prison mortality and parole history
Georgia prison deaths, violence and parole by year, 1970 to now
This collection sets out facts from public sources on the subject in its title, drawn from Georgia, federal sources and national and multi-state sources. Each entry gives a short statement, the exact passage from the source that supports it, and the source's title, web address and the date it was retrieved. Searches of a source that found no match are listed too, with the wordings that were tried. The entries record what each source said when it was retrieved. They aren't a complete account of the subject, and they don't add analysis or conclusions.
Key Findings
The most impactful data from this research collection.
332
Record 332 Georgia Prison Deaths in 2024
Statistic9
Nine Incarcerated People Killed in June
StatisticGeorgia Prison Deaths Nearly Doubled 2015-2020
Trend29.2
Life Inmates Served 29.2 Years Before Release
Statistic233
Only 30 of 233 Deaths Reviewed
Statistic35
Record GDC Homicides in 2023
Statistic18
Homicides in First 5 Months of 2024
StatisticHomicides Never Exceeded 9, 2011-2018
Finding142
GDC Homicides Surge 2018-2023
StatisticInmates at 16 of 17 Prisons Witnessed Violence
FindingAll Data Points
277 verified data points extracted from primary sources.
FY09 Georgia parole completion rate 66% vs national 45% Statistic
In FY09, Georgia's Board of Pardons and Paroles achieved its highest successful parole completion rate in recorded history, with 66% of parolees successfully completing parole, compared to a national rate of just 45%.
66% vs. national rate
Georgia state and federal prisoner deaths, 2001 Statistic
Georgia state and federal prisoner deaths in 2001 totaled 93, per BJS Table 14 (Number of deaths of state and federal prisoners, by jurisdiction, 2001-2019).
93 deaths
Georgia parole completion rate FY2020 Statistic
For FY2020, the Georgia Board of Pardons and Paroles' completion rate was 73 percent.
73%
GDC death categorization Policy
The Georgia Department of Corrections told the Senate DOC Facilities Study Committee that deaths within GDC facilities are categorized as homicide, suicide, accidental death, Department executions, natural causes, and unknown, with unknown-cause dea…
Georgia prison population 1980: 12,177 Statistic
GDC's year-end counts table gives 12,177 inmates of the Georgia Prison System for 1980.
12,177 inmates
Thirteen prison deaths investigated as homicides Jan 1–Feb 4 Statistic
Georgia Department of Corrections officials told the AJC that thirteen prison deaths from Jan. 1 to Feb. 4 were being investigated as homicides, an extraordinarily high number even compared to the record-setting level of violent deaths over the past…
13 deaths
Deaths during 'reign of terror' at Georgia State Prison Case detail
During the 'reign of terror' at Georgia State Prison, five inmates and a guard were killed and dozens were injured, and the state was placed under a temporary 'checkerboard' segregation order.
FY2010 BOPP total releases 13,926 Statistic
In Fiscal Year 2010, the Georgia Board of Pardons and Paroles' Clemency Actions table lists TOTAL RELEASES of 13,926, comprising Parole 10,511; Supervised Reprieve 1,645; Conditional Transfer 1,076; and Commutation 694.
13,926 people
Georgia state and federal prisoner deaths, 2002 Statistic
Georgia state and federal prisoner deaths in 2002 totaled 103, per BJS Table 14.
103 deaths
Georgia parole consideration for life sentences after seven years Legal fact
Under Georgia law, the Board of Pardons and Paroles was required to consider inmates serving life sentences for parole after seven years, citing Ga. Code Ann. § 42-9-45(b) (1982).
GDC reports declining violent incidents but increased severity since 2015 Trend
GDC told the committee that annual violent incidents in its facilities have reduced since 2015, but the severity of incidents -- such as weapons use or number of people involved -- has increased.
Georgia prison population 1981: 12,435 Statistic
GDC's year-end counts table gives 12,435 inmates of the Georgia Prison System for 1981.
12,435 inmates
GDC investigated 66 prisoner homicides in prior year Statistic
The Georgia Department of Corrections told the AJC it investigated 66 prisoner deaths deemed to be homicides in the prior year.
66 deaths
Georgia prisoner deaths by cause, 1992 Statistic
In 1992, Georgia sentenced prisoners in state custody had 76 male and 4 female deaths (80 total); by cause: illness or natural cause 30 male/2 female; AIDS 32 male/2 female; suicide 3 male/0 female; accidental self-injury 0 male/0 female; execution …
80 deaths
FY2010 total parolee population 25,641 Statistic
The Georgia Board of Pardons and Paroles' Clemency Actions table lists TOTAL PAROLEE POPULATION as 25,641, composed of Georgia Releases in Georgia 21,686, Out-of-State Releases in Georgia 883, and Georgia Releases Out-of-State 3,072.
25,641 people
Georgia state and federal prisoner deaths, 2003 Statistic
Georgia state and federal prisoner deaths in 2003 totaled 126, per BJS Table 14.
126 deaths
Parole reconsideration set eight years later in 1989 case Case detail
The Georgia Parole Board considered an inmate for parole in 1989, seven years after his 1982 conviction; it denied release, and consistent with the 1985 amendment to Board Rule 475-3-.05(2), reconsideration was set for 1997, eight years later.
SCHR reports 33 homicides in GDC facilities 2010-2014 Statistic
The Southern Center for Human Rights told the committee that 33 homicides occurred within GDC facilities from 2010 to 2014, exceeding the rates of other southern states.
33 homicides
Georgia prison population 1982: 14,426 Statistic
GDC's year-end counts table gives 14,426 inmates of the Georgia Prison System for 1982.
14,426 inmates
AJC identified 62 homicide deaths in prior year Statistic
The AJC independently identified 62 people who died from suspected or confirmed homicides in Georgia prisons in the prior year.
62 deaths
Georgia prisoner deaths by cause, 1991 Statistic
In 1991, Georgia sentenced prisoners in state custody had 59 male and 3 female deaths (62 total); by cause: illness or natural cause 38 male/3 female; AIDS 13 male/0 female; suicide 2 male/0 female; accidental self-injury 1 (male); execution 1 (male…
62 deaths
FY2010 lifer parole decisions: 857 denied, 219 granted Statistic
The Georgia Board of Pardons and Paroles' Clemency Actions table lists LIFE DECISIONS as Deny Parole to Life Cases 857, Grant Parole to Life Cases 219, and TOTAL LIFE DECISIONS 1,076.
1,076 decisions
Georgia state and federal prisoner deaths, 2004 Statistic
Georgia state and federal prisoner deaths in 2004 totaled 90, per BJS Table 14.
90 deaths
Parole reconsideration every eight years for life-sentence inmates Policy
Board Rule 475-3-.05 provides that reconsideration of life-sentence inmates denied parole shall take place at least every eight years.
SCHR reports 21 killings and 19 suicides in Georgia prisons Jan-Sep 2020 Statistic
The Southern Center for Human Rights told the committee that from January to September 2020, 21 people were killed in Georgia prisons in addition to 19 suicides during that same period, and that annual homicide and suicide rates within GDC facilitie…
21 homicides vs. suicides
Georgia prison population 1983: 15,209 Statistic
GDC's year-end counts table gives 15,209 inmates of the Georgia Prison System for 1983.
15,209 inmates
Record 332 prisoner deaths in Georgia prisons in 2024 Statistic
A tally of all prisoner deaths in Georgia prisons in the prior year reached a record of 332, up about 27% from the year before that, and well above total deaths during the COVID-19 pandemic.
332 deaths vs. 2023 deaths
Georgia prisoner deaths by cause, 1994 Statistic
In 1994, Georgia sentenced prisoners in state custody had 92 male and 3 female deaths (95 total); by cause: illness or natural cause 45 male/2 female; AIDS 43 male/0 female; suicide 0 male/1 female; accidental self-injury 1 male/0 female; execution …
95 deaths
FY18 BOPP released 10,363 offenders; 72% completion rate Statistic
The Board released from prison a total of 10,363 offenders in FY18, and Georgia's percentage of parolees successfully completing parole in FY18 was 72%, compared to a national average of approximately 57%.
10,363 people vs. completion rate percent
Georgia state and federal prisoner deaths, 2005 Statistic
Georgia state and federal prisoner deaths in 2005 totaled 122, per BJS Table 14.
122 deaths
Parole guidelines for Crime Severity Level VIII offenders Policy
Georgia's current Parole Decision Guidelines grade Crime Severity Level VIII offenders (including murder in the second degree, voluntary manslaughter, statutory rape) by Risk to Re-Offend Score into three recommendation tiers: 90% of the prison sent…
SCHR reports increased parole wait times and recidivism barriers Finding
The Southern Center for Human Rights told the committee it has limited parole studies but that time to be considered for parole has increased for certain offenses and recidivism rules prevent parole in some instances.
Georgia prison population 1986: 17,710 Statistic
GDC's year-end counts table gives 17,710 inmates of the Georgia Prison System for 1986.
17,710 inmates
Macon State Prison deadliest with at least nine homicides Statistic
Macon State Prison was the deadliest Georgia prison in the prior year, with at least nine homicides, and killings continued into the following January with two confirmed homicides.
9 homicides
Georgia prisoner deaths by cause, 1989 Statistic
In 1989, Georgia sentenced prisoners in state custody had 43 male and 4 female deaths (47 total); by cause: illness or natural cause 31 male/4 female; suicide 2 male/0 female; accidental self-injury 1 male/0 female; execution 1 (male); caused by ano…
47 deaths
FY18 BOPP made 75,040 clemency decisions Statistic
In Fiscal Year 2018, the Georgia Board of Pardons and Paroles Members made 75,040 clemency decisions, representing all Board decisions requiring a vote and multiple decisions in each offender's case considered during the fiscal year.
75,040 decisions
Georgia state and federal prisoner deaths, 2006 Statistic
Georgia state and federal prisoner deaths in 2006 totaled 103, per BJS Table 14.
103 deaths
Georgia prison population 1977-1978 Statistic
Georgia had 11,403 prisoners under the jurisdiction of state correctional authorities on December 31, 1978, and 12,012 on December 31, 1977; of these, 10,919 (1978) and 11,597 (1977) had a maximum sentence of more than a year.
11,403 prisoners vs. 1977
Georgia prison deaths 2001-02: 199 total, 10 suicides, 4 homicides Statistic
Georgia state prison jurisdiction data, number of prisoner deaths, suicides and homicides during 2001-02, and average annual mortality rate per prisoner population: 199 total deaths, 10 suicides, 4 homicides (2001-02 combined); average annual rate 2…
199 deaths
Georgia prison population 1987: 18,575 Statistic
GDC's year-end counts table gives 18,575 inmates of the Georgia Prison System for 1987.
18,575 inmates
GDC prisoner deaths by year 2015-2024 Statistic
GDC prisoner deaths by year: 2015: 143; 2016: 138; 2017: 175; 2018: 175; 2019: 160; 2020: 281; 2021: 257; 2022: 255; 2023: 262; 2024: 332.
Georgia prisoner deaths from all causes, 1999 Statistic
In 1999, Georgia state prisons reported 82 deaths from all causes among prisoners, a rate of 197 per 100,000 inmates; of these, 13 were AIDS-related deaths (rate of 31 per 100,000 inmates), accounting for 15.9% of all deaths.
82 deaths vs. rate per 100,000 inmates
FY20 BOPP released 10,429 offenders from prison Statistic
The Georgia Board of Pardons and Paroles released from prison a total of 10,429 offenders in FY20.
10,429 people
Georgia state and federal prisoner deaths, 2007 Statistic
Georgia state and federal prisoner deaths in 2007 totaled 143, per BJS Table 14.
143 deaths
Georgia prison homicides in 2024 Statistic
At least 44 people have been homicide victims in Georgia prisons so far in 2024.
44 homicides
BJS began collecting jail death records in 2000, state prisons in 2001 Methodology note
BJS began collecting inmate death records from local jails starting in 2000, and expanded reporting to include state prisons starting in 2001.
Georgia prison population 1988: 18,794 Statistic
GDC's year-end counts table gives 18,794 inmates of the Georgia Prison System for 1988.
18,794 inmates
2020 record included 72 COVID deaths Statistic
The previous record for prison deaths in Georgia, from 2020, included 72 prisoners who died of COVID.
72 deaths
Alleged and substantiated sexual acts in Georgia prisons, 2019 Statistic
Georgia state prison authorities reported 382 alleged and 22 substantiated inmate-on-inmate nonconsensual sexual acts, and 372 alleged and 13 substantiated inmate-on-inmate sexual harassment incidents, among 41,870 prisoners in custody (data for abu…
382 alleged incidents vs. substantiated incidents
FY20 BOPP considered 21,790 cases; 20,556 initialized Statistic
In FY20, the Georgia Board of Pardons and Paroles considered 21,790 cases for releases or future tentative parole months, comprising 1,977 life sentenced cases, 13,458 guideline cases, and 6,355 short sentence cases; 20,556 cases were initialized in…
21,790 cases
Georgia state and federal prisoner deaths, 2008 Statistic
Georgia state and federal prisoner deaths in 2008 totaled 128, per BJS Table 14.
128 deaths
Georgia prison homicides in 2023 and 2022 Statistic
Georgia prisons saw an unprecedented 38 homicides in 2023, topping the previous record of 31 the year before.
38 homicides vs. 2022
BJS 2005 census data on assaults and disturbances not published Data gap
The 2005 BJS Census of State and Federal Correctional Facilities report states that data on disciplinary/misconduct reports, major and other disturbances during 2005, assaults on staff and resulting staff deaths, assaults on other inmates, escapes f…
Georgia prison population 1989: 20,825 Statistic
GDC's year-end counts table gives 20,825 inmates of the Georgia Prison System for 1989.
20,825 inmates
Alleged and substantiated sexual contact in Georgia prisons, 2020 Statistic
Georgia state prison authorities reported 472 alleged and 19 substantiated inmate-on-inmate abusive sexual contact incidents, and 407 alleged and 5 substantiated inmate-on-inmate sexual harassment incidents, among 36,661 prisoners in custody (data f…
472 alleged incidents vs. substantiated incidents
FY22 BOPP released 6,245 offenders; 73% completion rate Statistic
In Fiscal Year 2022 (FY22), through the Georgia Board of Pardons and Paroles' executive clemency authority, 6,245 offenders were released from prison to serve the remainder of their prison sentence on parole, and Georgia's percentage of parolees suc…
6,245 people vs. completion rate percent
Georgia state and federal prisoner deaths, 2009 Statistic
Georgia state and federal prisoner deaths in 2009 totaled 125, per BJS Table 14.
125 deaths
Pending coroner findings for 2023 prison deaths Data gap
For 2023, coroners have said that findings on how nine prisoners died are still pending investigation, and death certificate findings are still missing for several 2022 prison deaths.
Georgia prison population 2000 and 2005 Statistic
BJS's 'Number of correctional facilities and inmates under state or federal authority' table reports 44,299 inmates held under Georgia state authority as of June 30, 2000, and 51,822 inmates held as of December 30, 2005.
44,299 inmates vs. inmates in 2005
Georgia prison population 1965-1984 time series Statistic
GDC's year-end population counts for Georgia prisons were 7,966 in 1965, 7,385 in 1966, 7,300 in 1967, 7,175 in 1968, 7,084 in 1969, 7,113 in 1970, 8,205 in 1971, 8,315 in 1972, 9,169 in 1973, 9,776 in 1974, 10,985 in 1975, 11,389 in 1976, 11,758 in…
Nine incarcerated people killed in June alone Statistic
In June alone, nine incarcerated people, including Dominique Cole, were killed in Georgia prisons.
9 deaths
Parole release actions in FY03 Statistic
In FY03, the Georgia Board of Pardons and Paroles' 'Clemency action in FY03' table lists Release Actions: Parole 8,394; Supervised Reprieve 1,999; Conditional Transfer 501; and TOTAL RELEASES 10,894.
10,894 releases
FY22 BOPP considered 13,967 cases; 16,175 initialized Statistic
In FY22, the Georgia Board of Pardons and Paroles considered 13,967 cases for releases or future tentative parole months, comprising 1,884 life sentenced cases, 8,460 guideline cases, and 3,623 short sentence cases; 16,175 cases were initialized in …
13,967 cases
Georgia state and federal prisoner deaths, 2010 Statistic
Georgia state and federal prisoner deaths in 2010 totaled 112, per BJS Table 14.
112 deaths
Augusta State Medical Prison homicides Statistic
Augusta State Medical Prison had 11 homicides among the Georgia prison homicides known to the AJC.
11 homicides
Georgia 1995 prison deaths: 127 total, 50 AIDS-related Statistic
In 1995, Georgia state prisons reported 127 deaths from all causes among sentenced prisoners under state jurisdiction, a rate of 372 per 100,000 inmates; of these, 50 were AIDS-related deaths (rate of 147 per 100,000 inmates), accounting for 39.4% o…
127 deaths vs. AIDS-related deaths
Georgia prison population 1985-2004 time series Statistic
GDC's year-end population counts for Georgia prisons were 16,401 in 1985, 17,710 in 1986, 18,575 in 1987, 18,794 in 1988, 20,825 in 1989, 22,132 in 1990, 23,413 in 1991, 25,012 in 1992, 27,762 in 1993, 33,175 in 1994, 34,044 in 1995, 35,077 in 1996,…
Georgia 1993 prisoner deaths by cause and sex Statistic
In 1993, Georgia sentenced prisoners in state custody had 78 male and 3 female deaths (81 total); by cause: illness or natural cause 32 male/0 female; AIDS 38 male/2 female; suicide 3 male/0 female; accidental self-injury 1 male/0 female; execution …
81 deaths
Life decisions in FY03 Statistic
In FY03, the Georgia Board of Pardons and Paroles' 'Clemency action in FY03' table lists LIFE DECISIONS as Deny Parole to Life Cases 387, Grant Parole to Life Cases 167, and TOTAL LIFE DECISIONS 554.
554 life decisions
FY22 parole releases dropped 2,389 from prior year Trend
Parole releases decreased during FY22 as prison admissions increased: the Georgia Board of Pardons and Paroles released 6,245 offenders from prison in FY22, a total representing 2,389 fewer parole board-initiated releases than the previous fiscal ye…
Georgia state and federal prisoner deaths, 2011 Statistic
Georgia state and federal prisoner deaths in 2011 totaled 121, per BJS Table 14.
121 deaths
Baldwin State Prison homicides Statistic
Baldwin State Prison had 8 homicides among the Georgia prison homicides known to the AJC.
8 homicides
Georgia illness deaths 2001-04: 415 total Statistic
Georgia state prison illness deaths total 2001-04 was 415, with a rate of 201 for all illnesses, 68 heart disease, 57 cancer, 14 liver disease, 24 AIDS, and 10 respiratory disease.
415 deaths
Georgia prison population 2005-2024 time series Statistic
GDC's year-end population counts for Georgia prisons were 49,144 in 2005, 52,623 in 2006, 54,463 in 2007, 52,633 in 2008, 53,360 in 2009, 52,827 in 2010, 52,704 in 2011, 54,281 in 2012, 53,017 in 2013, 51,931 in 2014, 51,822 in 2015, 52,962 in 2016,…
Georgia life sentence parole eligibility: 14 years for serious violent felonies pre-2006 Legal fact
The Georgia Board of Pardons and Paroles states that parole-eligible offenders serving a life sentence for a serious violent felony (murder, rape, aggravated sodomy, aggravated child molestation, aggravated sexual battery, armed robbery, or kidnappi…
Parolee population at close of FY03 Statistic
At the close of FY03 (6/30/03) the parolee population stood at 22,208, and a huge expansion of the Georgia prison system doubled the state's prison capacity between 1991 and 2003.
22,208 parolees
Georgia parole originated in 1908 via Prison Commission Legal fact
Parole came to Georgia in 1908 when the General Assembly gave the Prison Commission authority to implement a system of parole or conditional pardons. Parole could be granted upon the approval of the full Commission and the Governor.
Georgia state and federal prisoner deaths, 2012 Statistic
Georgia state and federal prisoner deaths in 2012 totaled 103, per BJS Table 14.
103 deaths
Dooly State Prison homicides Statistic
Dooly State Prison had 6 homicides among the Georgia prison homicides known to the AJC.
6 homicides
Georgia 1990 prison deaths: 52 total, 46 illness, 3 suicide Statistic
In 1990, Georgia sentenced prisoners in state custody had 52 male and 0 female deaths (52 total); by cause: illness or natural cause 46 male/0 female; suicide 3 male/0 female; accidental self-injury 0 male/0 female; execution 0 (male); caused by ano…
52 deaths
Georgia prison 'Normal Death' departures FY1979: 48 Statistic
Georgia's Department of Offender Rehabilitation annual report recorded a total of 48 'Normal Death' departures from prison in its 'Departures from Prison' table, covering July through June.
48 deaths
Murder life sentence with prior life must serve 25 years before parole Legal fact
The Georgia Board of Pardons and Paroles states that an offender convicted of murder and sentenced to life imprisonment before July 1, 2006, who has previously been imprisoned under a life sentence, must serve 25 years before becoming eligible for p…
Parole release actions in FY2001 Statistic
In FY2001, the Georgia Board of Pardons and Paroles' 'FY2001 Activities' table lists RELEASE ACTIONS: Parole 7,305; Supervised Reprieve 2,242; Conditional Transfer 615; and TOTAL RELEASES 10,164.
10,164 releases
1943 legislation and constitutional amendment created BOPP Legal fact
Legislation creating the State Board of Pardons and Paroles as an independent agency was signed into law in February 1943, and in August 1943 Georgia voters ratified a constitutional amendment establishing the Board's authority to grant paroles, par…
Georgia state and federal prisoner deaths, 2013 Statistic
Georgia state and federal prisoner deaths in 2013 totaled 122, per BJS Table 14.
122 deaths
Coastal State Prison homicides Statistic
Coastal State Prison had 5 homicides among the Georgia prison homicides known to the AJC.
5 homicides
Georgia 1990 prison population: 22,345 adults Statistic
BJS's 1990 'adults on probation, in jail, in prison, or on parole' table reports 22,345 adults in prison in Georgia in 1990.
22,345 adults
Georgia prisoner deaths 2001: 93 Statistic
Georgia state and federal prisoner deaths in 2001: 93.
93 deaths
Consecutive life sentences with murder: up to 30 years before parole Legal fact
The Georgia Board of Pardons and Paroles states that an offender serving consecutive life sentences before July 1, 2006, one of which is for murder, for offenses occurring in the same series of acts, must serve consecutive ten-year periods for each …
Life decisions in FY2001 Statistic
In FY2001, the Georgia Board of Pardons and Paroles' 'FY2001 Activities' table lists LIFE DECISIONS as Deny Parole to Life Cases 577, Grant Parole to Life Cases 135, and TOTAL LIFE DECISIONS 712.
712 life decisions
1979 BOPP adopted Parole Decision Guidelines (grid system) Policy
In 1979 the Georgia Board of Pardons and Paroles began using Parole Decision Guidelines, popularly called the 'grid system,' weighing crime severity and likelihood of success on parole.
Georgia state and federal prisoner deaths, 2014 Statistic
Georgia state and federal prisoner deaths in 2014 totaled 121, per BJS Table 14.
121 deaths
Georgia 1990 correctional facility deaths: 60 total Statistic
BJS's Census of State and Federal Correctional Facilities reported 60 inmate deaths in Georgia state and federal correctional facilities, by cause: 45 illness or natural cause (excluding AIDS), 13 AIDS, 2 suicide, 0 homicide by other inmate, 0 other…
60 deaths
Georgia prisoner deaths 2005: 122 Statistic
Georgia state and federal prisoner deaths in 2005: 122.
122 deaths
HB 1176 passed unanimously and signed May 2012 Legal fact
HB 1176 passed both chambers of the Georgia General Assembly unanimously and was signed by Governor Nathan Deal in May 2012.
Parolee population in FY2001 Statistic
In FY2001, the Georgia Board of Pardons and Paroles' 'FY2001 Activities' table lists TOTAL PAROLEE POPULATION as 21,431.
21,431 parolees
2015 HB 310 created Department of Community Supervision Legal fact
In 2015 the Georgia legislature adopted House Bill 310, creating the Department of Community Supervision, which took over supervision in the community of offenders on parole or state probation.
Georgia state and federal prisoner deaths, 2015 Statistic
Georgia state and federal prisoner deaths in 2015 totaled 131, per BJS Table 14 (source text extends through 2019).
131 deaths
Inmate on inmate assaults FY2017 and FY2018 Statistic
GDC's FY2018 annual report shows Inmate on Inmate Assaults at 825 for FY 2017 and 678 for FY 2018.
678 assaults vs. FY2017
Georgia prisoner deaths 2006: 103 Statistic
Georgia state and federal prisoner deaths in 2006: 103.
103 deaths
HB 1176 passed House 162-0 and Senate 51-0 Statistic
HB 1176 passed the Georgia House by a vote of 162-0 and the Senate by a vote of 51-0.
162 votes vs. Senate votes
Parole release actions in FY06 Statistic
In FY06, the Georgia Board of Pardons and Paroles' 'Clemency Action in FY06' table lists RELEASE ACTIONS: Parole 8,131; Supervised Reprieve 2,380; Conditional Transfer 1,013; and TOTAL RELEASES 11,525.
11,525 releases
FY2001 parole releases: 7,305 Statistic
In FY2001, the Georgia State Board of Pardons and Paroles reported 7,305 people released on parole (the parole-certificate line).
7,305 people
Georgia state and federal prisoner deaths, 2016 Statistic
Georgia state and federal prisoner deaths in 2016 totaled 133, per BJS Table 14.
133 deaths
GDC Special Operations Unit shakedown confiscations Statistic
GDC's Special Operations Unit conducted 84 controlled shakedowns in State Prisons and from these confiscated 4,323 weapons, 1,271 cell phones, 4,270.33 grams of drugs, 8,104 grams of tobacco, and 114 Green Dot cards.
84 shakedowns
Georgia 1998 prison deaths: 98 total, 15 AIDS-related Statistic
In 1998, Georgia sentenced prisoners in state custody had 94 male and 4 female deaths (98 total); by cause: illness or natural cause 68 male/2 female; AIDS 15 male/0 female; suicide 3 male/2 female; accidental self-injury 2 (single-sex column); exec…
98 deaths
Georgia prisoner deaths 2007: 143 Statistic
Georgia state and federal prisoner deaths in 2007: 143.
143 deaths
Life decisions in FY06 Statistic
In FY06, the Georgia Board of Pardons and Paroles' 'Clemency Action in FY06' table lists LIFE DECISIONS as Deny Parole to Life Cases 684, Grant Parole to Life Cases 144, and TOTAL LIFE DECISIONS 828.
828 life decisions
FY2005 parole releases: 8,956 Statistic
In FY2005, the Georgia State Board of Pardons and Paroles reported 8,956 people released on parole (the parole-certificate line).
8,956 people
Georgia state and federal prisoner deaths, 2017 Statistic
Georgia state and federal prisoner deaths in 2017 totaled 173, per BJS Table 14.
173 deaths
Georgia prisoner homicides 2020-2021 Statistic
57 Georgia DOC prisoners were victims of homicide in 2020 and 2021 combined, a nearly 300% increase over 2018 and 2019, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
57 homicides
BJS 2005 census data on assaults and disturbances not published (duplicate) Data gap
The BJS 2005 Census of State and Federal Correctional Facilities report states that additional data requested in the census but not discussed in the report, including disciplinary/misconduct reports, major and other disturbances during 2005, assault…
Georgia prisoner deaths 2008: 128 Statistic
Georgia state and federal prisoner deaths in 2008: 128.
128 deaths
Georgia prison population 22,345 in 1990 Statistic
BJS's 'Prisoners in 1990' bulletin reports 22,345 total prisoners under the jurisdiction of Georgia state correctional authorities (advance count, year-end 1990), up 7.0% from a final count of 20,885; of these, 21,605 were sentenced to more than one…
22,345 prisoners vs. 1989 prisoners
Parolee population in FY06 Statistic
In FY06, the Georgia Board of Pardons and Paroles' 'Clemency Action in FY06' table lists TOTAL PAROLEE POPULATION as 23,808.
23,808 parolees
FY2010 parole releases: 10,511 Statistic
In FY2010, the Georgia State Board of Pardons and Paroles reported 10,511 people released on parole (the parole-certificate line).
10,511 people
Georgia state and federal prisoner deaths, 2018 Statistic
Georgia state and federal prisoner deaths in 2018 totaled 163, per BJS Table 14.
163 deaths
Georgia prisoner homicides by year 2020 and 2021 Statistic
Of the 57 Georgia prisoner murders counted by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution for 2020 and 2021, 29 happened in 2020 and 28 occurred in 2021.
29 homicides vs. 2021
BJS 2019 census reports security incidents only by facility characteristics, not state Methodology note
BJS Table 8 in the Census of State and Federal Adult Correctional Facilities, 2019 reports counts of walkaways, prisoner-on-staff assaults, prisoner-on-prisoner physical/sexual assaults, disciplinary reports, disturbances and escapes only by facilit…
Georgia prisoner deaths 2009: 125 Statistic
Georgia state and federal prisoner deaths in 2009: 125.
125 deaths
Georgia prison population 50,425 in 2023 Statistic
BJS's Prisoners statistical tables report 50,425 total prisoners (46,760 male, 3,665 female) under the jurisdiction of Georgia state correctional authorities, up from 48,439, a change of 1,986 or 4.1%.
50,425 prisoners vs. 2022 prisoners
Parolee population decline in FY2006 Statistic
During Fiscal year 2006, the Georgia Board of Pardons and Paroles' parolee population declined slightly from 21,741 to 21,378 under supervision, and 60% of parolees successfully completed supervision.
60%
FY2014 parole releases (in-state certs only): 8,934 Statistic
In FY2014, the Georgia State Board of Pardons and Paroles reported 8,934 people released on parole (in-state certificates only, the parole-certificate line).
8,934 people
Georgia state and federal prisoner deaths, 2019 Statistic
Georgia state and federal prisoner deaths in 2019 totaled 157, per BJS Table 14.
157 deaths
BJS counted 89 prisoner homicides in Georgia prisons Statistic
BJS mortality data published in December 2021 counted 89 prisoner homicides in all prisons in Georgia, both state and federal.
89 homicides
Georgia prison population 1999-2000 Statistic
Georgia had 44,232 prisoners under the jurisdiction of Federal or State correctional authorities at yearend 2000, up from 42,091 at yearend 1999; of these, 44,141 (2000) and 42,008 (1999) were sentenced to more than a year.
44,232 prisoners vs. prisoners in 1999
Georgia prisoner deaths 2010: 112 Statistic
Georgia state and federal prisoner deaths in 2010: 112.
112 deaths
Georgia custody population 50,104 as of Dec 31, 2023 Statistic
Georgia's custody population in state prison facilities was 50,104 as of December 31, 2023.
50,104 prisoners
Parole release actions in FY04 Statistic
In FY04, the Georgia Board of Pardons and Paroles' 'Clemency action in FY04' table lists RELEASE ACTIONS: Parole 9,565; Supervised Reprieve 1,981; Conditional Transfer 1,041; and TOTAL RELEASES 12,589.
12,589 releases
FY2016 released from prison: 13,374 Statistic
In FY2016, the Georgia Board of Pardons and Paroles reported 13,374 people released from prison (BOPP's 'released-from-prison' wording, a different instrument from the earlier parole-certificate line).
13,374 people
Georgia state prison suicides 2018-2020 Statistic
An AJC investigation counted 17 Georgia state prison suicides in 2018, rising to 25 in 2019 and 30 in 2020.
30 suicides vs. 2018
Georgia prison population 2000, 2009, 2010 Statistic
Georgia had 56,432 prisoners under the jurisdiction of state or federal correctional authorities on December 31, 2010, down from 56,986 on December 31, 2009, and up from 44,232 on December 31, 2000.
56,432 prisoners vs. prisoners in 2009
Georgia prisoner deaths 2011: 123 Statistic
Georgia state and federal prisoner deaths in 2011: 123.
123 deaths
Georgia inmates served less than one-third of sentence 1989-1993 Finding
GDC's 'Truth in Sentencing' standing report states that in Georgia between 1989 and 1993, the average inmate served less than one-third of the sentence handed down by the court, because anything longer than one-third would not fit in available priso…
Life decisions in FY04 Statistic
In FY04, the Georgia Board of Pardons and Paroles' 'Clemency action in FY04' table lists LIFE DECISIONS as Deny Parole to Life Cases 755, Grant Parole to Life Cases 134, and TOTAL LIFE DECISIONS 889.
889 life decisions
FY2020 released from prison: 10,429 Statistic
In FY2020, the Georgia Board of Pardons and Paroles reported 10,429 people released from prison.
10,429 people
DOC recorded 25 suicides in a year during pandemic Statistic
DOC recorded 25 suicides in a year even after the prison population dipped during the pandemic.
25 suicides
Georgia 1995 correctional facility deaths: 120 total Statistic
BJS's Census of State and Federal Correctional Facilities reported 120 inmate deaths in Georgia state and federal correctional facilities, by cause: 87 illness/natural cause (excluding AIDS), 24 AIDS, 4 suicide, 0 homicide by other inmates, 5 other …
120 deaths
Georgia prisoner deaths 2012: 103 Statistic
Georgia state and federal prisoner deaths in 2012: 103.
103 deaths
Parole abolished in 1996 for six non-murder deadly sins Legal fact
GDC's 'Truth in Sentencing' standing report states that parole was abolished in 1996 for the six non-murder 'deadly sins,' and anyone convicted of those crimes must serve 100% of the sentence, with no parole or good time.
Parolee population in FY04 Statistic
In FY04, the Georgia Board of Pardons and Paroles' 'Clemency action in FY04' table lists TOTAL PAROLEE POPULATION as 23,595.
23,595 parolees
FY2025 released on parole: 5,588 Statistic
In FY2025, the Georgia Board of Pardons and Paroles reported 5,588 people released on parole.
5,588 people
Georgia prisoner suicides in first nine months of 2020 Statistic
In September 2020, DOC had recorded 19 prisoner suicides in just nine months, reflecting a rate about twice the national average in state prisons.
19 suicides
Georgia prison population 2014-2015 Statistic
Georgia had 52,193 prisoners under the jurisdiction of state or federal correctional authorities on December 31, 2015, down from 52,949 on December 31, 2014.
52,193 prisoners vs. prisoners in 2014
Georgia prisoner deaths 2013: 122 Statistic
Georgia state and federal prisoner deaths in 2013: 122.
122 deaths
Georgia received $82,211,036 in VOITIS funds Statistic
GDC's 'Truth in Sentencing' standing report states that Georgia received Violent Offender Incarceration/Truth In Sentencing (VOITIS) funds every year the program operated, for a total of $82,211,036.
$82.2M
90% policy cases processed since 1998 Statistic
The Georgia Board of Pardons and Paroles' '90% policy' total number of cases processed since January 1998 was 12,790, as of the FY04 report.
12,790 cases
FY2001 total releases (all actions): 10,164 Statistic
In FY2001, the Georgia State Board of Pardons and Paroles reported a total of 10,164 people released (all release actions).
10,164 people
Smith State Prison homicides in 2021 Statistic
Six prisoners were killed in 2021 at Smith State Prison.
6 homicides
Georgia prisoner deaths 2014: 120 Statistic
Georgia state and federal prisoner deaths in 2014: 120.
120 deaths
Georgia's Seven Deadly Sins law passed 1995 Legal fact
GDC's 'Truth in Sentencing' standing report states that Georgia's 'Seven deadly sins' law was passed in 1995 and mandates a nonparolable sentence of at least ten years for kidnapping, armed robbery, rape, aggravated sodomy, aggravated sexual battery…
Reidsville racial violence: one killed, five wounded Case detail
The segregation order at Georgia State Prison, Reidsville, issued the day before Independence Day, came after one prisoner was killed and five others were wounded during a racial fight.
Parolee population in FY2011 Statistic
The Georgia Board of Pardons and Paroles' 'Clemency Actions in FY 2011' table lists TOTAL PAROLEE POPULATION (June 30, 2011) as 26,836.
26,836 parolees
FY2010 total releases (all actions): 13,926 Statistic
In FY2010, the Georgia State Board of Pardons and Paroles reported a total of 13,926 people released (all release actions).
13,926 people
Baldwin State Prison homicides in 2021 Statistic
Four prisoners were murdered at Baldwin State Prison in 2021.
4 homicides
Georgia prison deaths nearly doubled 2015-2020 Trend
UCLA's Law COVID Behind Bars Data Project found that between 2015 and 2020, the annual number of prison deaths in Georgia prisons nearly doubled, from 143 deaths in 2015 to 281 deaths in 2020.
Reidsville gymnasium fight injured nine men Case detail
A fight in the Georgia State Prison gymnasium in June injured nine men.
Offender files and investigations in FY2011 Statistic
During FY 2011, Georgia Board of Pardons and Paroles staff created 21,416 new offender files and completed 48,376 investigations on behalf of the Board.
21,416 files vs. investigations
FY2014 total releases (all actions): 16,212 Statistic
In FY2014, the Georgia State Board of Pardons and Paroles reported a total of 16,212 people released (all release actions, including 3,119 commutations).
16,212 people
GDC correctional officers arrested or fired for excessive force Statistic
At least 80 GDC correctional officers have been arrested or fired since 2017 after being accused of using excessive force against prisoners.
80 officers
Reidsville July 23 riot: first guard murder in prison history Case detail
On July 23rd, a group of Black inmates being escorted to dinner at Georgia State Prison overpowered their guards, took the keys, and rampaged through two dormitories for nearly an hour, burning mattresses, in what is described as the most violent ri…
Parole release actions in FY2011 Statistic
In FY 2011, the Georgia Board of Pardons and Paroles' 'Clemency Actions in FY 2011' table lists RELEASE ACTION Totals: Parole 10,938; Supervised Reprieve 1,587; Conditional Transfer 1,085; Commutation 350; Other Release Action 23; and TOTAL RELEASES…
13,983 releases
FY2001 parolee population (in-state): 19,576 Statistic
In FY2001, the Georgia parolee population under in-state supervision was 19,576 people.
19,576 people
Georgia parole guideline policy for violent crimes Policy
In January 1998, the Georgia Parole Board implemented a new guideline policy that recommends inmates convicted of one of 20 violent crimes serve ninety percent of the court-imposed sentence before release to parole supervision.
GBI inquiry: two guards fired, 16 resigned for smuggling drugs Case detail
After repeated accusations that guards were passing weapons to prisoners at Reidsville, a Georgia Bureau of Investigation inquiry resulted in two guards being fired and 16 more resigning, primarily for smuggling drugs to prisoners.
Parole population decrease in FY2012 Statistic
During Fiscal Year 2012, the Georgia parole population decreased from 23,729 parolees on July 1, 2011, to 22,480 (supervised in-state) on June 30, 2012, and the parole completion success rate rose to 72%.
72%
FY2014 parolee population peak: 25,195 Statistic
In FY2014, the Georgia parolee population under in-state supervision was 25,195 people, the highest value in GPS's parole-statistics series.
25,195 people
Inmate deaths in Georgia confinement facilities by cause Statistic
BJS's Census of State Adult Correctional Facilities reported 9 inmate deaths in Georgia confinement facilities during the relevant fiscal year, by cause: 5 illness/natural cause, 1 suicide, 1 homicide, 0 AIDS, 1 accident, 1 other.
9 deaths
Reidsville population reduced from 2,800 to 2,100 after violence Policy
Following the violence at Reidsville, the prison population was reduced from 2,800 inmates to 2,100, and 125 additional guards were hired.
Parole release actions in FY2012 Statistic
In Fiscal Year 2012, the Georgia Board of Pardons and Paroles' 'Clemency Actions in FY 2012' table lists RELEASE ACTION Totals: Parole 8,960; Supervised Reprieve 1,961; Conditional Transfer 1,666; Commutation 19; and TOTAL RELEASES 12,606.
12,606 releases
FY2025 parolee population (in-state): 14,568 Statistic
In FY2025, the Georgia parolee population under in-state supervision was 14,568 people.
14,568 people
SCHR testimony on Georgia prison homicides 2010-2014 Statistic
The Southern Center for Human Rights told the Georgia Senate DOC Facilities Study Committee that 33 homicides occurred within GDC facilities from 2010 to 2014.
33 homicides
Monitor report: attacks result of poker arguments, debts, jealousies Finding
Court-appointed special monitor Vincent Nathan's report stated that, unlike a series of racial stabbings during the summer of 1978, the continuing attacks at Georgia State Prison were the result of arguments during poker games, enforcement of debts,…
Death of Correctional Officer Dan Harrison Case detail
Correctional Officer Dan Harrison of the Georgia Department of Corrections was beaten and stabbed to death at the Georgia State Prison in Reidsville, Georgia, stabbed a total of 61 times, with nearly every bone in his body broken, while going to the…
FY2001 lifer parole grants: 135 Statistic
In FY2001, the Georgia Board of Pardons and Paroles granted parole to 135 people serving life sentences.
135 people
Georgia prison killings and suicides January-September 2020 Statistic
Testimony to the Georgia Senate DOC Facilities Study Committee stated that from January to September 2020, 21 people were killed in Georgia prisons in addition to 19 suicides during that same time period.
21 homicides vs. suicides
WSB-TV newsfilm on Reidsville racial violence Case detail
A WSB-TV newsfilm is titled 'Racial Violence Erupts at Reidsville State Prison; One Inmate Killed.'
FY2010 lifer parole decisions: 1,076 Statistic
In FY2010, the Georgia Board of Pardons and Paroles made 1,076 lifer parole decisions.
1,076 decisions
GDC testimony on violent incidents trend Trend
GDC told the Senate Study Committee that annual violent incidents in its facilities have reduced since 2015, but the severity, such as the use of weapons or number of people involved, has increased.
FY2010 lifer parole denials: 857 Statistic
In FY2010, the Georgia Board of Pardons and Paroles denied parole to 857 people serving life sentences.
857 people
Georgia prison population 2019-2020 Statistic
Georgia had 47,141 prisoners under the jurisdiction of state correctional authorities at yearend 2020, down from 54,816 at yearend 2019.
47,141 prisoners vs. 2019
FY2010 lifer parole grants: 219 Statistic
In FY2010, the Georgia Board of Pardons and Paroles granted parole to 219 people serving life sentences.
219 people
Georgia custody population December 31, 2020 Statistic
Georgia's custody population in state prison facilities was 47,185 as of December 31, 2020.
47,185 prisoners
FY2015 lifer parole decisions: 1,381 Statistic
In FY2015, the Georgia Board of Pardons and Paroles made 1,381 lifer parole decisions.
1,381 decisions
FY2015 lifer parole denials: 1,230 Statistic
In FY2015, the Georgia Board of Pardons and Paroles denied parole to 1,230 people serving life sentences.
1,230 people
GDC average daily population 2024 Statistic
GDC's average daily population 'on hand' in State Prisons was 35,220 for the period 01/01/2024 to 12/31/2024, against a capacity of 37,406.
35,220 prisoners vs. capacity
FY2020 lifer parole grants: 223 Statistic
In FY2020, the Georgia Board of Pardons and Paroles granted parole to 223 people serving life sentences.
223 people
Georgia cumulative prisoner deaths by cause (multi-year total) Statistic
Georgia cumulative state prisoner deaths by cause (multi-year total): 1,611 all causes; 426 cancer; 541 heart disease; 99 liver disease; 117 respiratory disease; 77 AIDS-related; 197 all other illnesses; 71 suicide; 1 drug/alcohol intoxication; 13 a…
1,611 deaths
FY2020 lifer parole decisions: 2,009 Statistic
In FY2020, the Georgia Board of Pardons and Paroles made 2,009 lifer parole decisions.
2,009 decisions
Macon State Prison deadliest in Georgia Statistic
The AJC found that Macon State Prison was the deadliest prison in Georgia last year, with at least nine homicides; the killings continued this year, with two confirmed homicides in January.
9 homicides
Georgia average annual prisoner mortality rate by cause Statistic
Georgia average annual mortality rate for state prisoners by cause (multi-year average): 223 all causes; 59 cancer; 75 heart disease; 14 liver disease; 16 respiratory disease; 11 AIDS-related; 27 all other illnesses; 10 suicide; 2 accident; 7 homici…
223 per 100,000 inmates
FY2025 lifer parole decisions: 2,277 Statistic
In FY2025, the Georgia Board of Pardons and Paroles made 2,277 lifer parole decisions.
2,277 decisions
House Bill 1176 effective date Legal fact
House Bill 1176 (Georgia's 2012 criminal justice reform legislation) became effective on July 1, 2012, per the Georgia Senate Research Office's account of the child-abuse-reporting provisions.
FY2025 lifer parole denials: 2,154 Statistic
In FY2025, the Georgia Board of Pardons and Paroles denied parole to 2,154 people serving life sentences.
2,154 people
Georgia FY24 prison releases to parole: 5,443 Statistic
In FY24, the Georgia Board of Pardons and Paroles released 5,443 offenders from prison to parole.
5,443 offenders
FY2001 parole completion rate: 68% Statistic
For FY2001, the Georgia Board of Pardons and Paroles' completion rate was 68 percent.
68%
Georgia cumulative state prisoner deaths by cause: all causes Statistic
Georgia cumulative state prisoner deaths from all causes totaled 2,369 over the multi-year reporting period, per BJS cause-of-death table.
2,369 deaths
Georgia FY24 parole-eligible cases considered: 19,328 Statistic
In FY24, the total number of parole-eligible offender cases considered by the Board Members was 19,328.
19,328 cases
FY2010 parole completion rate: 69% Statistic
For FY2010, the Georgia Board of Pardons and Paroles' completion rate was 69 percent.
69%
Georgia cumulative state prisoner deaths from heart disease Statistic
Georgia cumulative state prisoner deaths from heart disease totaled 780 over the multi-year reporting period.
780 deaths
Georgia FY24 parole completion rate: 72% Statistic
Georgia's percentage of parolees successfully completing parole in FY24 was 72%. The national average was estimated to be approximately 60%.
72% vs. national average
FY2025 parole completion rate: 73% Statistic
For FY2025, the Georgia Board of Pardons and Paroles' completion rate was 73 percent.
73%
Georgia cumulative state prisoner deaths from cancer Statistic
Georgia cumulative state prisoner deaths from cancer totaled 597 over the multi-year reporting period.
597 deaths
Georgia FY24 life sentence case decisions: 2,046 total Statistic
In FY24, Life Sentence Cases Denied were 1,953 and Life Sentence Cases Granted/released were 93, for a Total Life Sentence Case Decisions of 2,046.
2,046 cases
FY2026 partial-year lifer parole grant rate: 8.2% Statistic
For FY2026 (partial year), the lifer parole grant rate under the Board's ORA instrument was 8.2 percent.
8.2%
Georgia cumulative state prisoner deaths from liver disease Statistic
Georgia cumulative state prisoner deaths from liver disease totaled 125 over the multi-year reporting period.
125 deaths
Average time served by life-sentenced SVF inmates before release: 29.2 years in FY2024 Statistic
Average time served in prison by life-sentenced inmates convicted of serious violent felonies before release was less than nine years in 1973, more than 15 years by 2000, nearly 20 years by 2010, and 29.2 years in FY2024.
29.2 years vs. years in 1973
Georgia cumulative state prisoner deaths from AIDS-related disease Statistic
Georgia cumulative state prisoner deaths from AIDS-related disease totaled 83 over the multi-year reporting period.
83 deaths
Georgia FY24 cumulative parole supervision population: 22,406 Statistic
The cumulative number of offenders under parole supervision during FY24 was 22,406.
22,406 offenders
Georgia cumulative state prisoner deaths from respiratory disease Statistic
Georgia cumulative state prisoner deaths from respiratory disease totaled 187 over the multi-year reporting period.
187 deaths
GDC OHS inmate deaths 2005-2006: 233, only 30 with mortality review Statistic
GDC's Office of Health Services had records for 233 inmate deaths, excluding executions, for calendar years 2005 and 2006 combined. Only 30 of 233 deaths had evidence that OHS clinical staff performed a mortality review.
233 deaths vs. deaths with mortality review
Georgia cumulative state prisoner deaths from all other illnesses Statistic
Georgia cumulative state prisoner deaths from all other illnesses totaled 300 over the multi-year reporting period.
300 deaths
Georgia Parole Decision Guidelines crime severity levels: 7 pre-2006, 8 post-2006 Policy
The Georgia Parole Board's Parole Decision Guidelines system ranks offenses in a table of Crime Severity Levels with seven levels for offenses committed prior to 2006, and eight levels for offenses committed on or after January 1, 2006.
GPS parole statistics API contains 238 page-cited values Methodology note
The GPS parole annual statistics API contains 238 official BOPP annual-report statistics that are page-cited and quote-verified, with source_report and source_page fields citing the annual report PDF each value was read from.
Georgia cumulative state prisoner deaths from suicide Statistic
Georgia cumulative state prisoner deaths from suicide totaled 145 over the multi-year reporting period.
145 deaths
Georgia Parole Board revised guidelines grid effective January 1, 2008 Policy
The Georgia Parole Board revised its Parole Decision Guidelines grid and changed how it evaluates offenders for cases considered after January 1, 2008, following a three-year study of risk factors, past clemency practices, and the effects of the new…
Georgia cumulative state prisoner deaths from drug/alcohol intoxication Statistic
Georgia cumulative state prisoner deaths from drug/alcohol intoxication totaled 12 over the multi-year reporting period.
12 deaths
Georgia 90% policy deviations: 10 of 8,664 cases (1998-2001) Statistic
In the Jackson v. State Board of Pardons and Paroles litigation, evidence presented at an April 10th hearing indicated that from January 1, 1998 through June 30, 2001, the Georgia Board of Pardons and Paroles deviated below the 90% threshold in exac…
10 cases vs. total cases
Georgia cumulative state prisoner deaths from accident Statistic
Georgia cumulative state prisoner deaths from accident totaled 22 over the multi-year reporting period.
22 deaths
Georgia 90% parole policy ruled unconstitutional as retroactively applied Legal fact
The U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia held that the retroactive application by the Georgia Board of Pardons and Paroles of its 1998 policy revision requiring specified violent felons to now do 90% of their sentence was unconst…
Georgia cumulative state prisoner deaths from homicide Statistic
Georgia cumulative state prisoner deaths from homicide totaled 89 over the multi-year reporting period.
89 deaths
Jackson v. State Board of Pardons and Paroles case citation Legal fact
The legal case related to the Georgia Board of Pardons and Paroles policy is cited as Jackson v. State Board of Pardons and Paroles, decided in 2002, cite 2002 WL 1609804 (N.D. Ga.), District Court level, with a bench verdict.
Georgia 1998 policy required 90% time served before first parole hearing Legal fact
A federal district court found the Georgia Board of Pardons and Paroles' 1998 policy revision requiring specified violent felons to serve 90% (rather than one-third) of their 'time to serve' before their first parole hearing was unconstitutional as …
Georgia Parole Board discontinued 90% policy effective 2006 Policy
The Georgia Board of Pardons and Paroles' FY2005 Annual Report states that a new agency rule was adopted by the Board that discontinued the 90% policy. This policy will affect only those inmates convicted after January 1, 2006 and adds an additional…
Georgia Parole Decision Guidelines established 1979 Policy
Since 1979 the Georgia Parole Board has reviewed non-life sentence cases under 'Parole Decision Guidelines,' described as one of the country's first standardized methods of predicting an offender's success on parole.
Parole Board Rule 475-3-.05 Crime Severity Level VIII recommendations Legal fact
Parole Board Rule 475-3-.05 sets Crime Severity Level VIII parole guideline recommendations of 90% of the prison sentence for a Parole Success Score of 0 to 8, 75% for a score of 9 to 13, and 65% for a score of 14 to 20.
Georgia FY05 parole release actions: 12,708 total releases Statistic
The Georgia Board of Pardons and Paroles' 'Clemency Action in FY05' table lists RELEASE ACTIONS: Parole 8,956; Supervised Reprieve 2,779; Conditional Transfer 972; and TOTAL RELEASES 12,708.
12,708 releases
Georgia FY05 life decisions: 683 total, 495 denied, 188 granted Statistic
The Georgia Board of Pardons and Paroles' 'Clemency Action in FY05' table lists LIFE DECISIONS as Deny Parole to Life Cases 495, Grant Parole to Life Cases 188, and TOTAL LIFE DECISIONS 683.
683 decisions
Georgia FY05 total parolee population: 24,276 Statistic
The Georgia Board of Pardons and Paroles' 'Clemency Action in FY05' table lists TOTAL PAROLEE POPULATION as 24,276, composed of Georgia Releases in Georgia 21,306, Out-of-State Releases in Georgia 655, and Georgia Releases Out of State 2,315.
24,276 parolees
Georgia prison homicides 2017: 8, 2018: 9 Statistic
According to the Georgia Department of Corrections, there were eight homicides in Georgia state prisons in 2017 and nine in 2018.
8 homicides vs. homicides in 2018
GDC homicides systemwide, 2018 Statistic
According to GDC mortality reports, there were 7 homicides systemwide in GDC prisons in 2018.
7 homicides
GDC homicides systemwide, 2019 Statistic
In 2019, GDC-reported homicides in Georgia prisons jumped to 13.
13 homicides vs. 2018 homicides
GDC homicides systemwide, 2020 Statistic
GDC data shows 28 homicides in Georgia prisons in 2020.
28 homicides
GDC homicides systemwide, 2021 Statistic
GDC data shows 28 homicides in Georgia prisons in 2021.
28 homicides
GDC homicides systemwide, 2022 Statistic
GDC data shows 31 homicides in Georgia prisons in 2022.
31 homicides
GDC homicides systemwide, 2023 (record) Statistic
GDC data shows a record 35 homicides in Georgia prisons in 2023.
35 homicides
Confirmed or suspected homicides in GDC custody, first five months of 2024 Statistic
In the first five months of 2024, there were 18 confirmed or suspected homicides in GDC custody, based on GDC's reported homicide totals and other documentation.
18 homicides
Georgia state-prison homicide rate, 2019 Statistic
Georgia's state-prison homicide rate in 2019 was 34 per 100,000 people, compared to a national average of 12 per 100,000 in state prisons.
34 per 100,000 people vs. national average state-prison homicide rate, 2019
National average state-prison homicide rate, 2019 Statistic
The national average homicide rate in state prisons across the country for 2019 was 12 per 100,000 people.
12 per 100,000 people
GDC homicides never exceeded nine annually, 2011-2018 Finding
From 2011 through 2018, the number of homicides systemwide in GDC prisons never exceeded nine deaths annually.
GDC homicides 2018-2023: total and increase Statistic
Over the six-year period from 2018 through 2023, GDC reported a total of 142 homicides in its prisons, with 48 in the first three years and a 95.8% increase in the latter three years, to 94 homicides.
142 homicides vs. percent increase in latter three years
Violence persisted despite modest 2023 staffing increases Finding
Although GDC's security staffing saw some modest increases in 2023, with more staff hires than separations for the first time in years, violence remained a constant, with a record 35 homicides in the prisons by GDC's own reported numbers.
Smith State Prison lockdown after armed fight, March 27, 2023 Case detail
On March 27, 2023, Smith State Prison went into lockdown immediately before a DOJ site inspection. GDC imposed the lockdown because of a fight with weapons early that morning following the serving of a Ramadan breakfast inside the D-2 dorm. Seven in…
Reported incidents of violence across GDC close- and medium-security prisons, Jan 2022-Apr 2023 Statistic
From January 2022 through April 2023, there were more than 1,400 reported incidents of violence, including fights, assaults, hostage incidents, and homicides, across the close-security prisons and most of the medium-security prisons.
1,400 reported incidents
Characteristics of analyzed GDC violence incidents Statistic
Of the reported incidents of violence in GDC prisons analyzed by DOJ, 19.7% involved a weapon, 45.1% resulted in serious injury, and 30.5% resulted in offsite medical treatment.
19.7%
Gang fight at Smith State Prison after warden's arrest, February 8, 2023 Case detail
Hours after the arrest of Smith State Prison's Warden, Brian Adams, was announced on February 8, 2023, a gang fight broke out in a housing unit at Smith. Nine incarcerated persons were injured from stabbing wounds, six requiring hospitalization, wit…
Ware State Prison riot, 2020 Case detail
In 2020, there was a major riot at Ware State Prison in which incarcerated persons obtained facility keys, let scores of other incarcerated persons out of their housing units (including restrictive housing units), held officers hostage and stabbed o…
Incarcerated people at 16 of 17 GDC prisons reported witnessing life-threatening violence Finding
In interviews at 16 of the 17 GDC prisons DOJ visited in 2022 and 2023, incarcerated people consistently reported that they have witnessed life-threatening violence, including stabbings, and that weapons are widespread.
Low referral rates of violent incidents to OPS for investigation Finding
According to GDC's incident report records from 22 GDC prisons, less than 10% of fights and less than 23% of inmate-on-inmate assaults from January 2022 to April 2023 were forwarded by the facility to OPS for investigation. Even for incidents involv…
Five GDC homicides at four prisons in December 2023 Case detail
In December 2023, GDC experienced five homicides at four different prisons, alongside serious incidents at other facilities.
Georgia state and federal prisoner deaths, 2002 (mljsp0013st) Statistic
Georgia state and federal prisoner deaths in 2002 totaled 102, per BJS Table 25 (Number of state and federal prisoner deaths, by location, 2001-2013).
102 deaths
Georgia state and federal prisoner deaths, 2011 (mljsp0013st) Statistic
Georgia state and federal prisoner deaths in 2011 totaled 123, per BJS Table 25.
123 deaths
Georgia cumulative state prisoner deaths by cause (mljsp0013st): all causes Statistic
Georgia cumulative state prisoner deaths from all causes totaled 1,492 over the multi-year reporting period, per BJS Table 25.
1,492 deaths
Georgia cumulative state prisoner deaths from cancer (mljsp0013st) Statistic
Georgia cumulative state prisoner deaths from cancer totaled 395 over the multi-year reporting period.
395 deaths
Georgia cumulative state prisoner deaths from heart disease (mljsp0013st) Statistic
Georgia cumulative state prisoner deaths from heart disease totaled 498 over the multi-year reporting period.
498 deaths
Georgia cumulative state prisoner deaths from liver disease (mljsp0013st) Statistic
Georgia cumulative state prisoner deaths from liver disease totaled 92 over the multi-year reporting period.
92 deaths
Georgia cumulative state prisoner deaths from respiratory disease (mljsp0013st) Statistic
Georgia cumulative state prisoner deaths from respiratory disease totaled 110 over the multi-year reporting period.
110 deaths
Georgia cumulative state prisoner deaths from AIDS-related disease (mljsp0013st) Statistic
Georgia cumulative state prisoner deaths from AIDS-related disease totaled 76 over the multi-year reporting period.
76 deaths
Georgia cumulative state prisoner deaths from all other illness (mljsp0013st) Statistic
Georgia cumulative state prisoner deaths from all other illness totaled 177 over the multi-year reporting period.
177 deaths
Georgia cumulative state prisoner deaths from suicide (mljsp0013st) Statistic
Georgia cumulative state prisoner deaths from suicide totaled 66 over the multi-year reporting period.
66 deaths
Georgia cumulative state prisoner deaths from drug/alcohol intoxication (mljsp0013st) Statistic
Georgia cumulative state prisoner deaths from drug/alcohol intoxication totaled 1 over the multi-year reporting period.
1 deaths
Georgia cumulative state prisoner deaths from accident (mljsp0013st) Statistic
Georgia cumulative state prisoner deaths from accident totaled 13 over the multi-year reporting period.
13 deaths
Georgia cumulative state prisoner deaths from homicide (mljsp0013st) Statistic
Georgia cumulative state prisoner deaths from homicide totaled 47 over the multi-year reporting period.
47 deaths
Georgia prison system year-end population, 1925 Statistic
GDC's published year-end population chart records a year-end count of 3,007 inmates of the Georgia Prison System in 1925.
3,007 inmates
Georgia prison system year-end population, 1970 Statistic
GDC's year-end population chart shows a Georgia prison system count of 7,113 in 1970.
7,113 inmates
Georgia prison system year-end population, 1994 (Sentence Reform Act year) Statistic
GDC's year-end population chart shows a Georgia prison system count of 33,175 in 1994, the year the Sentence Reform Act of 1994 was enacted.
33,175 inmates
Georgia prison system year-end population, 1998 Statistic
GDC's year-end population chart shows a Georgia prison system count of 38,935 in 1998.
38,935 inmates
Georgia prison system year-end population, 2005 Statistic
GDC's year-end population chart shows a Georgia prison system count of 49,144 in 2005.
49,144 inmates
Georgia prison system year-end population, 2024 Statistic
GDC's year-end population chart shows a Georgia prison system count of 50,107 in 2024.
50,107 inmates
Georgia prison system year-end population, 1971 Statistic
GDC's year-end counts table gives 8,205 inmates of the Georgia Prison System for 1971.
8,205 inmates
Georgia prison system year-end population, 1972 Statistic
GDC's year-end counts table gives 8,315 inmates of the Georgia Prison System for 1972.
8,315 inmates
Georgia prison system year-end population, 1973 Statistic
GDC's year-end counts table gives 9,169 inmates of the Georgia Prison System for 1973.
9,169 inmates
Georgia prison system year-end population, 1975 Statistic
GDC's year-end counts table gives 10,985 inmates of the Georgia Prison System for 1975.
10,985 inmates
Georgia prison system year-end population, 1976 Statistic
GDC's year-end counts table gives 11,389 inmates of the Georgia Prison System for 1976.
11,389 inmates
Georgia prison system year-end population, 1977 Statistic
GDC's year-end counts table gives 11,758 inmates of the Georgia Prison System for 1977.
11,758 inmates
Georgia prison system year-end population, 1979 Statistic
GDC's year-end counts table gives 12,119 inmates of the Georgia Prison System for 1979.
12,119 inmates
GDC year-end population chart methodology Methodology note
GDC's year-end population chart includes state prisoners in state prisons, inmate boot camps, county prisons, transition centers, and private prisons. It does not include probationers in detention centers, diversion centers, or probation boot camps,…
Sources
76 cited sources backing this research.
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Academic
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Data portal
Key Entities
Organizations, people, facilities, and other named entities referenced in this research.
90% Policy
[organization]
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
[organization]
Augusta State Medical Prison
[facility]
Baldwin State Prison
[facility]
Brian Adams
[person]
Bureau of Justice Statistics
[organization]
Coastal State Prison
[facility]
Dan Harrison
[person]
Department of Community Supervision
[organization]
Dominique Cole
[person]
Dooly State Prison
[facility]
Georgia Board of Pardons and Paroles
[organization]
Georgia Bureau of Investigation
[organization]
Georgia Department of Corrections
[organization]
Georgia Department of Offender Rehabilitation
[organization]
Georgia Prisoners' Speak
[organization]
Georgia State Prison
[facility]
HB 1176
[legislation]
House Bill 1176
[legislation]
House Bill 310
[legislation]
Jackson v. State Board of Pardons and Paroles
[case]
Macon State Prison
[facility]
Nathan Deal
[person]
National Corrections Reporting Program
[program]
Office of Health Services
[organization]
Parole Decision Guidelines
[program]
Pew Charitable Trusts
[organization]
Senate DOC Facilities Study Committee
[organization]
Sentence Reform Act of 1994
[legislation]
Smith State Prison
[facility]
Southern Center for Human Rights
[organization]
U.S. Department of Justice
[organization]
UCLA Law COVID Behind Bars Data Project
[organization]
University of Michigan Criminal Justice Archive
[organization]
Vincent Nathan
[person]
Ware State Prison
[facility]
Related Topics
Research topics that draw on data from this collection.
Historical Context
Georgia's prison system was built as a labor system before it was ever built as a correctional one: the state began leasing convicts to private companies in 1866, one year after the 13th Amendment's punishment exception opened the legal door, and the 150-plus years since have never fully broken that continuity. This page traces the arc from the leasing camps and their 10–25% annual death rates, through the chain gangs, the model prison at Reidsville, and the thirteen-year federal takeover in Guthrie v. Evans, to a modern system of roughly 50,000 people that still pays most working prisoners nothing and whose homicide rate the U.S. Department of Justice found in 2024 to be nearly triple the national average.
5,068 data points
Mortality & Deaths in Custody
Georgia's prisons killed at least 333 people in 2024 — the deadliest year on record — and 301 more in 2025, measured on a single agency-produced count that has risen 64% since the 2015–2019 average. Georgia Prisoners' Speak's mortality registry tracks 1,896 in-custody deaths since January 1, 2020, including 36 in the last 90 days, yet 690 of them still carry no determined cause and GDC stopped publishing cause-of-death information entirely in March 2024. The Department of Justice found in October 2024 that the Georgia Department of Corrections misclassifies obvious homicides as "unknown" and is deliberately indifferent to a substantial risk of harm.
4,352 data points
Parole & Sentencing
Georgia's parole system has contracted to a fraction of its former output: parole releases fell 42% between FY19 and FY24, the Board's overall grant rate hit a record-low 28% in FY24, and only 4.5% of the 2,046 life-sentence cases decided that year ended in release. At the same time, the average time served on a life sentence before release rose from under nine years in 1973 to 29.6 years in FY25. The result is a release regime in which most people now leave prison by serving out their maximum sentence rather than by parole, and in which people die waiting — including people whose release dates were already set.
11,774 data points
Violence & Safety
Georgia's prison system is the site of the most severe constitutional violations the U.S. Department of Justice has documented in a state prison investigation: 'near-constant, life-threatening violence' as the norm, gangs controlling housing units, and a homicide rate that ran nearly triple the national average in 2019 and roughly eight times it by 2024. GDC reported 142 homicides between 2018 and 2023 — 48 in the first three years and 94 in the last — but its own mortality data systematically undercounts, reporting 6 homicides in June 2024 while incident reports recorded at least 18. The violence is produced by conditions — roughly 50% correctional officer vacancy, unsupervised housing units, broken locks, and classification driven by bed availability — not by the people inside.
4,402 data points