Staffing
Officers in Georgia's prisons: vacancies, pay, turnover, 2019 to 2026
Officer vacancies, pay and turnover in Georgia's prisons from 2019 to 2026.
Where this research is used
This page is a research collection: individual facts drawn from the sources listed further down, each traced to where it came from. A research topic brings many collections together into one overview of an issue. The facts on this page feed these 2 topics; open one to see how they fit with the rest of the evidence.
Budget & Spending
Georgia's prison budget sat near $1.1 billion for roughly eight years, then climbed 57 percent to a $1.91 billion peak in fiscal year 2025 before settling at $1.745 billion for fiscal year 2027. The money went overwhelmingly to health care contracts, locking systems, cameras, and bed capacity — not to education, rehabilitation, or independent oversight. Across two budget cycles GPS can document roughly $27.1 million in new surveillance and security spending against about $1.2 million in new rehabilitation spending, a ratio of about 22 to 1.
12,394 data points
Staffing Crisis
Georgia's prison system has run correctional officer vacancy rates between roughly 28 percent and 60 percent since 2020, and its own annual fiscal reports still showed 47.24 percent unfilled in fiscal year 2025. The consequences are documented at the shift level — two officers covering an entire prison compound, seven officers supervising 1,013 people, housing units with nobody watching — and the department's evidence of progress is contested by four different turnover figures that measure four different things.
10,698 data points
Key Findings
The most impactful data from this research collection. Tap a card for the full finding and its source.
The finding
At Valdosta State Prison, which houses the GDC's highest percentages of prisoners who are both gang members and have mental health issues, as of April 80% of the correctional officer positions were vacant, the AJC found.
The finding
In fiscal year 2019, 78% of GDOC's new hires were guards, but by the year's end, 71% of them had quit.
The finding
The DOJ report states correctional officer (CO) vacancy rates were around 50% systemwide and over 70% at ten of the largest facilities.
The finding
The consultants' report found that GDC was on average only able to hire 118 officers for every 800 applicants in a recent six-month period.
The finding
The consultants' report found staffing so low, especially during overnight shifts, that if two guards need to leave to take a sick or injured prisoner to the hospital, only one or two officers could be left to cover an entire prison.
The finding
The SCHR letter says a GDC record from January 27, 2026 indicates there were only two officers on duty for the entire Valdosta State Prison compound on that date.
Source
The finding
The SCHR letter states that seven individuals on a Valdosta State Prison staffing roster were charged with supervising more than 1,000 incarcerated people across 114 staff posts, amounting to an incarcerated-person-to-security-staff ratio of 144:1 and a security staff vacancy rate of more than 93 percent.
Source
The finding
Between 2018 and 2023, GDC staffing levels fell precipitously, reaching a systemwide CO vacancy rate of 60% in April 2023, with over 2,800 vacant officer positions.
The finding
Staff at several GDC prisons have adopted a practice of assigning one CO to single-handedly supervise two buildings at a time, each comprising two or more housing units and hundreds of incarcerated people, for an entire 12-hour shift.
The finding
At a large close-security men's prison, a sampling of staffing rosters from mid-2023 showed on every shift roster reviewed there was at least one, and sometimes up to four, officers assigned to two buildings at a time, each single-handedly responsible for nearly 400 beds.
All Data Points
185 verified data points extracted from primary sources.
Hancock State Prison CO vacancy rate 74.35% (Aug 2023) Statistic
An AJC table of worst-staffed Georgia prisons lists Hancock State Prison, a high-security prison with 1,190 inmates, with a correctional officer vacancy rate of 74.35%. Staffing figures and inmate populations were taken from August 2023 reports.
74.4%
AFY2025 budget: $2.94M for 4% salary increase for private prison correctional officers Policy
The Governor's Budget Report for AFY2025 includes a Department of Corrections Private Prisons line item of $2,943,413 to provide a 4% salary increase for parity in compensation to Georgia Department of Corrections correctional officers.
GDC FY2026 budget recommendation includes 4% correctional officer increase Policy
GDC Board of Corrections minutes state that Commissioner Oliver's Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Recommendations included, among the highlights discussed, personal services specifically Correctional Officer, 4% increase, and in-grade salary step increases.
System-wide GDC personnel deficit of about 2,600 Statistic
Legislators at a budget hearing referenced GDC hiring and retention challenges that have resulted in a system-wide deficit of about 2,600 personnel.
2,600 personnel
About 2,000 correctional officer positions unfunded in GDC budget Statistic
The Georgia Senate study committee report states that about 2,000 correctional officer positions are unfunded in GDC's budget, which the report says reduces the overall vacancy rate.
2,000 positions
Cobb County Sheriff's Office deputy starting pay Statistic
The Cobb County Sheriff's Office lists a Deputy Sheriff starting pay of $54,000 annually (based on 12-hour shifts), effective July 7, 2024.
$54,000 USD per year
Statewide $5,000 pay increase and $4,000 sworn-position increase effective April 1, 2022 Policy
At the Georgia Board of Corrections' March 2022 meeting, a GDC official discussed a statewide $5,000 pay increase and a $4,000 increase for sworn positions, described as intended to reduce turnover and overtime exposure, effective April 1, 2022.
Georgia Diagnostic and Classification State Prison CO vacancy rate 72.96% (Aug 2023) Statistic
An AJC table of worst-staffed Georgia prisons lists Georgia Diagnostic and Classification State Prison, a high security/death row facility with 2,777 inmates, with a correctional officer vacancy rate of 72.96%. Staffing figures and inmate populations were taken from August 2023 reports. Note: the 2,777 inmate figure is an August 2023 facility count from the AJC table, not a GDC monthly GDCP count that includes the county-jail backlog.
73.0%
AFY2025 budget: $5M for ten-year facility and population management plan Policy
The Governor's Budget Report for AFY2025 includes a Department of Corrections line item of $5,000,000 to develop a ten-year facility and population management plan, including target staffing ratios and classification review of offenders.
GDC would need turnover cut from 29% to 13% to offset salary increase cost Finding
Georgia DOAA's special examination found that GDC would need to decrease its correctional officers' turnover rate from 29% to 13% to fully offset the cost of a salary increase.
Cost to hire and train a correctional officer cadet about $3,000 Statistic
GDC told the Senate study committee that the cost of hiring and training a correctional officer cadet is about $3,000 per cadet, not including salaries.
$3,000
No match for 12-hour shift terms in AJC prisons investigation Data gap
A search of the AJC investigation 'Violence, suicides mount in Georgia's woefully understaffed prisons' for terms including '12-hour shift', 'switched to 12-hour', 'moved to 12-hour shifts', 'eight-hour shifts' and 'shift change' returned no match, indicating the article does not discuss shift-length changes.
$9,000 post-sworn officer pay increase retroactive to July 1 Policy
GDC Board of Corrections minutes state that all post-sworn officers will get a $9,000 pay increase retroactive to July 1st.
Baldwin State Prison CO vacancy rate 73.06% (Aug 2023) Statistic
An AJC table of worst-staffed Georgia prisons lists Baldwin State Prison, a special mission prison with 563 inmates, with a correctional officer vacancy rate of 73.06%. Baldwin offers mental health Level III services. Staffing figures and inmate populations were taken from August 2023 reports.
73.1%
FY2026 budget: $7.55M for 4% salary increase for all correctional officer staff Policy
The Governor's Budget Report for FY2026 includes a Department of Corrections State Prisons line item of $7,553,404 to provide a 4% salary increase for all correctional officer staff to improve recruitment and retention.
GDC statewide staff vacancy rose from 12% (2015) to 18% (2019) Trend
According to documents provided by GDC, on Jan. 1, 2015, 12% of all GDC state prison staff positions were vacant, and five years later, on Jan. 1, 2019, that had gone up to 18%.
Proposed 4% CO pay boost; 8% for behavioral health counselors Policy
Correctional officers would get a 4% pay boost to bring parity with neighboring states; education, food service, chaplain and maintenance personnel would also get a 4% pay hike; and behavioral health counselors would get an 8% salary increase to improve recruitment and retention.
Average salary for new Georgia corrections officers $44,000 statewide Statistic
The average salary for new corrections officers in Georgia is $44,000 statewide, with enhancements depending on location and certifications.
$44,000
Medium security starting correctional officer salary of $40,044 Statistic
GDC Board of Corrections minutes state a medium security facility starting correctional officer salary of $40,044.
$40,044
Wilcox State Prison CO vacancy rate 69.17% (Aug 2023) Statistic
An AJC table of worst-staffed Georgia prisons lists Wilcox State Prison, a medium-security prison with 1,846 inmates, with a correctional officer vacancy rate of 69.17%. Staffing figures and inmate populations were taken from August 2023 reports.
69.2%
FY2026 budget: $20.19M to add 330 correctional officer positions Policy
The Governor's Budget Report for FY2026 includes a Department of Corrections State Prisons line item of $20,191,487 to add 330 correctional officer positions to improve staff to offender ratios.
DOJ: at least 26 Georgia prison deaths by confirmed or suspected homicide in 2020 Quote
Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the DOJ's Civil Rights Division said that in 2020, at least 26 people died in Georgia prisons by confirmed or suspected homicide.
Valdosta State Prison 80% CO vacancy as of April Statistic
At Valdosta State Prison, which houses the GDC's highest percentages of prisoners who are both gang members and have mental health issues, as of April 80% of the correctional officer positions were vacant, the AJC found.
80%
GDC awaiting Guidehouse system-wide operations and salary study Policy
GDC was waiting for results of a system-wide operations study conducted by Guidehouse, Inc., including a comprehensive analysis of salary structures related to recruitment and retention, undertaken with the Governor's office and expected by the end of December 2024.
Close security starting correctional officer salary of $43,458 Statistic
GDC Board of Corrections minutes state a close security facility starting correctional officer salary of $43,458.
$43,458
Ware State Prison CO vacancy rate 68.62% (Aug 2023) Statistic
An AJC table of worst-staffed Georgia prisons lists Ware State Prison, a high-security prison with 1,441 inmates, with a correctional officer vacancy rate of 68.62%. Staffing figures and inmate populations were taken from August 2023 reports.
68.6%
FY2026 budget: $5.10M for six-month in-grade promotion step for correctional officers Policy
The Governor's Budget Report for FY2026 includes a Department of Corrections State Prisons line item of $5,099,440 to fund a six-month in-grade promotion step for correctional officer and CSM correctional officer 1 and 2 positions to address salary compression and improve career path and retention.
GDC turnover rate 40.6% in FY2022 (DOAS) Statistic
The DOAS FY2022 Workforce Report's turnover rate calculation for the Department of Corrections entity shows a turnover rate of 40.6%, with average headcount of 6,189 and 2,419 separations.
40.6%
Lee Arrendale ratio: 1 officer per ~200 prisoners on a good day Statistic
A correctional officer at Lee Arrendale State Prison testified to a Georgia House ad hoc committee that on a good day six to seven officers were on duty to supervise about 1,200 incarcerated people, a ratio GPB calculated as one officer for every 200 prisoners, compared to a Federal Bureau of Prisons baseline of one guard for every 15 inmates.
200 prisoners per officer vs. 15 BOP baseline prisoners per officer
Senate study committee Meeting Three on GDC staffing held November 15, 2024 Case detail
The Georgia Senate study committee's Meeting Three, titled 'Georgia Department of Corrections Staffing and Inmate Administration,' was held November 15, 2024, at the Georgia State Capitol in Atlanta.
PREA SOP requires written facility Staffing Plan Policy
GDC's SOP 208.06 requires the Warden/Superintendent at each facility to develop a written Staffing Plan using Attachment 11, Staffing Plan Template, documenting efforts to comply with staffing levels to protect offenders against sexual abuse.
Hays State Prison CO vacancy rate 67.42% (Aug 2023) Statistic
An AJC table of worst-staffed Georgia prisons lists Hays State Prison, a high-security prison with 1,097 inmates, with a correctional officer vacancy rate of 67.42%. Hays houses about 750 Level II mental health offenders. Staffing figures and inmate populations were taken from August 2023 reports.
67.4%
GDC correctional officer FTE: 4,060 in FY20, 3,050 in FY21, 2,516 in FY22 Statistic
GDC's FY2022 Annual Fiscal Report's End of Fiscal Year FTE by Type table lists Correctional Officers at 4,060 in FY20, 3,050 in FY21, and 2,516 in FY22.
4,060 FTE vs. 2,516 FY22
Source
71% of FY2019 new guard hires had quit by year's end Statistic
In fiscal year 2019, 78% of GDOC's new hires were guards, but by the year's end, 71% of them had quit.
71% vs. 78 percent of new hires who were guards
FY2021 budget: $8.96M for $1,000 raises at State Prisons Statistic
The Governor's Budget Report for FY2021 includes a Department of Corrections State Prisons line item of $8,964,117 to increase funds to provide a $1,000 pay raise to full-time, regular employees with current salaries of $40,000 or less.
$9.0M USD vs. 1,000 per-employee raise (USD)
Senate study committee report: 23 pages, prepared 2024 under SR 570 Methodology note
The Georgia Senate study committee report is 23 pages, prepared by the Senate Office of Policy and Legislative Analysis in 2024, pursuant to Senate Resolution 570 of the 157th General Assembly.
PREA SOP requires documenting staffing plan deviations on daily Post Roster Policy
GDC's PREA SOP requires facilities to document and justify deviations from the staffing plan on the daily Post Roster, with facility management reviewing deviations at least annually to identify common reasons.
Coastal State Prison CO vacancy rate 75.28% (Aug 2023) Statistic
An AJC table of worst-staffed Georgia prisons lists Coastal State Prison, a medium-security prison with 1,559 inmates, with a correctional officer vacancy rate of 75.28%. Staffing figures and inmate populations were taken from August 2023 reports.
75.3%
GDC correctional officer FTE: 3,050 in FY21, 2,516 in FY22, 2,685 in FY23 Statistic
GDC's FY2023 Annual Fiscal Report's End of Fiscal Year FTE by Type table lists Correctional Officers at 3,050 in FY21, 2,516 in FY22, and 2,685 in FY23.
2,685 FTE vs. 2,516 FY22
Source
GDC turnover 31.5% and broader turnover 32.6% in FY2023 Statistic
The DOAS FY2023 Annual Workforce Report's Broader Turnover by Company Code table shows the Department of Corrections with a turnover rate of 31.5% and a broader turnover rate of 32.6%.
31.5% vs. 32.6 broader turnover rate
Source
FY2021 budget: $1.04M for $1,000 raises at Detention Centers Statistic
The Governor's Budget Report for FY2021 includes a Department of Corrections Detention Centers line item of $1,041,784 to increase funds to provide a $1,000 pay raise to full-time, regular employees with current salaries of $40,000 or less.
$1.0M USD vs. 1,000 per-employee raise (USD)
GDC planned six-week training academy with crisis intervention by July 1, 2025 Policy
GDC planned to extend its correctional officer training academy to six weeks, including crisis intervention training, as of July 1, 2025, pending the Guidehouse recommendations.
CO vacancy rates around 50% systemwide and over 70% at ten largest facilities Statistic
The DOJ report states correctional officer (CO) vacancy rates were around 50% systemwide and over 70% at ten of the largest facilities.
50% vs. 70 vacancy rate at ten largest facilities
Valdosta State Prison CO vacancy rate 75.11% (Aug 2023) Statistic
An AJC table of worst-staffed Georgia prisons lists Valdosta State Prison, a high-security prison with 1,063 inmates, with a correctional officer vacancy rate of 75.11%. Staffing figures and inmate populations were taken from August 2023 reports.
75.1%
GDC graduated 1,163 cadets from July 2022 to June 2023 Statistic
GDC's FY2023 Annual Fiscal Report states GDC successfully graduated 1,163 cadets from 07/01/2022 to 6/31/2023 (Basic Correctional Officer Training).
1,163 cadets
Source
GDC retention by hire cohort, FYE2019-FYE2023 Trend
The DOAS FY2023 Workforce Report's retention table shows that of Department of Corrections employees hired as of FYE 2023, 79.8% remained active, declining to 71.6% for the FYE 2022 cohort, 68.3% for FYE 2021, 64.7% for FYE 2020 and 60.1% for FYE 2019.
Source
2,985 of 5,991 CO positions vacant Statistic
Of GDC's 5,991 budgeted corrections officer positions, 2,985 were vacant, Commissioner Tyrone Oliver told lawmakers.
2,985 vacant positions vs. 5,991 budgeted CO positions
Senate committee recommended officer recruitment/retention investment and pay study Policy
The Senate study committee recommended investing in correctional officer recruitment and retention and implementing a pay study for all Georgia Department of Corrections employees. It also recommended asking Georgia Department of Audits to review all contract renewals for the past five years to see if there is a pattern of runaway costs by any vendors.
GDC average CO vacancy rate 49.3% in 2021, 56.3% in 2022, 52.5% in 2023 Statistic
GDC's average CO vacancy rate was 49.3% in 2021, 56.3% in 2022, and 52.5% in 2023.
52.5% vs. 49.3 2021 vacancy rate
18 GDC prisons had CO vacancy rates over 60% in December 2023 Statistic
In December 2023, 18 GDC prisons had CO vacancy rates over 60%, and 10 of those were over 70%.
18 prisons vs. 10 prisons over 70% vacancy
Pulaski State Prison CO vacancy rate 79.26% (Aug 2023) Statistic
An AJC table of worst-staffed Georgia prisons reports a correctional officer vacancy rate of 79.26% at Pulaski State Prison, a medium-security prison with 1,145 inmates. Staffing figures and inmate populations were taken from August 2023 reports.
79.3%
State government turnover fell 4.3% in FY2023 vs FY2022 Statistic
Georgia's overall state government turnover rate decreased by 4.3% in FY 2023 compared to FY 2022, the most significant year-over-year improvement since 2020.
4.3%
Source
Turnover fell from 47% (FY2022) to projected 32% (FY2024) Trend
GDC decreased its turnover rate from 47% in fiscal 2022 to a projected 32% by the end of fiscal 2024 on June 30, Commissioner Oliver said.
GDC requested $6.1 million to begin hiring 882 additional officers Statistic
GDC requested an additional $6.1 million for the current budget to begin hiring an additional 882 correctional and security officers over the next several years.
$6.1M
Most close- and medium-security prisons operating with more officer posts vacant than filled Finding
The DOJ report found that GDC is operating most of its close- and medium-security prisons with more officer posts vacant than filled, resulting in inadequate security and supervision.
Former warden on suicide-watch checks under short staffing Quote
A former Georgia prison warden said: "We were required to conduct 30-minute checks at a minimum, and if we had anyone on suicide watch, they would have to be checked every 15 minutes," and "When you have a short staff of six people out of a 27-man post, you can't do it."
GDC hired only 118 officers per 800 applicants in recent six-month period Statistic
The consultants' report found that GDC was on average only able to hire 118 officers for every 800 applicants in a recent six-month period.
118 hires vs. 800 applicants
GDC turnover 24.3% and broader turnover 24.7% in FY2025 Statistic
The FY2025 DOAS State Workforce Report draft shows the Department of Corrections with a turnover rate of 24.3% and a broader turnover rate of 24.7%.
24.3% vs. 24.7 broader turnover rate
Source
Recruiting campaign: applications 300 to 700+/month; 670 COs hired Statistic
A GDC media recruiting campaign increased job applications from about 300 a month to more than 700 a month, and resulted in the hiring of 670 corrections officers since November 2022, Commissioner Oliver told lawmakers.
670 corrections officers hired vs. 700 monthly applications after campaign
GDC aimed to add 330 officer positions in one year to reduce 14-to-1 ratio Statistic
In order to reduce the current staff-to-offender ratio of 14 to 1, the corrections department aimed to add 330 correctional and security officer positions over the next year.
330 positions vs. 14 staff-to-offender ratio
Eleven close- and medium-security prisons had 100+ vacant officer positions in December 2023 Statistic
In December 2023, at eleven close- and medium-security GDC prisons, 100 or more officer positions per facility remained vacant.
11 prisons vs. 100 vacant positions per facility
Smith State Prison officer Douglas Bare left job after nine years Case detail
A Smith State Prison correctional officer, Douglas Bare, walked off the job in mid-June after nine years, telling the AJC he had grown weary of working in a dangerous environment as well as being repeatedly pulled from his post to make hospital runs.
Overnight staffing so low that hospital escort could leave only 1-2 officers covering entire prison Finding
The consultants' report found staffing so low, especially during overnight shifts, that if two guards need to leave to take a sick or injured prisoner to the hospital, only one or two officers could be left to cover an entire prison.
VSP May 2026 vacancy: 73% COs, 68% security, 62% all staff Statistic
The SCHR letter states that GDC's own official figures from May 2026 show vacancy rates at Valdosta State Prison of 73 percent for correctional officers, 68 percent for all security staff, and 62 percent for all staff.
73% vs. 68 percent security staff vacancy
Source
CO starting salaries: $40,000 minimum-security, $43,000 maximum-security Statistic
As of the article's report, Georgia corrections officers' starting salaries were $40,000 for those working at minimum-security prisons and $43,000 for those working at maximum-security prisons.
$40,000 USD vs. 43,000 maximum-security starting salary (USD)
GDC requested 4% officer raise; governor recommended 8% for behavioral health counselors Policy
GDC requested several million dollars for a 4% salary increase for correctional officers and staff working in education, chaplain, food service and maintenance. The governor's recommendations also called for an 8% salary hike for behavioral health counselors, which would put them close in line with statewide averages in surrounding states.
More than 15 state prisons saw net loss in filled CO positions between October 2022 and end of 2023 Trend
Between October 2022 and the end of 2023, more than 15 state prisons housing individuals at the medium- and close-security levels saw a net loss in filled CO positions, while several others saw increases only in the single digits.
Retired warden Jose Morales: five or six officers per shift during pandemic Finding
Jose Morales, a retired Georgia prison warden who ended his GDC career leading the Special Management Unit in Jackson, said that when staffing dropped during the pandemic it was routine to have just five or six officers working a shift.
Kemp budget proposed 4% raise for correctional officers and teachers, 8% for counselors Policy
Governor Kemp's budget proposal responding to the staffing crisis included a 4% increase in starting salaries for correctional officers and prison teachers, and an 8% increase for prison counselors.
Only two officers on duty for entire VSP compound on Jan 27, 2026 Case detail
The SCHR letter says a GDC record from January 27, 2026 indicates there were only two officers on duty for the entire Valdosta State Prison compound on that date.
Source
FY2020 budget: $9.04M for merit pay/recruitment/retention at State Prisons Statistic
The Governor's Budget Report for FY2020 includes a Department of Corrections State Prisons line item of $9,036,309 to provide funds for merit-based pay adjustments, employee recruitment, or retention initiatives effective July 1, 2019.
$9.0M USD
System-wide GDC personnel deficit of about 2,600 Statistic
Legislators referenced a system-wide deficit of about 2,600 personnel as part of GDC's hiring and retention challenges.
2,600 personnel
Staff at large close-security men's prisons reported CO vacancy rates over 60% persisted in late 2023 Finding
In interviews with DOJ in late 2023, staff at large men's prisons housing incarcerated people at the close-security level reported that high CO vacancy rates over 60%, as well as significant vacancies among supervisory security staff, persisted.
Smith State Prison had 44 of 162 authorized officers (Aug 2023) Statistic
As of August 2023, Smith State Prison had just 44 correctional officers on staff to cover all shifts at a facility housing 1,400 men with high-security needs in 17 housing units. The prison is supposed to have 162 officers, according to its staffing records.
44 officers vs. 162 authorized officers
Consultants' report labeled 'Draft for Discussion' obtained via Open Records Act Methodology note
The AJC reported that the consultants' report on GDC was labeled 'Draft for Discussion' and was obtained by the AJC from the governor's office in response to a Georgia Open Records Act request, rather than being released as a public document.
VSP roster: 7 staff supervising 1,000+ people across 114 posts (144:1) Statistic
The SCHR letter states that seven individuals on a Valdosta State Prison staffing roster were charged with supervising more than 1,000 incarcerated people across 114 staff posts, amounting to an incarcerated-person-to-security-staff ratio of 144:1 and a security staff vacancy rate of more than 93 percent.
144 incarcerated persons per security staff vs. 93 percent security staff vacancy
Source
FY2020 budget: $460,735 for merit pay/recruitment/retention at Transition Centers Statistic
The Governor's Budget Report for FY2020 includes a Department of Corrections Transition Centers line item of $460,735 to provide funds for merit-based pay adjustments, employee recruitment, or retention initiatives effective July 1, 2019.
$460,735 USD
Guidehouse assessment covered ~50,000 inmates and ~9,000 employees Statistic
Guidehouse Inc., appointed by Governor Kemp in June, produced an in-depth assessment of a Georgia prison system that houses about 50,000 inmates and employs about 9,000 people.
50,000 inmates vs. 9,000 employees
GDC did not produce staffing analyses beyond facility staffing plans Data gap
The DOJ report states that, other than facility staffing plans GDC produced for numerous facilities, GDC did not produce any staffing analyses it may have conducted, and that a comprehensive staffing study and review needs to be conducted as part of any remedy for the State's staffing and retention deficiencies.
Georgia CO starting salary rose from $31,040 (2019) to $40,040–$44,044 Statistic
Pay increases pushed the starting salary for a Georgia correctional officer from $31,040 in 2019 to a range of $40,040 to $44,044 as of the AJC's reporting.
$31,040 vs. 44,044 top of current starting range
GDC correctional officer FTE: 2,516 in FY22, 2,685 in FY23, 2,766 in FY24 Statistic
GDC's FY2024 Annual Fiscal Report's End of Fiscal Year FTE by Type table lists Correctional Officers at 2,516 in FY22, 2,685 in FY23, and 2,766 in FY24.
2,766 FTE vs. 2,685 FY23
Source
VSP correctional officer vacancy over 73% as of May 2026 Statistic
The Southern Center for Human Rights' letter to GDC says that as of May 2026, the correctional officer vacancy rate at Valdosta State Prison was over 73 percent.
73%
Source
Kemp and GDC unveiled $600 million additional prison spending plan Policy
The Georgia Department of Corrections and Republican Gov. Brian Kemp unveiled a plan to spend an additional $600 million on the state prison system, which has suffered from inadequate staffing, violence, and facilities in disrepair.
Three close-security men's prisons had CO vacancy rates near or over 50% by February 2020 Statistic
By February 2020, three close-security men's prisons had CO vacancy rates near or over 50%.
3 prisons vs. 50 vacancy rate
GDC SOP 104.07 defines Staffing Analysis per NIC methodology Policy
GDC's SOP 104.07 defines "Staffing Analysis" as an exercise to establish, validate or modify post plans, scheduling patterns and shift relief factors to calculate the full-time-equivalent positions needed to operate a facility safely and securely without the use of overtime, citing the National Institute of Corrections' Prison Staffing Analysis methodology.
Correctional officer hires as percentage of recruitments: 74.3% FY23, 66% FY24 Statistic
GDC's FY2024 Annual Report shows statewide Correctional Officers Hires of 74.3% in FY23 and 66% in FY24.
66% vs. 74.3 FY23
Source
VSP population 1,013 on June 1, 2026; 7-15 officers per shift Statistic
SCHR's October 1, 2026 press release says that on June 1, 2026 there were 1,013 people incarcerated at Valdosta State Prison, and GDC's own staffing reports show that on any given day in the first weekend of that month there were no more than 15, and as few as 7, officers on duty at the prison on any given shift.
1,013 incarcerated people vs. 7 minimum officers on duty per shift
Plan to phase in 880 guards; ratio 1:14 to 1:11 by end of 2025 Policy
The additional staffing requested in January 2025 was part of a plan to phase in 880 more guards by the end of calendar 2025 to improve staff-to-inmate ratios from one officer for every 14 inmates to one officer for every 11.
Kemp plan: $40M new prison design, 446 private prison beds, 126 bed units Policy
Kemp's recommendations included spending $40 million to design and plan a new prison facility, adding 446 beds to an existing private prison contract, and adding 126 bed units to ease inmate movement while capital and security improvements are underway.
January 2020: GDC hired 146 COs and lost 175 Statistic
In January 2020, GDC hired 146 COs and lost 175.
146 hires vs. 175 separations
GDC SOP 104.37 requires duty-free period for shifts over 10h30m Policy
GDC's policy on Working Hours, Overtime, and Compensatory Time (SOP 104.37) requires employees to receive a lunch or duty-free period for any shift longer than 10 hours 30 minutes.
CO turnover decreased to 30.69% in FY24 from 39.93% in FY23; overall turnover 22.03% Statistic
GDC's FY2024 Annual Report states that although CO hirings were 66% of GDC recruitments during FY24, 58.3% of separations also came from these positions, CO turnover decreased that fiscal year to 30.69% from 39.93% in FY23, and the agency's overall turnover rate fell to 22.03%.
30.7% vs. 39.9 FY23 CO turnover
Source
2,600 vacant positions too many to fill in one year Statistic
Commissioner Tyrone Oliver said the Georgia prison system currently had 2,600 vacant positions, too many to fill in a single year.
2,600 vacant positions
Valdosta State Prison: 1,013 incarcerated, as few as 7 officers on a shift Statistic
On June 1, 2026, there were 1,013 people incarcerated at Valdosta State Prison. GDC's own staffing reports show that on any given day in the first weekend of that month there were no more than 15, and as few as 7, officers on duty at the prison on any given shift.
1,013 people incarcerated vs. 7 minimum officers on duty per shift
February 2020: GDC hired 134 COs and lost 131 Statistic
In February 2020, GDC hired 134 COs and lost 131.
134 hires vs. 131 separations
March 2016 board minutes: CO starting salary planned to rise $24,000 to $27,922 Policy
GDC Board of Corrections minutes from March 2016 state that the agency planned to begin pay increases on July 1, 2016, and if it received anticipated funds, it could move the starting Correctional Officer entry-level salary from $24,000 to $27,922. 95.5 percent of the funds the agency receives would go to uniform officers.
GDC correctional officer FTE: 2,685 in FY23, 2,766 in FY24, 2,975 in FY25 Statistic
GDC's FY2025 Annual Fiscal Report's End of Fiscal Year FTE by Type table lists Correctional Officers at 2,685 in FY23, 2,766 in FY24, and 2,975 in FY25.
2,975 FTE vs. 2,766 FY24
Source
AFY2022: $32.4M for $5,000 pay increase, State Prisons Policy
The Governor's Budget Report for AFY2022 includes a Department of Corrections State Prisons line item of $32,426,319 to increase funds for a $5,000 pay increase for all full-time, benefit eligible state employees to address agency recruitment and retention needs.
FY2027 budget: $28.5M to reach 1:13 ratio, goal 1:11 by FY2028 Policy
The House Budget and Research Office's FY2027 Conference Committee Highlights states that the budget provides $28.5 million to continue the hiring trajectory and reduce the inmate to correctional officer ratio to 1:13 in FY 2027, with a goal of a 1:11 by the FY 2028 budget cycle.
CO vacancy rate climbed from almost 11% to over 18% from 2014 to 2018 Trend
From 2014 to 2018, GDC's annual average CO vacancy rate climbed from almost 11% to over 18%.
GDC budget proposal sought recruiting campaign and CO pay increases Policy
The GDC budget proposal for the next fiscal year asked for extra money for an aggressive recruiting campaign and pay increases for correctional officers, as legislators focused on vacancy rates.
Correctional officer vacancy rate: 54.47% FY23, 50.92% FY24, 47.24% FY25 Statistic
GDC's FY2025 Annual Fiscal Report's Recruitment and Turnover table lists Correctional Officer Vacancy at 54.47% for FY23, 50.92% for FY24, and 47.24% for FY25.
47.2% vs. 54.5 FY23
Source
FY2023: $44.4M for $5,000 COLA, State Prisons Policy
The Governor's Budget Report for FY2023 includes a Department of Corrections State Prisons line item of $44,404,136 to increase funds to provide a $5,000 cost of living adjustment for all full-time, benefit eligible state employees effective July 1, 2022 to address agency recruitment and retention needs.
300 more COs than June 2024; nearly half workforce lost in pandemic Trend
The House Budget and Research Office's FY2027 Conference Committee Highlights states that since FY2025 the General Assembly has worked to improve recruitment and retention of correctional officers after losing almost half of the workforce during the pandemic, and that the department has 300 more correctional officers today than it did in June of 2024.
Systemwide CO vacancy rate reached 60% in April 2023 with over 2,800 vacant positions Statistic
Between 2018 and 2023, GDC staffing levels fell precipitously, reaching a systemwide CO vacancy rate of 60% in April 2023, with over 2,800 vacant officer positions.
60% vs. 2,800 vacant officer positions
Entry-level Georgia corrections officer pay $27,936, proposed $30,730 Statistic
An entry-level Georgia corrections officer at an adult or juvenile detention center made $27,936; under a proposed pay increase, officers starting out would make $30,730.
$27,936 vs. 30,730 proposed starting salary
Correctional officer separations: 61.60% FY23, 58.30% FY24, 57.20% FY25 Statistic
GDC's FY2025 Annual Report shows statewide Correctional Officer Separations of 61.60% in FY23, 58.30% in FY24, and 57.20% in FY25.
57.2% vs. 61.6 FY23
Source
AFY2022: $1.33M for $5,000 pay increase, Departmental Administration Policy
The Governor's Budget Report for AFY2022 includes a Department of Corrections Departmental Administration (DOC) line item of $1,325,873 for a $5,000 pay increase for all full-time, benefit eligible state employees to address agency recruitment and retention needs.
Systemwide CO vacancy rate remained above 50% at end of 2023 with over 2,800 unfilled positions Statistic
As of the end of 2023, GDC's systemwide correctional officer vacancy rate remained above 50% and GDC still had over 2,800 unfilled CO positions.
50% vs. 2,800 unfilled CO positions
Kemp assessment recommends 4% CO salary increase for neighboring-state parity Policy
Governor Kemp's recommendations from the system-wide Corrections System Assessment included a four percent salary increase for all correctional officer staff, intended to bring parity to pay with neighboring states.
Commissioner Oliver: turnover rate reduced by >11% since FY23 to 28% in FY25 Quote
Commissioner Tyrone Oliver's letter in GDC's FY2025 Annual Report states the department reduced the turnover rate by more than 11% since FY23, bringing the rate to 28% for FY25.
Source
AFY2021: 10% correctional officer increase effective April 1, 2021 Policy
The Governor's Budget Report for AFY2021 includes a Department of Corrections line item utilizing existing funds to implement a 10 percent increase for correctional officers in state prison facilities effective April 1, 2021.
CO salaries up 63.9% since FY2021; FY2026 adds 4% ($13.4M DOC, $3.1M DJJ) Statistic
The House Budget and Research Office's FY2026 Conference Committee Highlights states that since FY2021 the General Assembly has increased correctional officer and juvenile correctional officer salaries by 63.9%, and that the Fiscal Year 2026 budget includes an additional 4% increase for these officers, totaling $13.4 million for the Department of Corrections and $3.1 million for the Department of Juvenile Justice.
63.9% vs. 4 FY2026 additional raise (percent)
April 2023: CO vacancy rate over 60% at 20 medium- and close-security prisons, 12 above 70% Statistic
In April 2023, the CO vacancy rate was over 60% at 20 medium- and close-security prisons, and twelve of those prisons had vacancy rates above 70%.
20 prisons vs. 12 prisons above 70% vacancy
GDC FY2019 CO turnover rose from 27.2% to 42.1% Trend
GDC's FY2019 Annual Fiscal Report states that CO turnover increased from 27.2% to 42.1%.
FY2022: 10% correctional officer increase, $3,006,880 total change Policy
The Governor's Budget Report for FY2022 includes a Department of Corrections line item utilizing existing funds to implement a 10 percent increase for correctional officers in state prison facilities, with a total change of $3,006,880.
FY2026 budget: 6-month incremental salary step increase totaling $9.6M Policy
The House Budget and Research Office's FY2026 Conference Committee Highlights states that the budget institutes a 6-month incremental salary step increase totaling $9.6 million as a retention initiative.
GDC HR Director acknowledged GDC still lags behind in salary market Quote
GDC's Human Resources Director acknowledged that GDC still "lag[s] behind in the salary market," so pay remains "a factor."
GDC CO FTE counts: 4,668 (FY2019), 4,060 (FY2020), 3,050 (FY2021) Trend
GDC's FY2021 Annual Fiscal Report's End of Fiscal Year FTE by Type table lists Correctional Officer FTE counts of 4,668 in FY2019, 4,060 in FY2020, and 3,050 in FY2021.
U.S. DOL found GDC violated federal labor laws on overtime tracking and pay Legal fact
The U.S. Department of Labor found Georgia's Department of Corrections violated federal labor laws for tracking and paying overtime.
AFY2024: $716,950 for one-time $1,000 salary supplement Policy
The Governor's Budget Report for AFY2024 includes a Department of Corrections line item of $716,950 to increase funds to provide a one-time $1,000 salary supplement for full-time, benefit-eligible employees for recruitment and retention.
GDC policy requires Priority 1, 2, and 3 posts to be filled for normal operations Policy
According to GDC policy, for a prison to maintain normal operations, allotted posts at the Priority 1, 2, and 3 levels must be filled, with Priority 1 posts considered critical, and it is generally required that each housing unit at medium- and close-security prisons be staffed by two or more officers in 24/7 Priority 1 posts.
GDC CO vacancy: 28.34% FY2020, 41.70% FY2021 Trend
GDC's FY2021 Annual Fiscal Report's Recruitment and Turnover table lists Correctional Officer Vacancy at 28.34% for FY2020 and 41.70% for FY2021.
GDC paid $429,005 in back wages to 1,257 employees for overtime violations Statistic
A Georgia Public Broadcasting report quoted a U.S. Department of Labor spokesman stating the Georgia Department of Corrections paid $429,005 in back wages to 1,257 employees.
$429,005 USD vs. 1,257 employees
AFY2023: $2.2M DJJ COLA of $2,000 effective July 1, 2023 Policy
The Governor's Budget Report for AFY2023 includes a Department of Juvenile Justice line item of $2,201,396 to increase funds to provide a $2,000 cost-of-living adjustment for all full-time, benefit-eligible state employees effective July 1, 2023 to address agency recruitment and retention needs.
Amended FY2025: 330 CO positions funded at $28.5M in conference agreement Statistic
The Amended FY2025 House and Senate Differences tracking document shows that the final Conference Agreement for the Department of Corrections State Prisons item to add 330 correctional officer positions to improve staff to offender ratios and reflect increased retention was $28,510,673, compared to the Governor's Recommendation of $10,432,551.
$28.5M USD vs. 10,432,551 Governor's Recommendation (USD)
Source
Alabama CO trainee starting pay: $55,855 max, $53,245 medium, $50,712 work release Statistic
The Alabama Department of Corrections announced an increase in starting salary for Correctional Officer Trainees to $55,855 at maximum security facilities, $53,245 at medium security facilities, and $50,712 at work release/community work centers.
$55,855 vs. 50,712 work release starting salary
Over 11,000 incarcerated people (about 23% of GDC population) classified close security Statistic
According to GDC, all incarcerated persons classified as close security -- over 11,000 incarcerated people, about 23% of GDC's total population -- always require supervision by a CO.
11,000 people vs. 23 percent of GDC total population
FY2027 budget: $26,824,134 for additional CO positions Statistic
The Governor's Budget Report for FY2027 includes a Department of Corrections line item of $26,824,134 to increase funds for additional correctional officer positions to improve staff to offender ratios based on improved retention.
$26.8M
Back pay distributed to employees at 43 facilities; state to change overtime reporting Finding
The GPB report said employees at 43 facilities received back-pay money, and going forward the state would change how it reports and pays overtime.
FY2024: $11.8M for $2,000 COLA, State Prisons Policy
The Governor's Budget Report for FY2024 includes a Department of Corrections State Prisons line item of $11,827,548 to increase funds to provide a $2,000 cost-of-living adjustment for all full-time, benefit-eligible state employees effective July 1, 2023 to address agency recruitment and retention needs.
DOAS FY2019: DOC headcount 9,136 Statistic
GPS's copy of the DOAS FY2019 Workforce Report's 'FY 2019 Headcount by Agency' chart lists Corrections (DOC) with a headcount of 9,136.
9,136 employees
Alabama CO trainee starting salary now $59,272.80 at maximum security Statistic
The Alabama Department of Corrections' current Correctional Officer Trainee starting salary is $59,272.80 at maximum security facilities.
$59,273
One CO assigned to supervise two buildings of hundreds of incarcerated people for 12-hour shifts Finding
Staff at several GDC prisons have adopted a practice of assigning one CO to single-handedly supervise two buildings at a time, each comprising two or more housing units and hundreds of incarcerated people, for an entire 12-hour shift.
AFY2026 budget: $12,050,341 for $2,000 one-time state employee supplement Statistic
The Governor's Budget Report for AFY2026 includes a statewide line item of $12,050,341 to provide a one-time salary supplement of $2,000 to full-time, regular state employees.
$12.1M
FY2024: $948,000 COLA for private prison correctional officers Policy
The Governor's Budget Report for FY2024 includes a Department of Corrections Private Prisons line item of $948,000 to increase funds to provide a $2,000 cost-of-living adjustment for all full-time, currently employed correctional officers to maintain salary parity.
DOAS FY2019: DOC 3,140 terminations and 2,634 hires Statistic
GPS's copy of the DOAS FY2019 Workforce Report's 'FY 2019 Termination and Hiring Activity by Agency' chart lists Corrections (DOC) with 3,140 terminations and 2,634 hires.
3,140 terminations vs. 2,634 hires
Florida CO starting pay $22/hour, $23.14 post-certification Statistic
The Florida Department of Corrections' correctional officer starting pay is $22/hour, increasing to $23.14/hour post-certification, plus an annual uniform and shoe allowance of $325.00 and Criminal Justice Incentive Pay up to $1,560.00 annually.
$22.00 vs. 23.1 post-certification hourly pay
Medical employee reported times when only two officers covered entire compound Finding
A medical employee at another large men's prison reported there have been times when only two officers were available to cover the entire compound.
FY2026 budget: $9,607,127 for 4% CO salary increase Statistic
The Governor's Budget Report for FY2026 includes a Department of Corrections highlight of $9,607,127 for a 4% salary increase for all correctional officer staff to improve recruitment and retention.
$9.6M
CSM Correctional Officer 1 job posting: entry salary $50,386, max $58,119.80 (Jan 2026) Statistic
A Georgia Department of Corrections job posting for CSM Correctional Officer 1, posted 01/14/2026, lists an Entry Salary of $50,386.00 and a Pay Grade Max of $58,119.80.
$50,386 USD vs. 58,119.8 pay grade max
FY2024: $627,424 for $2,000 COLA, Departmental Administration Policy
The Governor's Budget Report for FY2024 includes a Department of Corrections Departmental Administration (DOC) line item of $627,424 to increase funds to provide a $2,000 cost-of-living adjustment for all full-time, benefit-eligible state employees effective July 1, 2023 to address agency recruitment and retention needs.
DOAS FY2019: DOC turnover rate 33.5% Statistic
GPS's copy of the DOAS FY2019 Workforce Report's 'FY 2019 Turnover Rate by Agency' chart lists Corrections (DOC) with a turnover rate of 33.5%.
33.5%
North Carolina CO starting salaries: $33,130 (CO I), $36,615 (CO II), $41,510 (CO III) Statistic
North Carolina's Correctional Officer Salary Scale, as approved by the NC General Assembly beginning July 2021, lists a starting salary of $33,130 for Correctional Officer I, $36,615 for Correctional Officer II, and $41,510 for Correctional Officer III.
$33,130 vs. 41,510 CO III starting salary
Most of 16 GDC prisons reviewed failed to fully staff allotted counselor positions Finding
In a review of data from 16 GDC prisons from January 2022 to August 2023, DOJ found that most of the prisons reviewed failed to fully staff allotted counselor positions, and several had counselor staffing rates in the 50% range or lower.
FY2026 budget: $20,191,487 to add 330 CO positions Statistic
The Governor's Budget Report for FY2026 includes a Department of Corrections highlight of $20,191,487 to add 330 correctional officer positions to improve staff to offender ratios.
$20.2M
Gwinnett County Correctional Officer I starting salary $49,102; CO II $53,030 Statistic
Gwinnett County lists a starting salary of $49,102 for a Correctional Officer I and $53,030 for a Correctional Officer II (requiring at least 2 years of Georgia Department of Corrections experience).
$49,102 USD vs. 53,030 CO II salary
VSP: only 43 of 222 correctional officer positions filled as of April Statistic
As of April, GDC data showed only 43 of 222 correctional officer positions were filled at Valdosta State Prison, which houses more than 1,100 men.
43 filled positions vs. 222 total correctional officer positions
DOAS FY2021: DOC turnover 46.7% (all records) / 43.7% (FT primary) Statistic
GPS's copy of a DOAS Executive Branch Turnover Rate Calculation table lists the Department of Corrections (agency code 467) with an 'All Records' average monthly headcount of 7,043, total separations and transfers of 3,288, and a calculated turnover rate of 46.7%, and under a 'Full-Time, Non-Temporary, Primary Records' column an average monthly headcount of 7,203, total separations and transfers of 3,149, and a calculated turnover rate of 43.7%.
46.7% vs. 43.7 full-time primary records turnover (percent)
North Carolina ranks 49th in correctional officer starting pay Statistic
North Carolina ranks 49th in starting salary for corrections officers, according to the N.C. Department of Adult Correction.
49 national rank
GDC PREA audits do not recommend changes to facility staffing plans Finding
DOJ's remedial-measures section states GDC's PREA audits do not make recommendations for changes to facility staffing plans and, for example, do not recommend relocating a PREA counselor to a unit to have more staff presence there.
FY2026 budget: $6,115,312 for six-month in-grade promotion step Statistic
The Governor's Budget Report for FY2026 includes a Department of Corrections highlight of $6,115,312 for a six-month in-grade promotion step for correctional officer and CSM correctional officer 1 and 2 positions to address salary compression and improve career path and retention opportunities.
$6.1M
Proposed $3,600 raise would move Georgia from 10th to 6th in southern states for CO entry salary Finding
A Georgia Department of Audits and Accounts performance report states that a proposed $3,600 salary increase for DJJ and GDC entry level corrections officers (JCO1s and CO1s) would move Georgia from 10th to 6th highest among other southern states in corrections officer entry level salary, though the new starting salary would remain the lowest sworn officer salary in Georgia.
Majority of highest-security facilities had at least 60% CO jobs unfilled Finding
The AJC reported that although Valdosta had the highest correctional officer vacancy rate in the Georgia prison system, the majority of the state's highest-security facilities had similar issues, with at least 60% of their correctional officer jobs unfilled.
DOL: GDC paid $429,005 back wages to 1,257 employees for FLSA overtime violations Legal fact
The Georgia Department of Corrections paid $429,005 in back wages to 1,257 employees after a U.S. Department of Labor Wage and Hour Division investigation found overtime violations of the Fair Labor Standards Act at more than 40 facilities statewide.
North Carolina governor backs 15% CO raise Policy
The governor is backing a 15% raise proposal for correctional officers in North Carolina while the state tests a new hiring approach.
CO starting salaries in $40,000 to $44,000 range depending on security level Statistic
Following a recent salary increase, COs currently make starting salaries in the $40,000 to $44,000 per year range, depending on the security level of the facility at which they work.
$40,000 vs. 44,000 upper range
AFY2025 budget: $10,432,551 for 330 additional CO positions Statistic
The Governor's Budget Report for AFY2025 includes a Department of Corrections line item of $10,432,551 for an additional 330 correctional officer positions to improve staff to offender ratios.
$10.4M
Most common entry-level CO salary $24,322, rising to $25,538 after one year (2016) Statistic
A Georgia Department of Audits and Accounts performance report states that the most common entry level salary for DJJ and GDC corrections officers was $24,322, with eligibility for a 5% salary increase to $25,538 after one year in the position.
$24,322 USD vs. 25,538 salary after one year
Kemp/GDC plan to spend additional $600 million on prison system Policy
The Georgia Department of Corrections and Gov. Brian Kemp unveiled a plan to spend an additional $600 million on the state prison system, described as necessary investments for strengthening prison security, increasing staffing levels, increasing compensation for correctional officers and other staff, and renovating facilities.
South Carolina CO pay by institution security level: $44,682-$55,704 Statistic
The South Carolina Department of Corrections' Correctional Officer job posting lists pay of $44,682 - $45,704 at Minimum Institutions (Goodman, Livesay, Manning, Palmer), $49,682 - $50,704 at Medium Institutions, and $54,682 - $55,704 at Close Institutions (Broad River CI, Kirkland CI, Lee CI, Lieber CI, McCormick CI, Perry CI).
$44,682 vs. 55,704 close institution top pay
DOJ recommends GDC bring all facilities within 90% of allotted posts (10% or lower vacancy) Legal fact
DOJ's minimum remedial measures recommend that, within reasonable time frames, GDC properly screen, hire, and fully train sufficient COs to staff all mandatory posts in all GDC facilities, and bring all GDC facilities within 90% of currently allotted posts (i.e., 10% or lower CO vacancy rate).
AFY2025 budget: $2,800,000 for CO recruiting marketing initiative Statistic
The Governor's Budget Report for AFY2025 includes a Department of Corrections line item of $2,800,000 to develop a statewide targeted marketing initiative to recruit and onboard new correctional officers.
$2.8M
Proposed CO1 salary $27,936 (15% increase); CO2 $31,040 (13% increase) Statistic
A Georgia Department of Audits and Accounts report shows a table of GDC/DJJ current and proposed salaries listing Correctional Officer 1 at a current salary of $24,322 and a proposed salary of $27,936, a 15% change; Correctional Officer 2 at a current salary of $27,472 and a proposed salary of $31,040, a 13% change.
$27,936 USD vs. 24,322 current CO1 salary
GDC requests $6.1M to begin hiring 882 officers; 330 positions next year Policy
GDC requested an additional $6.1 million for the current budget to begin hiring an additional 882 correctional and security officers over the next several years, and aimed to add 330 correctional and security officer positions over the next year to reduce the staff-to-offender ratio of 14 to 11.
Tennessee CO entry salary $51,204 rising to $60,720 after 18 months, plus $5,000 bonus Statistic
Tennessee Department of Correction's entry level salary for a correctional officer is $51,204 per year, with tiered increases bringing the salary to $60,720 after 18 months, plus a $5,000 sign-on bonus payable over 18 months for newly hired applicants.
$51,204 vs. 60,720 salary after 18 months
Source
DOJ recommends temporary supplemental correctional security staff from other agencies Legal fact
DOJ recommends GDC consider all feasible immediate steps to ensure coverage of all mandatory posts, including training and assigning temporary supplemental correctional security staff from other agencies until GDC can sustainably staff its own prisons with full-time, permanent COs and supervisory security staff, and consider reassigning staff from facilities with lower vacancy rates to facilities with higher vacancy rates and higher violence levels.
AFY2025 budget: $900,000 for updated CO training curriculum Statistic
The Governor's Budget Report for AFY2025 includes a Department of Corrections line item of $900,000 to develop and implement an updated training curriculum for correctional officers.
$900,000
State government average turnover rate 18.4% (FY2015 State Workforce Report) Statistic
The state government average turnover rate cited in the Appendix A chart of the DOAA follow-up review, sourced to the FY 2015 State Workforce Report, was 18.4%.
18.4%
GDC requests 4% CO raise and 8% behavioral health counselor raise Policy
GDC's budget recommendations requested several million dollars for a 4% salary increase for correctional officers and staff working in education, chaplain, food service and maintenance, plus an 8% salary hike for behavioral health counselors.
Fulton County detention officer starting salary $54,000; deputy $60,000 Statistic
The Fulton County Sheriff's Office lists starting salaries for sworn positions as Detention Officer, $54,000 and Deputy Sheriff, $60,000.
$54,000 vs. 60,000 deputy sheriff starting salary
DOJ recommends declaring and documenting emergencies when mandatory posts are unstaffed Legal fact
DOJ recommends that GDC ensure every mandatory post is filled and declare and document emergencies any time a mandatory post in any prison is not staffed.
FY2015 corrections officer turnover 32% vs. 16% for community officers Statistic
A Georgia Department of Audits and Accounts follow-up review found that fiscal year 2015 corrections officer turnover was 32% compared to 16% for community officers.
32% vs. 16 community officers
DeKalb County detention officer starting salary $53,443.95 without degree, $56,115.15 with degree Statistic
The DeKalb County Sheriff's Office lists a Detention Officer starting salary without a degree of $53,443.95 and starting salary with a degree of $56,115.15.
$53,444 vs. 56,115.2 starting salary with degree
Source
DOJ launched statewide LGBTI sexual abuse investigation in 2016, expanded in 2021 Case detail
In 2016, DOJ launched a statewide investigation into whether GDC adequately protects incarcerated persons who are LGBTI from sexual abuse, and in 2021 DOJ expanded the investigation to include protection of all incarcerated persons at the medium- and close-security-level prisons from violence by other incarcerated persons.
Cobb County detention officer salary range $36,814.50-$58,904.21 (2021 posting) Statistic
A Cobb County Government job bulletin for Detention Officer, opened 03/01/2021, listed a salary of $36,814.50 to $58,904.21 annually.
$36,815 vs. 58,904.2 top of salary range
DOJ visited 17 GDC prisons between 2022 and 2023 Case detail
As part of its investigation, between 2022 and 2023, DOJ visited 17 GDC prisons, about half of the state prisons.
GDC failure to meet minimum staffing leads to unsupervised housing units Finding
DOJ found that GDC's consistent failure to ensure that even minimum staffing levels are met leads to unsafe prisons, with housing units left unsupervised for sustained periods of time.
Large close-security men's prison rosters showed officers responsible for nearly 400 beds each Finding
At a large close-security men's prison, a sampling of staffing rosters from mid-2023 showed on every shift roster reviewed there was at least one, and sometimes up to four, officers assigned to two buildings at a time, each single-handedly responsible for nearly 400 beds.
Annual correctional officer turnover rate about 40% Statistic
The annual turnover rate for correctional officers in Georgia is about 40%, per the AJC's investigation.
40%
CO turnover rate declined from nearly 57% in FY2021 Trend
GDC told the AJC that the correctional officer turnover rate declined from nearly 57% in the 2021 fiscal year.
AJC staffing figures and inmate populations taken from August 2023 reports Methodology note
An AJC table of worst-staffed Georgia prisons reports that its staffing figures and inmate populations were taken from August 2023 reports.
Telfair State Prison CO vacancy rate 72.96% with 1,425 inmates Statistic
An AJC table of worst-staffed Georgia prisons lists Telfair State Prison, a high-security prison with 1,425 inmates, with a correctional officer vacancy rate of 72.96%.
73.0% vs. 1,425 inmates
Smith State Prison CO vacancy rate 72.84% with 1,396 inmates Statistic
An AJC table of worst-staffed Georgia prisons lists Smith State Prison, a high-security prison with 1,396 inmates, with a correctional officer vacancy rate of 72.84%.
72.8% vs. 1,396 inmates
Calhoun State Prison CO vacancy rate 69.67% with 1,645 inmates Statistic
An AJC table of worst-staffed Georgia prisons lists Calhoun State Prison, a medium-security prison with 1,645 inmates, with a correctional officer vacancy rate of 69.67%.
69.7% vs. 1,645 inmates
Sources
67 cited sources backing this research.
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Key Entities
Organizations, people, facilities, and other named entities referenced in this research.
Alabama Department of Corrections
[organization]
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
[organization]
Baldwin State Prison
[facility]
Board of Corrections
[organization]
Brian Kemp
[person]
Calhoun State Prison
[facility]
Carter, Goble Lee
[organization]
Coastal State Prison
[facility]
Cobb County Sheriff's Office
[organization]
Commissioner Oliver
[person]
DeKalb County Sheriff's Office
[organization]
Department of Justice
[organization]
Department of Juvenile Justice
[organization]
DOAS
[organization]
Douglas Bare
[person]
Federal Bureau of Prisons
[organization]
Florida Department of Corrections
[organization]
Fulton County Sheriff's Office
[organization]
GDC SOP 208.06
[organization]
Georgia Board of Corrections
[organization]
Georgia Department of Audits and Accounts
[organization]
Georgia Department of Corrections
[organization]
Georgia Diagnostic and Classification State Prison
[facility]
Georgia Recorder
[organization]
Georgia Senate Study Committee on Corrections
[organization]
Governor's Office of Planning and Budget
[organization]
Guidehouse Inc.
[organization]
Gwinnett County
[facility]
Hancock State Prison
[facility]
Hays State Prison
[facility]
House Budget and Research Office
[organization]
Jose Morales
[person]
Kristen Clarke
[person]
Lee Arrendale State Prison
[facility]
National Institute of Corrections
[organization]
North Carolina Department of Adult Correction
[organization]
Pulaski State Prison
[facility]
Senate Resolution 570
[legislation]
Smith State Prison
[facility]
South Carolina Department of Corrections
[organization]
Southern Center for Human Rights
[organization]
Telfair State Prison
[facility]
Tennessee Department of Correction
[organization]
The Marshall Project
[organization]
The Moss Group
[organization]
Timothy Ward
[person]
Tyrone Oliver
[person]
U.S. Department of Justice
[organization]
U.S. Department of Labor
[organization]
Ware State Prison
[facility]
Wilcox State Prison
[facility]