employees
Case processing time fell from 10.7 months in 1982 to 5.4 months in 1987 Statistic
The greatest decrease occurred from 1982 through 1987, when case processing time fell from 10.7 months (a slight increase from 1978) to 5.4 months. Improvement in these figures has been especially significant when considered along with a 39% increas…
5.4 months vs. months in 1982
Georgia county sheriffs departments officers 1988 Statistic
Georgia sheriffs' departments employ 4,802 certified officers authorized to enforce state criminal laws and county ordinances.
4,802 officers
Report includes corrections and probation data Methodology note
The report includes correctional institution populations by type, inmate population by age, race, sex, most serious crime type, and sentence length, as well as probation population data and first offender status data for 1984-1988.
Georgia statewide total forcible rapes in 1987 Statistic
The statewide total of forcible rapes in Georgia in 1987 was 2,879.
2,879 rapes
Georgia statewide weapons violations 1987 Statistic
Total weapons violations reported in Georgia for 1987 were 5,314.
5,314 offenses
Age distribution of Index crime arrests, 1988 Statistic
In 1988, persons aged 17-21 accounted for 25.7% of Index crime arrests, 22-26 for 20.7%, 27-31 for 17.7%, 32-36 for 11.9%, 37+ for 15.7%, and 0-16 for 8.3%.
25.7%
GBI assistance-rendered cases in 1988 Statistic
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation Investigative Division rendered assistance in 4,041 cases in 1988.
4,041 cases
Increase in commutations to time served Trend
One noticeable trend is the increase in the number of commutations to time served. A major factor is the increasing inmate population forcing fewer denials of parole and the release of more prisoners.
Transition center resident population as of November 30, 1988 Statistic
As of November 30, 1988, there were 468 residents housed in these centers.
468 residents
Felonies filed in superior courts rose 12% in 1986-1987 Statistic
In a single year, 1986-1987, felonies filed in superior courts rose by 12%.
12%
Georgia county police departments count 1988 Statistic
There are currently 15 county police departments in the State which employ a total of 1,974 certified officers.
15 departments
Report includes parole board activity data Methodology note
The report includes a profile of Parole Board activity for 1984-1988.
Georgia statewide total forcible rapes in 1988 Statistic
The statewide total of forcible rapes in Georgia in 1988 was 3,029.
3,029 rapes
Georgia statewide weapons violations 1988 Statistic
Total weapons violations reported in Georgia for 1988 were 5,915.
5,915 offenses
Sex distribution of Index crime arrests, 1988 Statistic
In 1988, males accounted for 78.3% of all Index crime arrests in Georgia, while females accounted for 21.7%.
78.3%
GBI arrests in 1988 Statistic
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation made 4,664 arrests in 1988.
4,664 arrests
Parole releases, 1984 Statistic
In 1984, the Parole Board granted 5,885 paroles, 443 conditional transfers to detainer, 8 youthful offender conditional releases, and 7 commutations to time served, totaling 8,021 releases by the Board.
5,885 paroles vs. total releases by Board
Transition center authorized staffing Statistic
The Department is authorized to employ 133 individuals to staff these centers.
133 employees
Number of open superior court cases decreased by 37% from 1982 to 1987 Statistic
The analysis also disclosed that the number of open cases decreased by 37% during the five-year period.
37%
Georgia county police officers 1988 Statistic
Georgia's 15 county police departments employ a total of 1,974 certified officers.
1,974 officers
Report includes GBI productivity data Methodology note
The report includes Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) productivity data for 1988.
Georgia statewide total robberies in 1987 Statistic
The statewide total of robberies in Georgia in 1987 was 13,222.
13,222 robberies
Georgia statewide narcotic drug laws 1987 Statistic
Total narcotic drug law offenses reported in Georgia for 1987 were 16,250.
16,250 offenses
Race distribution of Index crime arrests, 1988 Statistic
In 1988, non-whites accounted for 65.0% of all Index crime arrests in Georgia, while whites accounted for 35.0%.
65%
GBI contraband seized value in 1988 Statistic
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation seized contraband valued at $154,529,216 in 1988.
$154.5M
Parole releases, 1985 Statistic
In 1985, the Parole Board granted 6,144 paroles, 249 conditional transfers to detainer, 28 youthful offender conditional releases, 13 commutations to time served, and 3 remissions to probation, totaling 7,206 releases by the Board.
6,144 paroles vs. total releases by Board
Number of county jails funded for operation in Georgia in 1988 Statistic
Currently, there are 146 county jails funded for operation in the state's 159 counties.
146 jails
Case backlog fell from 70% in 1982 to 59% in 1987 Statistic
Percentages of case backlog (criminal cases over four months old and civil cases older than six months) fell from 70% in 1982 to 59% in 1987.
59% vs. percent in 1982
Georgia campus police agencies count 1988 Statistic
There are currently 37 campus police agencies within the State which employ a total of 529 certified police officers.
37 agencies
Report includes drug arrest data Methodology note
The report includes reported drug arrests statewide for 1984-1988.
Georgia statewide total robberies in 1988 Statistic
The statewide total of robberies in Georgia in 1988 was 15,443.
15,443 robberies
Georgia statewide narcotic drug laws 1988 Statistic
Total narcotic drug law offenses reported in Georgia for 1988 were 21,986.
21,986 offenses
Index crime arrest rate by race, 1988 Statistic
In 1988, the Index crime arrest rate for non-whites in Georgia was 2,497.7 per 100,000 persons, compared to 543.2 per 100,000 for whites — a rate nearly 4.6 times higher.
2,498 arrests per 100,000 vs. White Index crime arrest rate
GBI stolen property recovered value in 1988 Statistic
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation recovered stolen property valued at $5,052,974 in 1988.
$5.1M
Parole releases, 1986 Statistic
In 1986, the Parole Board granted 7,652 paroles, 238 conditional transfers to detainer, 0 youthful offender conditional releases, 2,846 commutations to time served, 2 remissions to probation, and 0 other releases, totaling 9,214 releases by the Boar…
7,652 paroles vs. total releases by Board
Domestic relations case processing time fell by almost 60% Statistic
Estimated time for processing domestic relations cases, which fell by almost 60%, decreased the most substantially of the three major types of cases handled in superior courts.
60%
Georgia campus police officers 1988 Statistic
Georgia's 37 campus police agencies employ a total of 529 certified police officers.
529 officers
Report includes crimes against children data Methodology note
The report includes reported crimes against children and reported arrests for crimes against children for 1984-1988.
Georgia statewide total aggravated assaults in 1987 Statistic
The statewide total of aggravated assaults in Georgia in 1987 was 19,453.
19,453 assaults
Georgia statewide DUI 1987 Statistic
Total DUI offenses reported in Georgia for 1987 were 62,724.
62,724 offenses
Index crime arrest rate by sex, 1988 Statistic
In 1988, the Index crime arrest rate for males in Georgia was 1,788.4 per 100,000 persons, compared to 464.1 per 100,000 for females.
1,788 arrests per 100,000 vs. Female Index crime arrest rate
GBI forensic sciences cases in 1988 Statistic
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation Division of Forensic Sciences handled 76,927 cases in 1988 across its laboratories in Atlanta, Savannah, Columbus, Augusta, Moultrie, and Macon.
76,927 cases
Parole releases, 1987 Statistic
In 1987, the Parole Board granted 7,611 paroles, 265 conditional transfers to detainer, 2 youthful offender conditional releases, 17 commutations to time served, 7 remissions to probation, 0 supervised reprieves, 1,312 reprieves and conditional comm…
7,611 paroles vs. total releases by Board
Overall inmate population increase from 1984 to 1988 Trend
During that period, the overall inmate population increased from 15,731 to 18,870.
21 additional superior court judgeships created by General Assembly 1982-1987 Statistic
Among the reasons cited for the decline in estimated case processing time are expanded use of computers by courts, more productive procedures for court administration, effective methods of case management, efficient calendaring techniques, and the p…
21 judgeships
Georgia state authorities and institutions police agencies 1988 Statistic
There are currently 21 police agencies in Georgia under the state authorities' and institutions' category. These agencies employ a total of 437 certified police officers.
21 agencies
Report includes metropolitan vs non-metropolitan crime comparisons Methodology note
The report includes comparisons of index crimes and index crime rates between Metropolitan Statistical Areas and Non-Metropolitan Statistical Areas for 1988.
Georgia statewide total aggravated assaults in 1988 Statistic
The statewide total of aggravated assaults in Georgia in 1988 was 23,557.
23,557 assaults
Georgia statewide DUI 1988 Statistic
Total DUI offenses reported in Georgia for 1988 were 66,033.
66,033 offenses
Total Index crime arrest rate, 1988 Statistic
The total Index crime arrest rate in Georgia in 1988 was 1,086.8 per 100,000 persons.
1,087 arrests per 100,000
GBI drug identification cases in 1988 Statistic
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation Division of Forensic Sciences processed 30,019 drug identification cases in 1988.
30,019 cases
Parole releases, 1988 Statistic
In 1988, the Parole Board granted 6,968 paroles, 243 conditional transfers to detainer, 0 youthful offender conditional releases, 3,901 commutations to time served, 2 remissions to probation, 0 supervised reprieves, 239 reprieves and conditional com…
6,968 paroles vs. total releases by Board
Georgia Diagnostic Classification Center population in 1988 Statistic
Those prisons with the greatest population include the Georgia Diagnostic Classification Center (GDCC) at Jackson (1,817).
1,817 inmates
Commissioner Evans: GDC operating facilities over design capacity Quote
During the past year, as in preceding years, the Georgia Department of Corrections has been faced with an ever increasing number of offenders. We continue to operate our facilities over design capacity and at the same time the caseload of our Probat…
Georgia state authorities and institutions police officers 1988 Statistic
Georgia's 21 state authorities' and institutions' police agencies employ a total of 437 certified police officers.
437 officers
Report includes Georgia, South, and national crime trend comparisons Methodology note
The report includes index crime trends comparing Georgia, the South, and the nation for 1984-1988.
Georgia statewide total burglaries in 1987 Statistic
The statewide total of burglaries in Georgia in 1987 was 94,955.
94,955 burglaries
Georgia statewide liquor law offenses 1987 Statistic
Total liquor law offenses reported in Georgia for 1987 were 5,102.
5,102 offenses
Violent Index crime arrest rate, 1988 Statistic
The violent Index crime arrest rate in Georgia in 1988 was 288.8 per 100,000 persons, up from 215.7 in 1984.
288.8 arrests per 100,000 vs. 1984 violent Index crime arrest rate
Property Index crime arrest rate, 1988 Statistic
The property Index crime arrest rate in Georgia in 1988 was 800.0 per 100,000 persons, up from 579.8 in 1984.
800 arrests per 100,000 vs. 1984 property Index crime arrest rate
GBI autopsies performed in 1988 Statistic
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation Division of Forensic Sciences performed 830 autopsies in 1988.
830 autopsies
Returns to prison by Parole Board, 1984 Statistic
In 1984, the Parole Board returned 1,190 parolees for revocation of parole, 371 for revocation of youthful offender conditional release, and 17 for other revocations/cancellations, totaling 1,578 returns to prison.
1,190 parole revocations vs. total returns to prison
Georgia Industrial Institute population in 1988 Statistic
Those prisons with the greatest population include the Georgia Industrial Institute (GII) at Alto (1,665).
1,665 inmates
Commissioner Evans: Georgia leads nation in alternatives to incarceration Quote
Georgia continues to lead the nation in alternatives to incarceration. Home confinement, intensive supervision, special alternative incarceration, diversion centers, and community services programs augment basic probation supervision.
Georgia other law enforcement agencies count 1988 Statistic
There are currently 60 such agencies (other law enforcement agencies) which employ 529 certified officers.
60 agencies
Report includes crime-population relationship analysis Methodology note
The report includes an analysis of the relationship between crime and population in Georgia for 1984-1988.
Georgia statewide total burglaries in 1988 Statistic
The statewide total of burglaries in Georgia in 1988 was 99,711.
99,711 burglaries
Georgia statewide liquor law offenses 1988 Statistic
Total liquor law offenses reported in Georgia for 1988 were 5,148.
5,148 offenses
Total Non-Index crime arrests, 1988 Statistic
Georgia reported 259,679 total Non-Index crime arrests in 1988, a 43.8% increase from 238,238 in 1984.
259,679 arrests vs. 1984 Non-Index crime arrests
GCIC criminal fingerprint cards processed in 1988 Statistic
The Georgia Crime Information Center processed 274,590 criminal fingerprint cards in 1988.
274,590 cards
Returns to prison by Parole Board, 1985 Statistic
In 1985, the Parole Board returned 1,920 parolees for revocation of parole, 160 for revocation of youthful offender conditional release, and 11 for other revocations/cancellations, totaling 2,091 returns to prison.
1,920 parole revocations vs. total returns to prison
Middle Georgia Correctional Institution - Youthful Offender population in 1988 Statistic
Those prisons with the greatest population include Middle Ga. C.I. Y.O. (985).
985 inmates
Commissioner Evans: Electronic surveillance monitoring technology being piloted Policy
Electronic surveillance monitoring technology is being piloted and may be yet another effective tool in our arsenal of alternatives.
Georgia other law enforcement officers 1988 Statistic
Georgia's 60 other law enforcement agencies employ 529 certified officers.
529 officers
Report includes arrest rate data by age, sex, and race Methodology note
The report includes arrest rates per 100,000 persons by specific age, sex, and race for 1988, and Georgia arrests for index crimes by age group for 1984-1988.
Georgia statewide total larcenies in 1987 Statistic
The statewide total of larcenies in Georgia in 1987 was 192,755.
192,755 larcenies
Georgia statewide public drunkenness 1987 Statistic
Total public drunkenness offenses reported in Georgia for 1987 were 3,830.
3,830 offenses
Non-Index crime arrests excluding DUI, 1988 Statistic
Excluding DUI arrests, Georgia reported 199,597 Non-Index crime arrests in 1988.
199,597 arrests
GCIC network transactions in 1988 Statistic
The Georgia Crime Information Center processed 58,316,269 network transactions in 1988.
58,316,269 transactions
Returns to prison by Parole Board, 1986 Statistic
In 1986, the Parole Board returned 2,006 parolees for revocation of parole, 25 for revocation of youthful offender conditional release, 0 for cancellation of supervised reprieve, 71 for cancellation of reprieve and conditional commutation, and 0 for…
2,006 parole revocations vs. total returns to prison
Georgia State Prison population in 1988 Statistic
Those prisons with the greatest population include Georgia State Prison (GSP) at Reidsville (976).
976 inmates
Commissioner Evans: DUI offenders now receive prison or community service sentences Finding
Persons convicted of driving under the influence now receive prison or community service sentences rather than suspended sentences or fines.
Georgia certified correctional officers 1988 Statistic
There are an additional 5,049 certified correctional officers who work in institutional settings, 909 certified probation officers, and 301 certified parole officers.
5,049 correctional officers
Report includes clearance rate data Methodology note
The report includes clearance rates for index crimes and non-index crimes for 1984-1988.
Georgia statewide total larcenies in 1988 Statistic
The statewide total of larcenies in Georgia in 1988 was 219,367.
219,367 larcenies
Georgia statewide public drunkenness 1988 Statistic
Total public drunkenness offenses reported in Georgia for 1988 were 3,445.
3,445 offenses
DUI arrests in Georgia, 1988 Statistic
Georgia reported 60,082 DUI arrests in 1988, down from 82,037 in 1984.
60,082 arrests vs. 1984 DUI arrests
GCIC terminal response time in 1988 Statistic
The Georgia Crime Information Center average terminal response time was 22 seconds in 1988.
22 seconds
Returns to prison by Parole Board, 1987 Statistic
In 1987, the Parole Board returned 2,649 parolees for revocation of parole, 2 for revocation of youthful offender conditional release, 51 for cancellation of supervised reprieve, and 0 for other revocations, totaling 2,702 returns to prison.
2,649 parole revocations vs. total returns to prison
Middle Georgia Correctional Institution - Rivers population in 1988 Statistic
Those prisons with the greatest population include the Middle Georgia Correctional Institute - Rivers (950).
950 inmates
Commissioner Evans: Sex offender numbers steadily increasing Trend
The number of sex offenders has steadily increased as a result of changes in the public's awareness of rape and child abuse.
Georgia certified probation officers 1988 Statistic
There are 909 certified probation officers in Georgia.
909 probation officers
Report includes DUI fatality data Methodology note
The report includes fatal accidents involving DUI and fatalities involving DUI for 1984-1988, as well as traffic fatalities by month, location, and type for 1987-1988.
Georgia statewide total motor vehicle thefts in 1987 Statistic
The statewide total of motor vehicle thefts in Georgia in 1987 was 33,785.
33,785 thefts
Georgia statewide public disturbance 1988 Statistic
Total public disturbance offenses reported in Georgia for 1988 were 34,088. Weapons Violation, Public Disturbance and Curfew were reported as Other Offense during 1987.
34,088 offenses
Narcotic drug law arrests in Georgia, 1988 Statistic
Georgia reported 32,497 narcotic drug law arrests in 1988, a 67.8% increase from 19,366 in 1984.
32,497 arrests vs. 1984 narcotic drug law arrests
GCIC fingerprint processing time in 1988 Statistic
The Georgia Crime Information Center fingerprint processing time averaged 13 days in 1988.
13 days
Returns to prison by Parole Board, 1988 Statistic
In 1988, the Parole Board returned 2,080 parolees for revocation of parole, 0 for revocation of youthful offender conditional release, 0 for cancellation of supervised reprieve, 0 for cancellation of reprieve and conditional commutation, and 816 for…
2,080 parole revocations vs. total returns to prison
GDCC primary function is prisoner classification Finding
The GDCC is operated primarily for the classification of prisoners to be reassigned to other correctional institutions.
Commissioner Evans: AIDS has frightening implications for prisons Quote
And there is AIDS, a plague of medieval proportions with its frightening implications for society in general and prisons in particular.
Georgia certified parole officers 1988 Statistic
There are 301 certified parole officers in Georgia.
301 parole officers
Georgia statewide total motor vehicle thefts in 1988 Statistic
The statewide total of motor vehicle thefts in Georgia in 1988 was 34,071.
34,071 thefts
Georgia statewide other offenses 1987 Statistic
Total other offenses reported in Georgia for 1987 were 94,986. Weapons Violation, Public Disturbance and Curfew were reported as Other Offense during 1987.
94,986 offenses
Cocaine arrests in Georgia, 1988 Statistic
Georgia reported 13,093 cocaine arrests in 1988, a 618.6% increase from 1,822 in 1984.
13,093 arrests vs. 1984 cocaine arrests
Georgia superior court judges in 1988 Statistic
As of 1988, there were 137 superior court judges serving in 45 circuits divided into ten administrative districts in Georgia.
137 judges
Parole case denials, 1984-1988 Statistic
Parole case denials were 2,652 in 1984, 3,588 in 1985, 3,879 in 1986, 3,032 in 1987, and 1,170 in 1988.
1,170 denials vs. 1984 denials
Middle Georgia C.I. - Y.O. no longer houses only youthful offenders Finding
Middle Ga. C.I. - Y.O. no longer houses just youthful offenders.
Governor Harris ordered emergency releases on March 7, 1989 Case detail
Governor Joe Frank Harris on March 7, 1989, asked the Parole Board to begin emergency releases. He had no choice. More than four thousand sentenced state inmates were backed up in county jails, and the state was faced with the threat of a federal co…
Georgia Index crimes reported 1988 Statistic
In 1988, 397,129 Index offenses were reported by Georgia law enforcement agencies.
397,129 offenses
Georgia statewide total arsons in 1987 Statistic
The statewide total of arsons in Georgia in 1987 was 1,074.
1,074 arsons
Georgia statewide other offenses 1988 Statistic
Total other offenses reported in Georgia for 1988 were 69,021.
69,021 offenses
Georgia statewide family offenses 1987 Statistic
Total family offenses reported in Georgia for 1987 were 4,372.
4,372 offenses
Marijuana arrests in Georgia, 1988 Statistic
Georgia reported 10,348 marijuana arrests in 1988, a 2.3% increase from 10,113 in 1984.
10,348 arrests vs. 1984 marijuana arrests
Georgia juvenile court judges in 1988 Statistic
As of July 1, 1988, there were 11 full-time juvenile court judges and 40 part-time judges serving Georgia's 62 counties having separate juvenile courts.
51 judges
Discharges from parole, 1984-1988 Statistic
Discharges from parole were 281 in 1984, 100 in 1985, 0 in 1986, 0 in 1987, and 0 in 1988.
281 discharges
Local jail population data collection began mid-1982 Methodology note
The Department of Community Affairs, with the assistance of the computerized reporting capabilities of the Georgia Crime Information Center, has been collecting limited data on local jail populations since mid-1982.
More than 4,000 sentenced state inmates backed up in county jails at time of emergency release order Statistic
More than four thousand sentenced state inmates were backed up in county jails, and the state was faced with the threat of a federal court suit against the entire prison system.
4,000 inmates
Georgia Non-Index crimes reported 1988 Statistic
In 1988, 367,991 Non-Index offenses were reported by Georgia law enforcement agencies.
367,991 offenses
Georgia statewide total arsons in 1988 Statistic
The statewide total of arsons in Georgia in 1988 was 1,246.
1,246 arsons
Georgia statewide total violent crimes in 1987 Statistic
The statewide total of violent crimes in Georgia in 1987 was 36,273.
36,273 crimes
Georgia statewide family offenses 1988 Statistic
Total family offenses reported in Georgia for 1988 were 5,554.
5,554 offenses
Narcotic equipment arrests in Georgia, 1988 Statistic
Georgia reported 841 narcotic equipment arrests in 1988, a 200.4% increase from 280 in 1984.
841 arrests vs. 1984 narcotic equipment arrests
Georgia magistrate court judges in 1988 Statistic
As of July 1, 1988, there were 159 chief magistrates and 267 magistrates in Georgia; 36 also served probate, juvenile, civil or municipal courts.
426 magistrates
Restoration of civil and political rights, 1984-1988 Statistic
Restorations of civil and political rights upon discharge from parole were 1,734 in 1984, 1,936 in 1985, 1,409 in 1986, 1,496 in 1987, and 1,496 in 1988. Restorations upon application were 1,295 in 1984, 1,506 in 1985, 999 in 1986, 711 in 1987, and …
1,496 restorations upon discharge vs. restorations upon application (1988)
Local jail population data difficult to maintain due to no central repository Data gap
Statistical data on inmate populations at the local level (i.e., county and city jails) are extremely difficult to maintain, since there is no central repository.
Emergency release program targeted specific offense types Policy
This time the Governor specified the types of inmates he wanted considered. They are those serving for misdemeanor offenses, damage to property, habitual traffic violator, forgery, theft by taking, motor vehicle theft, burglary and revoked parole an…
Georgia Index crime increase 1988 Statistic
While Index offenses have increased in each of the last four years, the largest percentage increase (10.7%) occurred in 1988 when reported offenses jumped by 38,287 over 1987.
38,287 offenses
Georgia statewide total violent crimes in 1988 Statistic
The statewide total of violent crimes in Georgia in 1988 was 42,734.
42,734 crimes
Georgia statewide gambling offenses 1987 Statistic
Total gambling offenses reported in Georgia for 1987 were 282.
282 offenses
Cocaine surpasses marijuana as most-arrested drug, 1988 Trend
In 1988, cocaine-related arrests in Georgia exceeded marijuana arrests for the first time, with 2,745 more cocaine arrests than marijuana arrests. From 1984 to 1987, marijuana had been the most frequently arrested drug.
Georgia state court judges in 1988 Statistic
As of July 1, 1988, 63 state courts operated in 62 Georgia counties. Of the 86 judges presiding, 36 were full-time state court judges, 2 were full-time associate judges, and 48 served part time.
86 judges
Pardons issued, 1984-1988 Statistic
Pardons issued were 129 in 1984, 127 in 1985, 103 in 1986, 108 in 1987, and 161 in 1988.
161 pardons vs. 1984 pardons
Death row population decreased from 117 in 1984 to 114 in 1988 Trend
Though the percentages have remained constant, the actual numbers on death row have decreased from 117 in 1984 to 114 in 1988. One execution took place in 1988.
Emergency release program accelerated parole dates for already-approved inmates Finding
Many of those being released under the Governor's Emergency Release Program had already been approved for parole during the last half of 1989 or during 1990. The Board simply made a new decision to release them some months earlier than planned.
Georgia Non-Index crime increase 1988 Statistic
The 1988 total of 367,991 reported Non-Index offenses is the highest of the five year period showing a 14.0% increase over 1987.
14%
Georgia statewide total property crimes in 1987 Statistic
The statewide total of property crimes in Georgia in 1987 was 322,569.
322,569 crimes
Georgia statewide gambling offenses 1988 Statistic
Total gambling offenses reported in Georgia for 1988 were 181.
181 offenses
Heroin arrests in Georgia, 1988 Statistic
Georgia reported 82 heroin arrests in 1988, a 22.0% increase from 59 in 1984.
82 arrests vs. 1984 heroin arrests
Georgia probate court judges in 1988 Statistic
There were 159 probate judges in Georgia, each serving a single county.
159 judges
Medical or compassionate reprieves, 1984-1988 Statistic
Medical or compassionate reprieves were 243 in 1984, 357 in 1985, 527 in 1986, 314 in 1987, and 308 in 1988.
308 reprieves vs. 1984 reprieves
One execution took place in Georgia in 1988 Statistic
One execution took place in 1988.
1 execution
67 new parole officers hired in spring 1989 Statistic
To supervise these additional parolees, the Board received funds to employ 67 new parole officers plus other staff during the spring of 1989.
67 parole officers
Georgia Index crime arrests 1988 Statistic
In 1988, law enforcement agencies reported 67,002 arrests for Index offenses.
67,002 arrests
Georgia statewide total property crimes in 1988 Statistic
The statewide total of property crimes in Georgia in 1988 was 354,395.
354,395 crimes
Georgia statewide vagrancy 1987 Statistic
Total vagrancy offenses reported in Georgia for 1987 were 74.
74 offenses
Hallucinogen arrests in Georgia, 1988 Statistic
Georgia reported 72 hallucinogen arrests in 1988, a 22.0% increase from 59 in 1984.
72 arrests vs. 1984 hallucinogen arrests
Georgia Court of Appeals judges in 1988 Statistic
The Georgia Court of Appeals was composed of nine judges divided into three panels of three judges each.
9 judges
Commutation reducing sentence without release, 1984-1988 Statistic
Commutations reducing sentence without resulting in release were 4 in 1984, 10 in 1985, 1 in 1986, 5 in 1987, and 0 in 1988.
4 commutations
GDC changed to new computer system in July 1987 Methodology note
Percentage changes in sentence lengths are due to the Department of Corrections changing to a new computer system in July 1987. The Offender Tracking Information System (OTIS) provides more detail on sentences and, as a result, will show an increase…
72 more parole officers funded for Fiscal Year 1990 Statistic
The Board received funds to employ 72 more parole officers and more support staff during Fiscal Year 1990.
72 parole officers
Georgia Non-Index crime arrests 1988 Statistic
In 1988, law enforcement agencies reported 259,679 arrests for Non-Index offenses.
259,679 arrests
Fulton County index crimes increased from 1987 to 1988 Trend
Fulton County index crimes increased from 96,470 in 1987 to 102,206 in 1988.
Georgia statewide vagrancy 1988 Statistic
Total vagrancy offenses reported in Georgia for 1988 were 43.
43 offenses
Amphetamine arrests in Georgia, 1988 Statistic
Georgia reported 62 amphetamine arrests in 1988, a 51.9% decrease from 129 in 1984.
62 arrests vs. 1984 amphetamine arrests
Georgia Supreme Court justices in 1988 Statistic
The Supreme Court of Georgia had seven justices, who elected one of their number to be the Chief Justice.
7 justices
Death sentence commutations, 1984-1988 Statistic
Death sentence commutations granted were 1 in 1984, 1 in 1985, 0 in 1986, 0 in 1987, and 0 in 1988. Death sentence commutations denied were 1 in 1984, 2 in 1985, 1 in 1986, 1 in 1987, and 0 in 1988.
1 commutations granted
Youthful Offender Act discontinued Legal fact
The category of youthful offender will continue to decline due to the discontinuation of the Youthful Offender Act. There remain a few inmates still classified as youthful offenders who have not processed out of the system.
Every Georgia governor for past 22 years encouraged special releases to relieve overcrowding Trend
Every Governor of Georgia for the past 22 years has encouraged the State Board of Pardons and Paroles to start special releases to relieve prison and jail overcrowding. Each time the Board has responded positively and each time for the sake of reduc…
Georgia Index crime arrest increase 1988 Statistic
Arrests for Index offenses have increased each year during the five year period. The largest percentage increase (19.3%) occurred in 1988 when reported arrests rose by 10,852.
10,852 arrests
DeKalb County index crimes increased from 1987 to 1988 Trend
DeKalb County index crimes increased from 45,387 in 1987 to 48,946 in 1988.
Georgia statewide runaway offenses 1987 Statistic
Total runaway offenses reported in Georgia for 1987 were 4,862.
4,862 offenses
Barbiturate arrests in Georgia, 1988 Statistic
Georgia reported 9 barbiturate arrests in 1988, an 85.7% decrease from 63 in 1984.
9 arrests vs. 1984 barbiturate arrests
Georgia superior court total filings CY 1987 Statistic
Total superior court filings in Georgia for calendar year 1987 were 71,463 criminal and 45,455 civil, for a combined total of 116,918 filings.
116,918 filings
Parole Board hearings and interviews, 1984-1988 Statistic
Visitor interviews in central office were 2,489 in 1984, 2,392 in 1985, 2,100 in 1986, 2,354 in 1987, and 2,158 in 1988. Inmate interviews at institutions were 262 in 1984, 1,866 in 1985, 400 in 1986, 253 in 1987, and 253 in 1988. Preliminary revoca…
2,158 visitor interviews vs. 1984 visitor interviews
White male inmates in 1988 Statistic
White male inmates totaled 6,468 in 1988, representing 34.3% of the total inmate population.
6,468 inmates
Guthrie suit against Georgia State Prison showed expense of prison lawsuits Case detail
How long drawn out and expensive such lawsuits can be was shown by the Guthrie suit against Georgia State Prison during the last decade. Georgia cannot afford a repeat of that.
Georgia Non-Index crime arrest increase 1988 Statistic
Arrests for Non-Index offenses remained fairly constant until 1988 when the total jumped by 25,861 (11.1%) over 1987.
25,861 arrests
Cobb County index crimes increased from 1987 to 1988 Trend
Cobb County index crimes increased from 21,069 in 1987 to 25,003 in 1988.
Georgia statewide runaway offenses 1988 Statistic
Total runaway offenses reported in Georgia for 1988 were 6,568.
6,568 offenses
Synthetic narcotic arrests in Georgia, 1988 Statistic
Georgia reported 39 synthetic narcotic arrests in 1988, a 56.0% increase from 25 in 1984.
39 arrests vs. 1984 synthetic narcotic arrests
Georgia superior court total dispositions CY 1987 Statistic
Total superior court dispositions in Georgia for calendar year 1987 were 68,643 criminal and 43,037 civil, for a combined total of 111,680 dispositions.
111,680 dispositions
Total Parole Board activity, 1984-1988 Statistic
Total Board activity was 19,111 in 1984, 18,054 in 1985, 18,860 in 1986, 17,940 in 1987, and 19,479 in 1988.
19,479 actions vs. 1984 total activity
Non-white male inmates in 1988 Statistic
Non-white male inmates totaled 11,444 in 1988, representing 60.6% of the total inmate population.
11,444 inmates
Governor Harris called for fast-track construction of several thousand additional bedspaces Policy
Governor Harris called for fast-track construction and operating procedures to provide several thousand additional bedspaces within one year.
Georgia murders reported 1988 Statistic
In 1988, Georgians reported 705 murders to law enforcement agencies.
705 murders
Chatham County index crimes increased from 1987 to 1988 Trend
Chatham County index crimes increased from 15,629 in 1987 to 15,596 in 1988, a slight decrease.
Georgia statewide curfew/loitering 1987 Statistic
Total curfew/loitering offenses reported in Georgia for 1987 were 680. Weapons Violation, Public Disturbance and Curfew were reported as Other Offense during 1987.
680 offenses
Opium arrests in Georgia, 1988 Statistic
Georgia reported 39 opium arrests in 1988, a 56.0% increase from 25 in 1984.
39 arrests vs. 1984 opium arrests
Georgia superior court average filings per judge CY 1987 Statistic
The average superior court caseload per judge in Georgia for calendar year 1987 was 522 criminal filings and 332 civil filings, based on 137 superior court judges.
854 filings per judge
Total inmates at end of reporting period, 1984-1988 Statistic
Total inmates at end of reporting period were 28,710 in 1984, 21,351 in 1985, 30,176 in 1986, 31,666 in 1987, and 33,728 in 1988.
33,728 inmates vs. 1984 total inmates
White female inmates in 1988 Statistic
White female inmates totaled 347 in 1988, representing 1.8% of the total inmate population.
347 inmates
Governor's Commission on Criminal Sanctions and Correctional Facilities to submit recommendations by end of 1989 Policy
As a member of the Governor's Commission on Criminal Sanctions and Correctional Facilities, I look forward to submitting certain important recommendations to the Governor before the end of 1989. Governor Harris has said he intends to include the Com…
Georgia forcible rapes reported 1988 Statistic
In 1988, Georgians reported 3,029 forcible rapes to law enforcement agencies.
3,029 rapes
Clayton County index crimes increased from 1987 to 1988 Trend
Clayton County index crimes increased from 11,197 in 1987 to 14,149 in 1988.
Georgia statewide curfew/loitering 1988 Statistic
Total curfew/loitering offenses reported in Georgia for 1988 were 0.
0 offenses
Free text drug arrests in Georgia, 1988 Statistic
Georgia reported 7,912 'free text' drug arrests in 1988 (other violations of state and local drug laws not classifiable in categories 1-9), an 18.4% increase from 6,680 in 1984.
7,912 arrests vs. 1984 free text drug arrests
Georgia superior court felony filings CY 1987 Statistic
Georgia superior courts recorded 25,994 felony filings in calendar year 1987.
25,994 filings
Parole Board releases under supervision, 1984-1988 Statistic
Total Parole Board releases under supervision at end of reporting period were 6,503 in 1984, 6,738 in 1985, 9,582 in 1986, 10,917 in 1987, and 10,358 in 1988. Youth offenders under supervision were 793 in 1984, 478 in 1985, 218 in 1986, 94 in 1987, …
10,358 releases under supervision vs. 1984 releases under supervision
Non-white female inmates in 1988 Statistic
Non-white female inmates totaled 611 in 1988, representing 3.2% of the total inmate population.
611 inmates
64% of DUI first offenders found to be problem drinkers Statistic
Results of the research indicated that 64%, or more than six of every ten DUI first offenders were found to be 'problem' rather than social drinkers.
64%
Georgia robberies reported 1988 Statistic
In 1988, Georgians reported 15,443 robberies to law enforcement agencies.
15,443 robberies
Richmond County index crimes increased from 1987 to 1988 Trend
Richmond County index crimes increased from 10,960 in 1987 to 14,374 in 1988.
Georgia statewide prostitution/commercial vice 1987 Statistic
Total prostitution/commercial vice offenses reported in Georgia for 1987 were 1,041.
1,041 offenses
Total Index crime clearances, 1988 Statistic
Georgia reported 81,673 Index crime clearances in 1988, up from 53,619 in 1984.
81,673 clearances vs. 1984 Index crime clearances
Georgia superior court misdemeanor filings CY 1987 Statistic
Georgia superior courts recorded 25,606 misdemeanor filings in calendar year 1987.
25,606 filings
Cases reviewed under parole guidelines, 1984-1988 Statistic
Cases reviewed under parole guidelines were 10,062 in 1984, 7,399 in 1985, 8,463 in 1986, 7,615 in 1987, and 10,293 in 1988.
10,293 cases vs. 1984 cases reviewed
Male inmates aged 00-21 in 1988 Statistic
There were 1,839 male inmates aged 00-21 in 1988.
1,839 inmates
Eight DUI pilot programs achieved financial self-sufficiency after 24 months Statistic
After 24 months of the pilot project, eight different programs had achieved financial self sufficiency and were operating on offender fees alone.
8 programs
Georgia aggravated assaults reported 1988 Statistic
In 1988, Georgians reported 23,557 aggravated assaults to law enforcement agencies.
23,557 aggravated assaults
Gwinnett County index crimes increased from 1987 to 1988 Trend
Gwinnett County index crimes increased from 14,483 in 1987 to 16,554 in 1988.
Georgia statewide prostitution/commercial vice 1988 Statistic
Total prostitution/commercial vice offenses reported in Georgia for 1988 were 573.
573 offenses
Index crime clearance rate, 1988 Statistic
The overall Index crime clearance rate in Georgia in 1988 was 20.6%, down from 30.9% in 1985.
20.6% vs. 1985 Index crime clearance rate
Georgia law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty in 1988 - named officers Case detail
Four Georgia law enforcement officers were killed in the line of duty in 1988: Gregory L. Davis (Atlanta Bureau of Police Services, shot by a suspect while answering a prowling call), Herbert Lee Evans Jr. (Augusta Police Department, accidentally sh…
Lifers considered and granted parole, 1984-1988 Statistic
Lifers considered for parole were 955 in 1984, 949 in 1985, 898 in 1986, 689 in 1987, and 565 in 1988. Lifers granted parole were 194 in 1984, 80 in 1985, 111 in 1986, 64 in 1987, and 48 in 1988. Lifers granted parole at first consideration were 24 …
565 lifers considered vs. 1984 lifers considered
Male inmates aged 22-39 in 1988 Statistic
There were 12,966 male inmates aged 22-39 in 1988.
12,966 inmates
DUI pilot programs showed marked reductions in drinking and driving behavior Finding
Marked reductions in drinking and driving behavior were exhibited by the pilot program participants.
Georgia burglaries reported 1988 Statistic
In 1988, Georgians reported 99,711 burglaries to law enforcement agencies.
99,711 burglaries
Muscogee County index crimes increased from 1987 to 1988 Trend
Muscogee County index crimes increased from 9,518 in 1987 to 11,525 in 1988.
Georgia statewide other sex offenses 1987 Statistic
Total other sex offenses reported in Georgia for 1987 were 1,827.
1,827 offenses
Murder clearance rate, 1988 Statistic
The murder clearance rate in Georgia in 1988 was 59.0%, down from 64.5% in 1986.
59% vs. 1986 murder clearance rate
GBI established in 1937 Legal fact
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation was created in 1937, with an initial charter authorizing a State Bureau of Identification to maintain fingerprint and criminal history information and employment of criminal investigators to assist local law enfor…
Attorney General Bowers on prison space as driver of criminal justice Quote
The engine driving the criminal justice system today is space in the prison system. Because we have not built adequately to meet increasing demands we are unable to confine as many as should be confined for as long as needed. Punishment, in reality,…
Male inmates aged 40-54 in 1988 Statistic
There were 2,609 male inmates aged 40-54 in 1988.
2,609 inmates
McGuire: Increased DUI sanctions led to increased incarceration of traffic offenders Finding
Increased sanctions for DUI offenders during the early years of this decade resulted in the increased incarceration of alcohol related traffic offenders and habitual traffic violators. These offenders represent a significant portion of the jail and …
Georgia larcenies reported 1988 Statistic
In 1988, Georgians reported 219,367 larcenies to law enforcement agencies.
219,367 larcenies
Bibb County index crimes increased from 1987 to 1988 Trend
Bibb County index crimes increased from 11,250 in 1987 to 12,197 in 1988.
Georgia statewide other sex offenses 1988 Statistic
Total other sex offenses reported in Georgia for 1988 were 2,793.
2,793 offenses
Forcible rape clearance rate, 1988 Statistic
The forcible rape clearance rate in Georgia in 1988 was 38.7%, down from a peak of 76.8% in 1985.
38.7% vs. 1985 forcible rape clearance rate
GBI organizational structure in 1988 Policy
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation had four operating divisions in 1988: Investigative Division, Georgia Crime Information Center, Division of Forensic Sciences, and Administrative Division. The Investigative Division was divided into Special Opera…
Attorney General Bowers on cycle of overcrowding Quote
We must break that cycle of overcrowding the prisons, seeking short term solutions to reduce the inmate population, then overfilling the prisons again. We must commit the money to build adequate prison space, and we must do it for the long term. App…
Male inmates aged 55-99 in 1988 Statistic
There were 498 male inmates aged 55-99 in 1988.
498 inmates
Georgia total 1988 population estimate: 6,252,577 Statistic
The total 1988 population estimate for Georgia is 6,252,577.
6,252,577 people
Georgia motor vehicle thefts reported 1988 Statistic
In 1988, Georgians reported 34,071 motor vehicle thefts to law enforcement agencies.
34,071 motor vehicle thefts
Clarke County index crimes increased from 1987 to 1988 Trend
Clarke County index crimes increased from 5,542 in 1987 to 6,176 in 1988.
Georgia state agency non-index crimes 1987 Statistic
Total non-index crimes reported by Georgia state agencies for 1987 were 7,433.
7,433 crimes
Robbery clearance rate, 1988 Statistic
The robbery clearance rate in Georgia in 1988 was 31.7%, down from a peak of 80.7% in 1985.
31.7% vs. 1985 robbery clearance rate
GBI forensic science branch laboratories Policy
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation Division of Forensic Sciences had branch laboratories in Augusta, Columbus, Macon, Moultrie, and Savannah in 1988.
Supreme Court criminal case dispositions, 1988 Statistic
In January-December 1988, the Supreme Court of Georgia affirmed 146 criminal appeals (90%), affirmed with sentence modification in 6 cases (4%), reversed and ordered new trials in 8 cases (5%), and vacated conviction with defendant discharged in 1 c…
146 affirmed convictions vs. total criminal appeals
Female inmates aged 00-21 in 1988 Statistic
There were 64 female inmates aged 00-21 in 1988.
64 inmates
Fulton County 1988 population estimate: 631,558 Statistic
Fulton County's 1988 population estimate is 631,558.
631,558 people
Georgia arsons reported 1988 Statistic
In 1988, Georgians reported 1,246 arsons to law enforcement agencies.
1,246 arsons
Dougherty County index crimes increased from 1987 to 1988 Trend
Dougherty County index crimes increased from 8,183 in 1987 to 9,749 in 1988.
Georgia state agency non-index crimes 1988 Statistic
Total non-index crimes reported by Georgia state agencies for 1988 were 13,424.
13,424 crimes
Aggravated assault clearance rate, 1988 Statistic
The aggravated assault clearance rate in Georgia in 1988 was 42.2%, down from 57.7% in 1984.
42.2% vs. 1984 aggravated assault clearance rate
Georgia AFIS implementation planned for FY 1990 Policy
During fiscal year 1990, the Georgia Crime Information Center planned to fully implement the Georgia Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS), which would permit experts to search single latent fingerprints found at crime scenes against th…
Supreme Court certiorari petitions from criminal defendants, 1988 Statistic
In 1988, the Supreme Court of Georgia granted 11 (8%) and denied or dismissed 122 (92%) of 133 petitions for certiorari to review judgments of the Court of Appeals filed by criminal defendants.
11 certiorari granted vs. certiorari denied or dismissed
Female inmates aged 22-39 in 1988 Statistic
There were 728 female inmates aged 22-39 in 1988.
728 inmates
DeKalb County 1988 population estimate: 530,292 Statistic
DeKalb County's 1988 population estimate is 530,292.
530,292 people
Georgia larceny percentage of Index crimes 1988 Statistic
Larcenies accounted for the highest percentage (55.2%) of the total number of Index crimes; burglaries made up the second highest category (25.1%).
55.2%
Lowndes County index crimes decreased from 1987 to 1988 Trend
Lowndes County index crimes decreased from 6,890 in 1987 to 5,222 in 1988.
Camden County law enforcement employee rate 1988 Statistic
Camden County topped the rankings with 760 law enforcement employees per 100,000 persons, well above the state average of 206.
760 employees per 100,000 persons vs. state average
Burglary clearance rate, 1988 Statistic
The burglary clearance rate in Georgia in 1988 was 15.2%, up slightly from 14.0% in 1984.
15.2% vs. 1984 burglary clearance rate
Georgia judicial system structure Legal fact
The judicial powers of the State of Georgia are vested exclusively in seven classes of courts: magistrate, probate, juvenile, state, superior, the Court of Appeals and the Supreme Court. The Constitution provides that the General Assembly may establ…
Supreme Court habeas corpus probable cause applications, 1988 Statistic
In 1988, the Supreme Court of Georgia granted 13 (8%) and denied or dismissed 147 (92%) of 160 applications for certificate of probable cause to review denial of habeas corpus filed by criminal defendants.
13 habeas applications granted vs. habeas applications denied or dismissed
Female inmates aged 40-54 in 1988 Statistic
There were 139 female inmates aged 40-54 in 1988.
139 inmates
Cobb County 1988 population estimate: 359,796 Statistic
Cobb County's 1988 population estimate is 359,796.
359,796 people
Georgia violent crime percentage of Index crimes 1988 Statistic
Overall, 10.8 percent of the Index crimes were violent crimes committed against persons; 89.2 percent were property offenses.
10.8%
Glynn County index crimes increased from 1987 to 1988 Trend
Glynn County index crimes increased from 4,194 in 1987 to 5,771 in 1988.
Georgia statewide law enforcement employee rate 1988 Statistic
The state average for law enforcement employees was 206 per 100,000 persons in 1988.
206 employees per 100,000 persons
Larceny/theft clearance rate, 1988 Statistic
The larceny/theft clearance rate in Georgia in 1988 was 19.8%, up from 18.3% in 1984.
19.8% vs. 1984 larceny/theft clearance rate
Superior court jurisdiction in Georgia Legal fact
The superior court is Georgia's court of general jurisdiction, having exclusive jurisdiction over felony cases and cases involving divorce, equity, and questions of land title. Each of the state's 159 counties has a superior court.
Chief Justice Marshall on indigent defense funding Quote
What is not in a proper order is our system (or our non-system) of indigent defense. Year after year, the General Assembly has refused to provide any funding, casting the burden upon counties, many of whom are sorely strapped for funds. The result o…
Female inmates aged 55-99 in 1988 Statistic
There were 27 female inmates aged 55-99 in 1988.
27 inmates
Gwinnett County 1988 population estimate: 270,305 Statistic
Gwinnett County's 1988 population estimate is 270,305.
270,305 people
Georgia violent crime rate 1988 Statistic
Based on the 1988 population estimate for Georgia of 6,252,571, 683.5 violent crimes were reported for each 100,000 persons.
683.5 crimes per 100,000 persons
Houston County index crimes increased from 1987 to 1988 Trend
Houston County index crimes increased from 5,239 in 1987 to 5,120 in 1988, a slight decrease.
Georgia certified law enforcement officers 1988 Statistic
Data on file at the Georgia Criminal Justice Coordinating Council reflects the employment of 17,196 certified officers by Georgia law enforcement agencies.
17,196 certified officers
Motor vehicle theft clearance rate, 1988 Statistic
The motor vehicle theft clearance rate in Georgia in 1988 was 189.2%, indicating more clearances than reported incidents (likely due to clearances of prior-year offenses).
189.2%
Juvenile court jurisdiction in Georgia Legal fact
Juvenile courts in Georgia have exclusive original jurisdiction in cases involving delinquent children alleged to have committed noncapital offenses, unruly children under age 17, deprived children under age 18, and juvenile traffic offenders under …
GBI AFIS system operational since January 1988 Case detail
Since January 1988, the GBI and its Crime Information Center (GCIC) have seen five years of planning and research payoff with the installation of the multi-million dollar Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS).
Violent personal crime inmates in 1988 Statistic
In 1988, 8,583 inmates (45.5%) were incarcerated for violent personal crimes.
8,583 inmates
Chatham County 1988 population estimate: 217,550 Statistic
Chatham County's 1988 population estimate is 217,550.
217,550 people
Georgia property crime rate 1988 Statistic
Based on the 1988 population estimate for Georgia of 6,252,571, 5,668.0 property crimes were reported for each 100,000 persons.
5,668 crimes per 100,000 persons
Hall County index crimes increased from 1987 to 1988 Trend
Hall County index crimes increased from 4,270 in 1987 to 5,279 in 1988.
Fulton County non-index crimes 1987 Statistic
Fulton County reported 63,799 non-index crimes in 1987.
63,799 crimes
Arson clearance rate, 1988 Statistic
The arson clearance rate in Georgia in 1988 was 19.3%, down from 25.1% in 1984.
19.3% vs. 1984 arson clearance rate
Magistrate courts established by 1983 Constitution Legal fact
The 1983 Constitution of the State of Georgia established magistrate courts to replace justice of the peace courts and small claims courts. A magistrate court exists in each county and serves as a court of limited jurisdiction.
AFIS processing capacity Statistic
The AFIS system is designed to process 1,600 fingerprint cards and 1,000 final disposition reports per day. Whenever fewer than 1,600 cards are received, cards from GCIC's 1986 backlog will be added to that day's processing workload.
1,600 fingerprint cards per day vs. final disposition reports per day
Non-violent personal crime inmates in 1988 Statistic
In 1988, 20 inmates (0.1%) were incarcerated for non-violent personal crimes.
20 inmates
Richmond County 1988 population estimate: 202,633 Statistic
Richmond County's 1988 population estimate is 202,633.
202,633 people
Georgia Index crime rate 1988 Statistic
Based on the 1988 population estimate for Georgia of 6,252,571, the Index crime rate was 6,351.4 per 100,000 persons.
6,351 crimes per 100,000 persons
Liberty County index crimes decreased from 1987 to 1988 Trend
Liberty County index crimes decreased from 2,025 in 1987 to 1,683 in 1988.
Fulton County non-index crimes 1988 Statistic
Fulton County reported 69,382 non-index crimes in 1988.
69,382 crimes
Total Non-Index crime clearances, 1988 Statistic
Georgia reported 182,834 Non-Index crime clearances in 1988, up from 140,627 in 1984.
182,834 clearances vs. 1984 Non-Index crime clearances
Supreme Court of Georgia jurisdiction Legal fact
The Supreme Court of Georgia is the final court of review in the State and has exclusive appellate jurisdiction in constitutional questions and contests. It has appellate jurisdiction in all habeas corpus cases and all cases in which a sentence of d…
GCIC master fingerprint file size Statistic
The GCIC master fingerprint file now has more than a million criminal cards and all have been converted for AFIS operations and loaded into the AFIS computers and onto optical disks.
1,000,000 criminal fingerprint cards
Property crime inmates in 1988 Statistic
In 1988, 5,236 inmates (27.8%) were incarcerated for property crimes.
5,236 inmates
Clayton County 1988 population estimate: 183,472 Statistic
Clayton County's 1988 population estimate is 183,472.
183,472 people
Georgia property stolen value 1988 Statistic
In 1988, $405,851,195 in property was reported stolen during the commission of Index crimes. Motor vehicle thefts accounted for the greatest loss ($186,606,249) followed by larceny ($128,626,614), burglary ($83,253,307) and robbery ($7,085,677).
$405.9M
Bibb County non-index crimes increased from 1987 to 1988 Trend
Bibb County non-index crimes increased from 10,332 in 1987 to 13,441 in 1988.
DeKalb County non-index crimes 1987 Statistic
DeKalb County reported 8,019 non-index crimes in 1987.
8,019 crimes
Non-Index crime clearance rate, 1988 Statistic
The overall Non-Index crime clearance rate in Georgia in 1988 was 69.6%, up from 54.9% in 1984.
69.6% vs. 1984 Non-Index crime clearance rate
Administrative Office of the Courts data collection Methodology note
The Administrative Office of the Courts, an arm of the Supreme Court and staff of the Judicial Council of Georgia, collects, processes and maintains caseload information on the principal courts of the state. In 1985, AOC began compiling statistics a…
Latent Cognizant File digitized prints Statistic
The Latent Cognizant File, the database used in matching latent prints from crime scenes, has digitized print images from more than 360,000 of those offenders likely to be involved in future criminal acts. Age and previous criminal record were the p…
360,000 digitized print images
Drug sales inmates in 1988 Statistic
In 1988, 1,026 inmates (5.4%) were incarcerated for drug sales.
1,026 inmates
Muscogee County 1988 population estimate: 181,346 Statistic
Muscogee County's 1988 population estimate is 181,346.
181,346 people
Georgia average property stolen per motor vehicle theft 1988 Statistic
The average value of property stolen during each motor vehicle theft is $5,477, compared to $835 during each burglary, $586 during each larceny, and $459 during each robbery.
$5,477
Chatham County non-index crimes increased from 1987 to 1988 Trend
Chatham County non-index crimes increased from 30,861 in 1987 to 31,422 in 1988.
DeKalb County non-index crimes 1988 Statistic
DeKalb County reported 8,253 non-index crimes in 1988.
8,253 crimes
Top five counties by reported Index crimes, 1988 Finding
Fulton (102,206), DeKalb (48,946), Cobb (25,003), Gwinnett (16,554), and Chatham (15,596) counties accounted for more than one-half of all Index crimes reported in Georgia in 1988.
Court caseload data limitations Data gap
With few exceptions, data collected and compiled for Georgia courts reflect only workload factors and do not readily allow qualitative analysis of the functions of the courts. Court of Appeals caseload data do not provide data on specific criminal a…
AFIS first major case success - Cartersville murder Case detail
On February 15, 1989, AFIS processing of a partial latent print found at a murder scene in Cartersville led to the identification of the Bartow County man who was charged with the murder of Mrs. Allie Roper, Governor Harris' aunt. Until that date, a…
Drug possession inmates in 1988 Statistic
In 1988, 1,024 inmates (5.4%) were incarcerated for drug possession.
1,024 inmates
Bibb County 1988 population estimate: 159,586 Statistic
Bibb County's 1988 population estimate is 159,586.
159,586 people
Georgia murder weapon type 1988 Statistic
In crimes of murder and robbery, firearms are the most frequently used weapon (57.6% and 38.5%, respectively).
57.6%
Clayton County non-index crimes increased from 1987 to 1988 Trend
Clayton County non-index crimes increased from 8,277 in 1987 to 11,476 in 1988.
Cobb County non-index crimes 1987 Statistic
Cobb County reported 21,793 non-index crimes in 1987.
21,793 crimes
Fulton County reported Index crimes, 1988 Statistic
Fulton County reported 102,206 Index crimes in 1988, the highest of any Georgia county.
102,206 Index crimes
Camden County highest law enforcement employees per 100,000 persons in 1988 Statistic
Camden County had the highest rate of full-time law enforcement employees per 100,000 persons in Georgia in 1988, at 760 employees per 100,000 persons.
760 employees per 100,000 persons
AFIS rapsheet delivery timeline Policy
By late 1989, the NEC AFIS computers and GCIC's new Unisys mainframe computer will work together to process incoming cards and send new or updated rapsheets to computer terminals of the agencies that submitted the cards to GCIC. The system has been …
HTV and DUI inmates in 1988 Statistic
In 1988, 2,068 inmates (11.0%) were incarcerated for HTV & DUI offenses.
2,068 inmates
Dougherty County 1988 population estimate: 112,893 Statistic
Dougherty County's 1988 population estimate is 112,893.
112,893 people
Georgia forcible rape weapon type 1988 Statistic
The weapon most used in the crime of forcible rape is hands/fists, etc. (48.6%).
48.6%
Georgia statewide index crime rate increased from 1987 to 1988 Trend
Georgia statewide index crimes increased from 358,842 in 1987 to 397,129 in 1988, an increase of 38,287 crimes.
Cobb County non-index crimes 1988 Statistic
Cobb County reported 28,689 non-index crimes in 1988.
28,689 crimes
DeKalb County reported Index crimes, 1988 Statistic
DeKalb County reported 48,946 Index crimes in 1988, the second-highest of any Georgia county.
48,946 Index crimes
Georgia counties with zero law enforcement employees per 100,000 persons in 1988 Finding
Multiple Georgia counties reported zero full-time law enforcement employees per 100,000 persons in 1988, including Glascock, Lincoln, Putnam, and Quitman counties, according to the ranking table.
GSP troopers deployed to Forsyth County Freedom March Case detail
In January 1988, the Georgia State Patrol contributed 350 Troopers to the security detail for the so-called 'Freedom Marchers' in Forsyth County. The combination of GBI agents, Department of Natural Resources Rangers, Forsyth County Sheriffs Deputie…
Sex offender inmates in 1988 Statistic
In 1988, 231 inmates (1.2%) were incarcerated as sex offenders.
231 inmates
Houston County 1988 population estimate: 88,556 Statistic
Houston County's 1988 population estimate is 88,556.
88,556 people
Georgia aggravated assault weapon type 1988 Statistic
In the crime of aggravated assault, other dangerous weapons was the most frequent type used (34.0%).
34%
Georgia statewide violent crime increased from 1987 to 1988 Trend
Georgia statewide violent crimes increased from 36,273 in 1987 to 42,734 in 1988, an increase of 6,461 violent crimes.
Muscogee County non-index crimes 1987 Statistic
Muscogee County reported 14,706 non-index crimes in 1987.
14,706 crimes
Cobb County reported Index crimes, 1988 Statistic
Cobb County reported 25,003 Index crimes in 1988, the third-highest of any Georgia county.
25,003 Index crimes
Georgia total law enforcement employees 1988 Statistic
The grand total of law enforcement employees in Georgia in 1988 was 12,893, comprising 8,952 sworn officers and 3,290 civilians (with some additional state agency personnel).
12,893 employees
GSP troopers deployed to Democratic National Convention Case detail
The security details for the Democratic National Convention in Atlanta required the presence of 420 Troopers for more than two weeks in July 1988. When the convention concluded, the tally of man hours expended by the Department of Public Safety tota…
Other crime category inmates in 1988 Statistic
In 1988, 669 inmates (3.5%) were incarcerated for other crimes.
669 inmates
Hall County 1988 population estimate: 85,903 Statistic
Hall County's 1988 population estimate is 85,903.
85,903 people
Georgia murder trend 1984-1988 Trend
Murder and non-negligent manslaughter reported in Georgia: 562 (1984), 603 (1985), 653 (1986), 719 (1987), 705 (1988). Percentage change from 1984 to 1988 in number of reported crimes: 25.4%; in rate per 100,000: 16.5%.
Georgia statewide property crime increased from 1987 to 1988 Trend
Georgia statewide property crimes increased from 322,569 in 1987 to 354,395 in 1988, an increase of 31,826 property crimes.
Muscogee County non-index crimes 1988 Statistic
Muscogee County reported 14,519 non-index crimes in 1988.
14,519 crimes
Gwinnett County reported Index crimes, 1988 Statistic
Gwinnett County reported 16,554 Index crimes in 1988, the fourth-highest of any Georgia county.
16,554 Index crimes
Georgia sworn law enforcement officers 1988 Statistic
The total number of sworn law enforcement officers in Georgia in 1988 was 8,952.
8,952 officers
GSP drug seizures, 1988 Statistic
In 1988, the Georgia State Patrol seized 336 kilos of cocaine, 491 kilos of marijuana, 11 kilos of crack cocaine, and $1,654,555 in contraband cash through its Aggressive Criminal Enforcement program.
336 kilos of cocaine vs. kilos of marijuana
Not reported crime category inmates in 1988 Statistic
In 1988, 12 inmates (0.1%) had no reported crime category.
12 inmates
Floyd County 1988 population estimate: 82,641 Statistic
Floyd County's 1988 population estimate is 82,641.
82,641 people
Georgia forcible rape trend 1984-1988 Trend
Forcible rape reported in Georgia: 2,530 (1984), 2,805 (1985), 2,827 (1986), 2,879 (1987), 3,029 (1988). Percentage change from 1984 to 1988 in number of reported crimes: 19.7%; in rate per 100,000: 12.0%.
Georgia statewide murder rate decreased from 1987 to 1988 Trend
Georgia statewide murders decreased from 719 in 1987 to 705 in 1988, a decrease of 14 murders.
Richmond County non-index crimes 1987 Statistic
Richmond County reported 7,647 non-index crimes in 1987.
7,647 crimes
Chatham County reported Index crimes, 1988 Statistic
Chatham County reported 15,596 Index crimes in 1988, the fifth-highest of any Georgia county.
15,596 Index crimes
Georgia civilian law enforcement employees 1988 Statistic
The total number of civilian law enforcement employees in Georgia in 1988 was 3,290.
3,290 employees
GSP crack cocaine seizures, 1988 Statistic
In 1988, the Georgia State Patrol seized 11 kilos of crack cocaine.
11 kilos of crack cocaine
Inmates serving life sentences in 1988 Statistic
In 1988, 2,660 inmates (14.1%) were serving life sentences.
2,660 inmates
Cherokee County 1988 population estimate: 79,786 Statistic
Cherokee County's 1988 population estimate is 79,786.
79,786 people
Georgia robbery trend 1984-1988 Trend
Robbery reported in Georgia: 8,823 (1984), 10,078 (1985), 13,315 (1986), 13,222 (1987), 15,443 (1988). Percentage change from 1984 to 1988 in number of reported crimes: 75.0%; in rate per 100,000: 64.0%.
Georgia statewide forcible rape increased from 1987 to 1988 Trend
Georgia statewide forcible rapes increased from 2,879 in 1987 to 3,029 in 1988, an increase of 150 rapes.
Richmond County non-index crimes 1988 Statistic
Richmond County reported 9,354 non-index crimes in 1988.
9,354 crimes
Richmond County reported Index crimes, 1988 Statistic
Richmond County reported 14,374 Index crimes in 1988, the sixth-highest of any Georgia county.
14,374 Index crimes
Officer assaults by type of activity 1988 Finding
In 1988, 'attempting other arrests' resulted in the highest number of assaults on Georgia law enforcement officers, while in 1987 the category of 'all others' was reported for most assaults.
GSP contraband cash seizures, 1988 Statistic
In 1988, the Georgia State Patrol seized $1,654,555 in contraband cash.
$1.7M
Inmates on death row in 1988 Statistic
In 1988, 114 inmates (0.6%) were on death row.
114 inmates
Dougherty County 1988 population estimate: 78,105 Statistic
Dougherty County's 1988 population estimate is 78,105.
78,105 people
Georgia aggravated assault trend 1984-1988 Trend
Aggravated assault reported in Georgia: 16,253 (1984), 16,734 (1985), 19,098 (1986), 19,453 (1987), 23,557 (1988). Percentage change from 1984 to 1988 in number of reported crimes: 44.9%; in rate per 100,000: 35.8%.
Georgia statewide robbery increased from 1987 to 1988 Trend
Georgia statewide robberies increased from 13,222 in 1987 to 15,443 in 1988, an increase of 2,221 robberies.
Gwinnett County non-index crimes 1987 Statistic
Gwinnett County reported 12,727 non-index crimes in 1987.
12,727 crimes
Clayton County reported Index crimes, 1988 Statistic
Clayton County reported 14,149 Index crimes in 1988, the seventh-highest of any Georgia county.
14,149 Index crimes
Officer assault clearance rate 1988 Statistic
In 1988, 1,114 of 1,264 reported assaults on Georgia law enforcement officers were cleared.
1,114 assaults cleared vs. total assaults
Colonel Earp on international terrorism threat Quote
Looming on the horizon is another threat; one that all of us in Georgia need to be particularly cognizant of. What is this threat? International terrorism.
Youthful offender inmates in 1988 Statistic
In 1988, 45 inmates (0.2%) were classified as youthful offenders.
45 inmates
Lowndes County 1988 population estimate: 76,456 Statistic
Lowndes County's 1988 population estimate is 76,456.
76,456 people
Georgia murder victim-offender relationship 1988 Statistic
For murder in 1988, victim-offender relationship: Unknown 60.6%, Non-Stranger to Non-Stranger 36.0%, Stranger to Stranger 3.4%.
60.6%
Georgia statewide aggravated assault increased from 1987 to 1988 Trend
Georgia statewide aggravated assaults increased from 19,453 in 1987 to 23,557 in 1988, an increase of 4,104 assaults.
Gwinnett County non-index crimes 1988 Statistic
Gwinnett County reported 14,217 non-index crimes in 1988.
14,217 crimes
Bibb County reported Index crimes, 1988 Statistic
Bibb County reported 12,197 Index crimes in 1988, the eighth-highest of any Georgia county.
12,197 Index crimes
Officers with personal injuries from assaults 1988 Statistic
In 1988, 389 Georgia law enforcement officers sustained personal injuries from assaults, down from a peak of 460 in 1987.
389 officers injured vs. 1987
Terrorism success rate worldwide, past decade Statistic
In the past decade, more than 90 percent of all terrorist incidents worldwide have been at least partially successful. This permits the Irans, Syrias and Libyas of this world to wage a low-cost, low-risk form of warfare that is difficult to counter.
90%
Inmates with sentences of 20.1 years or more in 1988 Statistic
In 1988, 2,320 inmates (12.3%) were serving sentences of 20.1 years or more.
2,320 inmates
Whitfield County 1988 population estimate: 72,152 Statistic
Whitfield County's 1988 population estimate is 72,152.
72,152 people
Georgia murder place of occurrence 1988 Statistic
For murder in 1988, place of occurrence: Parks, Public Buildings and Other Places 45.5%, Residence 41.1%, Street, Alley 7.2%, Business Establishment 6.1%.
45.5%
Georgia statewide burglary increased from 1987 to 1988 Trend
Georgia statewide burglaries increased from 94,955 in 1987 to 99,711 in 1988, an increase of 4,756 burglaries.
Chatham County non-index crimes 1987 Statistic
Chatham County reported 3,541 non-index crimes in 1987.
3,541 crimes
Muscogee County reported Index crimes, 1988 Statistic
Muscogee County reported 11,525 Index crimes in 1988, the ninth-highest of any Georgia county.
11,525 Index crimes
Firearm assaults on Georgia officers 1988 Statistic
In 1988, 83 assaults on Georgia law enforcement officers involved firearms.
83 assaults
New Jersey State Trooper discovers Japanese terrorist with bomb materials Case detail
In 1988, a New Jersey State Trooper made a routine traffic stop and discovered a Japanese terrorist, with materials for a bomb in his trunk, bound for Fort Dix, New Jersey.
Inmates with sentences of 10.1-12 years in 1988 Statistic
In 1988, 2,096 inmates (11.1%) were serving sentences of 10.1-12 years.
2,096 inmates
Clarke County 1988 population estimate: 70,939 Statistic
Clarke County's 1988 population estimate is 70,939.
70,939 people
Georgia murder arrests 1988 Statistic
Reported arrests for murder in 1988: 707. Arrest/Crimes Ratio: 1.0.
707 arrests
Georgia statewide larceny increased from 1987 to 1988 Trend
Georgia statewide larcenies increased from 192,755 in 1987 to 219,367 in 1988, an increase of 26,612 larcenies.
Chatham County non-index crimes 1988 Statistic
Chatham County reported 3,588 non-index crimes in 1988.
3,588 crimes
Dougherty County reported Index crimes, 1988 Statistic
Dougherty County reported 9,749 Index crimes in 1988, the tenth-highest of any Georgia county.
9,749 Index crimes
Hands, fists or feet assaults on Georgia officers 1988 Statistic
In 1988, 906 assaults on Georgia law enforcement officers involved hands, fists or feet.
906 assaults
March 1989 San Diego bombing of USS Vincennes captain's car Case detail
The March 1989 bombing in San Diego of the car belonging to the captain of the Vincennes, the U.S. warship responsible for downing the Iranian airliner in the Persian Gulf in the summer of 1988, was a bold move that illustrates the viability of the …
Sources
1 cited sources backing this research.
Primary
Official report
Key Entities
Organizations, people, facilities, and other named entities referenced in this research.
Administrative Office of the Courts
[organization]
Allie Roper
[person]
Atkinson County
[facility]
Atlanta Bureau of Police Services
[organization]
Atlanta Judicial Circuit
[organization]
Augusta Police Department
[organization]
Automated Fingerprint Identification System
[program]
Bacon County
[facility]
Baker County
[facility]
Baldwin County
[facility]
Banks County
[facility]
Barrow County
[facility]
Bartow County
[facility]
Ben Hill County
[facility]
Berrien County
[facility]
Bibb County
[facility]
Bleckley County
[facility]
Blue Ridge Judicial Circuit
[organization]
Board of Regents
[organization]
Brantley
[case]
Brooks County
[facility]
Bryan County
[facility]
Bulloch County
[facility]
Burke County
[facility]
Butts County
[facility]
Calhoun County
[facility]
Camden County
[facility]
Candler County
[facility]
Carroll County
[facility]
Catoosa County
[facility]
Charlton County
[facility]
Chatham County
[facility]
Chatham County Police Department
[organization]
Chattahoochee County
[facility]
Chattooga County
[facility]
Cherokee County
[facility]
Clarke County
[facility]
Clay County
[facility]
Clayton County
[facility]
Clinch County
[facility]
Cobb County
[facility]
Coffee County
[facility]
Colquitt County
[facility]
Columbia County
[facility]
Cook County
[facility]
Coweta County
[facility]
Crawford County
[facility]
Crisp County
[facility]
Curtis D. Earp Jr.
[person]
Dade County
[facility]
David C. Evans
[person]
Dawson County
[facility]
Decatur County
[facility]
DeKalb County
[facility]
Democratic National Convention 1988
[operation]
Dodge County
[facility]
Dooly County
[facility]
Doreen E. McCumbers
[person]
Dougherty County
[facility]
Douglas
[facility]
Early County
[facility]
Echols County
[facility]
Effingham County
[facility]
Elbert County
[facility]
Emanuel County
[facility]
Evans County
[facility]
Fannin County
[facility]
Fayette County
[facility]
Federal Bureau of Investigation
[organization]
Floyd County
[facility]
Forsyth County
[facility]
Forsyth County Freedom March
[operation]
Franklin County
[facility]
Fulton County
[facility]
GDC
[organization]
Georgia
[organization]
Georgia Bureau of Investigation
[organization]
Georgia Court of Appeals
[organization]
Georgia Crime Information Center
[organization]
Georgia Criminal Justice Coordinating Council
[organization]
Georgia Department of Community Affairs
[organization]
Georgia Department of Corrections
[organization]
Georgia Department of Natural Resources
[organization]
Georgia Department of Public Safety
[organization]
Georgia Department of Revenue
[organization]
Georgia Department of Transportation
[organization]
Georgia Diagnostic Classification Center
[facility]
Georgia General Assembly
[organization]
Georgia Industrial Institute
[facility]
Georgia Juvenile Courts
[organization]
Georgia Magistrate Courts
[organization]
Georgia Office of Planning and Budget
[organization]
Georgia Office of the Governor
[organization]
Georgia Probate Courts
[organization]
Georgia Secretary of State
[organization]
Georgia Sheriffs' Association
[organization]
Georgia State Courts
[organization]
Georgia State Patrol
[organization]
Georgia State Prison
[facility]
Georgia Superior Courts
[organization]
Gilmer County
[facility]
Glascock County
[facility]
Glynn County
[facility]
Gordon County
[facility]
Governor's Commission on Criminal Sanctions and Correctional Facilities
[organization]
Governor's Emergency Release Program
[program]
Governor's Office of Highway Safety
[organization]
Grady County
[facility]
Greene County
[facility]
Gregory L. Davis
[person]
Gregory T. Coursey
[person]
Guthrie v. Georgia State Prison
[case]
Gwinnett County
[facility]
Habersham County
[facility]
Hall County
[facility]
Hancock County
[facility]
Haralson County
[facility]
Harris County
[facility]
Hart County
[facility]
Heard County
[facility]
Henry County
[facility]
Herbert Lee Evans Jr.
[person]
Houston County
[facility]
Irwin County
[facility]
Jackson County
[facility]
James Robert Hamrick
[person]
Jasper County
[facility]
Jeff Davis County
[facility]
Jefferson
[facility]
Jenkins County
[facility]
Joe Frank Harris
[person]
John Perry
[person]
Johnson County
[facility]
Jones County
[facility]
Lamar County
[facility]
Lanier County
[facility]
Laurens County
[facility]
Lee County
[facility]
Liberty County
[facility]
Lincoln County
[facility]
Long County
[facility]
Lowndes County
[facility]
Lumpkin County
[facility]
Macon County
[facility]
Madison County
[facility]
Marion County
[facility]
McDuffie County
[facility]
McIntosh County
[facility]
Meriwether County
[facility]
Michael J. Bowers
[person]
Middle Georgia Correctional Institution - Rivers
[facility]
Middle Georgia Correctional Institution - Youthful Offender
[facility]
Miller County
[facility]
Minuard C. McGuire
[person]
Mitchell County
[facility]
Monroe County
[facility]
Montgomery County
[facility]
Morgan County
[facility]
Murray County
[facility]
Muscogee County
[facility]
National Criminal Justice Reference Service
[organization]
National Institute of Justice
[organization]
Newton County
[facility]
Oconee County
[facility]
Office of Planning and Budget
[organization]
Office of the Governor
[organization]
Oglethorpe County
[facility]
OTIS
[program]
Paulding County
[facility]
Peach County
[facility]
Pickens County
[facility]
Pierce County
[facility]
Pike County
[facility]
Polk County
[facility]
Pulaski County
[facility]
Putnam County
[facility]
Quitman County
[facility]
Rabun County
[facility]
Randolph County
[facility]
Richmond County
[facility]
Robert L. Doss Jr.
[person]
Robert M. Kirk
[person]
Rockdale County
[facility]
Schley County
[facility]
Screven County
[facility]
Seminole County
[facility]
Spalding County
[facility]
State Board of Education
[organization]
State Board of Pardons and Paroles
[organization]
Stephens County
[facility]
Stewart County
[facility]
Stone Mountain Judicial Circuit
[organization]
Sumter County
[facility]
Supreme Court of Georgia
[organization]
Talbot County
[facility]
Taliaferro County
[facility]
Tattnall County
[facility]
Taylor County
[facility]
Telfair County
[facility]
Terrell County
[facility]
Thomas
[facility]
Thomas County
[facility]
Thomas O. Marshall
[person]
Tift County
[facility]
Toombs County
[facility]
Towns County
[facility]
Treutlen County
[facility]
Troup County
[facility]
Turner County
[facility]
Twiggs County
[facility]
U.S. Department of Justice
[organization]
Union County
[facility]
Upson County
[facility]
Walker County
[facility]
Walton County
[facility]
Ware County
[facility]
Warren County
[facility]
Washington County
[facility]
Wayne County
[facility]
Wayne Snow Jr.
[person]
Webster County
[facility]
Wheeler County
[facility]
White County
[facility]
Whitfield County
[facility]
Wilcox County
[facility]
Wilkes County
[facility]
Wilkinson County
[facility]
Worth County
[facility]
Youthful Offender Act
[legislation]
Related Topics
Research topics that draw on data from this collection.
Facility Conditions & Infrastructure
Georgia operates the fourth-largest state prison system in the United States, holding approximately 50,000 people across 85 correctional facilities that are failing faster than they can be repaired. Only three of 35 state prisons are fully air-conditioned, Autry State Prison is operating at more than double its design capacity, and nearly half of corrections officer positions sit vacant. The result is a system of buildings that injure, sicken, and kill the people inside them—even as a $634 million emergency spending package lacks the accountability measures to guarantee it addresses documented life-safety failures.
6,231 data points
Historical Context
Georgia’s prison system is rooted in the post-Civil War convict leasing regime that exploited Black labor under brutal, often lethal conditions, and it continues to operate as an engine of racial and economic exploitation into 2025. From lead poisoning’s hidden role in crime waves to the federal takeover of Georgia State Prison for unconstitutionally overcrowded conditions, this page traces how a crisis-ridden system repeatedly reforms only to regress, culminating in a $634 million spending infusion that still lacks independent oversight.
4,791 data points
Legal Standards & Case Law
Georgia Prisoners' Speak (GPS) has documented a legal landscape in which constitutional standards are clear but enforcement is systematically blocked. The Eighth Amendment, landmark federal interventions like Brown v. Plata, and years of DOJ findings all demand safe conditions, yet Georgia's prison system continues to produce homicides, extreme heat exposure, suicidal isolation, and lethal neglect. Settlements and budgets have climbed, but accountability has not followed.
6,028 data points
Oversight & Accountability
Georgia runs one of the largest prison systems in the country without an external independent oversight body. Federal investigators documented 142 homicides and systemic Eighth Amendment failures, while GDC self-reports near-perfect accreditation and substantiates only about 3.5 percent of PREA allegations. The state's main response has been historic funding rather than enforceable accountability mechanisms.
10,513 data points
Parole & Sentencing
Georgia's parole system has narrowed sharply over two decades: total Board releases fell from 10,164 in FY2001 and a peak of 13,374 in FY2016 to 5,588 in FY2025, while parole-eligible cases considered dropped 34 percent between FY2019 and FY2021. At the same time, Georgia holds 10,392 people serving life or virtual life sentences—20 percent of its prison population—and approved a record $634 million in new corrections spending in 2025. The result is an aging, long-sentenced prison population and a back-end release valve that GPS data shows is closing even as incarceration costs climb.
11,968 data points
Population & Demographics
Georgia operates one of the largest prison systems in the United States, holding roughly 53,000 people in GDC custody as of mid-2026 and supervising tens of thousands more on probation and parole. The population is aging, includes a large life-sentenced group, and women are incarcerated at a rate exceeding nearly every nation. Yet the state's own data paints conflicting pictures of the system's true size, and major demographic health gaps — including missing hepatitis C results for half of all incarcerated people — obscure who is actually behind bars.
8,681 data points
Racial Disparities
Georgia operates one of the largest and most punitive carceral systems in the country: roughly 53,000 people are in state prisons, 95,000 are behind bars in Georgia on any given day, and as many as 102,000 Georgia residents are locked up across all systems. The most direct racial disparity in the extracted data sits at the front end of that system: Black Georgians are at least twice as likely as white Georgians to serve probation. Yet the racial composition of Georgia's prisons, jails, and long-sentenced population remains a significant data gap in the research GPS has assembled.
2,978 data points
Staffing Crisis
The Georgia Department of Corrections' correctional officer corps has collapsed: nearly half of all budgeted officer positions are vacant, and the armed workforce has shrunk by 56 percent since 2014 while the prison population stayed flat. Understaffing tracks with a documented surge in violence, homicide, overdose deaths, and staff criminality. The state has answered with historic spending increases, but without tying funds to verified staffing recovery, the crisis remains unresolved and underreported.
5,130 data points
Violence & Safety
Georgia's prisons have become the deadliest correctional system in the American South. A U.S. Department of Justice investigation documented at least 142 prison homicides between 2018 and 2023, nearly 50% correctional officer vacancies, and more than 27,000 weapons recovered inside facilities in under two years. The state's response has been a $634 million spending infusion with no independent oversight, even as official homicide counts remain contested and PREA sexual-abuse substantiation hovers near 3.5%.
3,639 data points