Women's Incarceration
Women's Incarceration in Georgia: Population, Conditions, Healthcare, and Reform
This corrections and amendments document from GPS (March 2026) supersedes initial brief data on women's facilities in the Georgia prison system, providing updated capacity, population, and death figures. Key findings include McRae Women's Facility operating at only 52.5% capacity despite a $130 million conversion, two women's facilities (Emanuel and Whitworth) operating slightly over capacity, and system-wide statistics revealing Georgia prisons operating at 216% of original design capacity with 1,767 deaths in custody since 2020 and a 52.5% correctional officer vacancy rate.
Pre-written explainers based on this research
All Data Points
145 verified data points extracted from primary sources.
Arrendale State Prison corrected population and capacity (Feb 2026) Statistic
Arrendale State Prison in Alto (Habersham County) has a capacity of 1,476 beds and a current population of 433. It is being downsized toward 112-bed transitional center status. Houses women's death row, diagnostic intake, Children's Center, and an a…
433 inmates vs. capacity
Georgia women's incarceration rate of 177 per 100,000 Statistic
Georgia incarcerates women at a rate of 177 per 100,000 female residents — higher than nearly every independent nation on Earth.
177 per 100,000 female residents
Arrendale State Prison deaths in 2025 Statistic
Arrendale State Prison recorded 6 deaths in 2025.
6 deaths
3,850 women in GDC custody as of April 2025 Statistic
As of the most recent GDC Inmate Statistical Profile (April 2025), 3,850 women are confined in the Georgia Department of Corrections system, comprising 7.46% of the 52,020 total GDC population.
3,850 women vs. total GDC population
Emanuel Women's Facility over capacity at 100.2% Statistic
Emanuel Women's Facility in Swainsboro (Emanuel County) has a capacity of 415 beds and a current population of 416, operating at 100.2% capacity. Houses mental health Levels II/III and a Braille transcription program.
416 inmates vs. capacity
Total GDC population reached 52,855 by March 2026 Statistic
As of March 2026, total GDC system population has risen to 52,855 across state prisons (34,907), transitional centers (2,761), county prisons (4,212), private prisons (8,116), probation RSAT (1,464), and probation detention (1,394).
52,855 inmates
Correction: Emanuel Women's Facility 2025 deaths unverified Data gap
IMPORTANT CORRECTION: The initial brief stated Emanuel Women's Facility had 6 deaths in 2025. The GPS facilities tracker does not list deaths for Emanuel. This figure requires verification against the GPS mortality database and should not be cited u…
Estimated female population approximately 3,940 by March 2026 Statistic
Extrapolating at the same 7.46% share of the 52,855 total GDC population, the female population has grown to approximately 3,940.
3,940 women (estimated)
McRae Women's Facility at 52.5% capacity — most underutilized Statistic
McRae Women's Facility in McRae-Helena (Telfair County) has a capacity of 2,275 beds and a current population of 1,195, operating at only 52.5% capacity. It is Georgia's newest and largest women's prison, converted from a CoreCivic federal facility …
1,195 inmates vs. capacity
Female prison population grew sevenfold since 1978 Trend
The female prison population has grown more than sevenfold since 1978, when just 497 women were in Georgia's prisons.
McRae Women's Facility $130 million conversion cost Statistic
McRae Women's Facility was converted from a CoreCivic federal facility for $130 million and opened 2024-2025. Despite this investment, it is currently operating at only 52.5% capacity.
$130M
Women in Georgia jails increased 23-fold from 1970 to 2015 Trend
Women in Georgia's jails increased more than 23-fold, from 227 in 1970 to 5,228 in 2015.
McRae Women's Facility deaths in 2025 Statistic
McRae Women's Facility recorded 1 death in 2025.
1 deaths
27% female prison population growth 2022-2025 Statistic
Between 2022 and 2025, the female prison population grew approximately 27% — from 3,014 to 3,850 — a surge that costs Georgia taxpayers an estimated $21 million per year in additional incarceration spending at $25,006 per person annually.
27%
McRae Women's Facility not in GPS inmate database — tracking blind spot Data gap
McRae Women's Facility is not yet reflected in the GPS inmate database, creating a tracking blind spot for monitoring conditions and outcomes at Georgia's largest women's prison.
Annual cost per inmate $25,006 Statistic
Georgia spends $25,006 per person annually on incarceration. The 27% female population surge costs an estimated $21 million per year in additional spending.
$25,006
Pulaski State Prison corrected capacity: 1,223 beds Statistic
Pulaski State Prison in Hawkinsville (Pulaski County) has a corrected capacity of 1,223 beds (corrected from 1,212 in initial brief) and a current population of 1,185, operating at 96.9% capacity. It is the second-largest women's prison. Scene of th…
1,185 inmates vs. corrected capacity
National state prison-only average women's incarceration rate approximately 51 per 100,000 Statistic
Georgia's total women's incarceration rate of 177 per 100,000 dwarfs the national state prison-only average of approximately 51 per 100,000.
51 per 100,000 (national average, state prison only) vs. Georgia total rate per 100,000
Pulaski State Prison deaths in 2025 Statistic
Pulaski State Prison recorded 4 deaths in 2025.
4 deaths
Black women overrepresented at 41.53% of female inmates Statistic
Black women are overrepresented at 41.53% of female inmates versus approximately 32% of Georgia's female population.
41.5% vs. percent of Georgia's female population
Whitworth Women's Facility over capacity at 100.5% Statistic
Whitworth Women's Facility in Hartwell (Hart County) has a capacity of 442 beds and a current population of 444, operating at 100.5% capacity. Medium security. Mental health Level II. Deaths in 2025: 1.
444 inmates vs. capacity
White women constitute majority of female inmates at 56.55% Statistic
Among all 3,850 active female inmates, white women constitute the majority at 56.55% (2,177 women) — a reversal of the male prison population pattern where Black men are 61.23% of inmates.
56.6%
Whitworth Women's Facility deaths in 2025 Statistic
Whitworth Women's Facility recorded 1 death in 2025.
1 deaths
Hispanic women starkly underrepresented at 1.53% of female inmates Statistic
Hispanic women are starkly underrepresented at 1.53% of female inmates versus approximately 10% of the state's female population.
1.5% vs. percent of Georgia's female population
Helms Facility corrected capacity: 64 beds (not 81) Statistic
Helms Facility has a corrected capacity of 64 beds (corrected from 81 in initial brief) and a current population of 17. Classified as 'Medical Facility' not 'State Prison' in GDC's facility system. Houses all pregnant women and terminally ill female…
17 inmates vs. corrected capacity
431 women serving life sentences in Georgia Statistic
As of February 2026, 431 women serve life sentences in Georgia. Among female lifers: Black women constitute 244 (56.61%), White women 175 (40.6%), Hispanic women 10 (2.32%), and Asian women 2 (0.46%).
431 women serving life sentences
Arrendale Transitional Center corrected capacity: 117 beds (not 140) Statistic
Arrendale Transitional Center has a corrected capacity of 117 beds (corrected from 140 in initial brief) and a current population of 108. Minimum security.
108 inmates vs. corrected capacity
80 women serving life without parole Statistic
As of August 2025, 80 women serve life without parole in Georgia prisons. Racial disparities are even steeper at this level — suggesting Black women are overrepresented at the most severe end of the sentencing spectrum.
80 women serving LWOP
Total women's state prison capacity: 5,831 beds Statistic
Total women's state prison capacity across all five facilities is 5,831 beds (Arrendale 1,476 + Emanuel 415 + McRae 2,275 + Pulaski 1,223 + Whitworth 442).
5,831 beds
Black women disproportionately serving life sentences at 56.61% Finding
Among 431 women serving life sentences, Black women constitute 244 (56.61%), compared to 41.53% of the total female prison population — showing racial disparities deepen dramatically among those serving the most extreme sentences.
Total women's state prison population: 3,673 Statistic
Total women's state prison population across all five facilities is 3,673 (Arrendale 433 + Emanuel 416 + McRae 1,195 + Pulaski 1,185 + Whitworth 444).
3,673 inmates
Mean age of incarcerated women is 39.41 years Statistic
The mean age of incarcerated women in Georgia is 39.41 years (median 38), with the largest cohort in the 30-39 range (1,376 women, 35.77%). The mode (most frequent age) is 34 for women versus 35 for men.
39.4 years (mean age)
Women's state prison overall utilization rate: 63.0% Statistic
Overall utilization rate across women's state prisons is 63.0%, driven down by McRae's 52.5% utilization.
63%
31 women aged 70 or older incarcerated in Georgia Statistic
Nearly 5% of incarcerated women are over 60, and 31 women are 70 or older.
31 women aged 70+
Confirmed deaths at women's state prisons in 2025: 12 Statistic
Confirmed deaths at women's state prisons in 2025 total 12 (Arrendale 6 + Pulaski 4 + McRae 1 + Whitworth 1). This does not include Emanuel, whose previously reported 6 deaths are unverified.
12 deaths
Mean age of female lifers is 46.06 years Statistic
Among female lifers, the mean age is 46.06 years.
46.1 years (mean age)
Approximately 270+ women housed outside state prisons Statistic
Approximately 270+ women are housed across transitional centers (Arrendale TC ~108, Metro TC population not separately reported), Helms medical facility (17), RSAT programs, and probation detention.
270 women (approximate)
Tiffany Moss is the sole woman on Georgia's death row Case detail
One woman sits on Georgia's death row: Tiffany Moss, a Black woman sentenced in May 2019 in Gwinnett County for the 2013 starvation murder of her 10-year-old stepdaughter.
Total GDC custody population: 52,855 Statistic
Total GDC custody population is 52,855 as reported on the GPS AI index page.
52,855 inmates
Last woman executed in Georgia: Kelly Gissendaner (2015) Case detail
The last woman Georgia executed was Kelly Gissendaner on September 30, 2015 — the first female execution in the state since 1945.
County jail backlog: 2,372 sentenced to GDC but not picked up Statistic
2,372 individuals are sentenced to GDC but remain in county jails awaiting pickup (county jail backlog).
2,372 inmates
46.34% of reporting women have at least one dependent Statistic
Of 2,706 women reporting on dependents (April 2025 profile), 1,254 (46.34%) reported at least one dependent. An additional 1,144 women (29.7% of total) did not report. Mean dependents: 1.10 for women vs. 1.58 for men.
46.3%
Georgia incarceration rate: 881 per 100,000 (7th highest nationally) Statistic
Georgia's incarceration rate is 881 per 100,000, making it the 7th highest nationally and the 4th highest prison population.
881 per 100,000
62% of women in state prisons nationally have a child under 18 Statistic
Nationally, 62% of women in state prisons have a child under 18.
62%
Georgia prison system operating at 216% of original design capacity Statistic
The Georgia prison system is operating at 216% of its original design capacity.
216%
Children of female offenders seven times more likely to become incarcerated Statistic
GDC states children of female offenders are seven times more likely to become incarcerated.
7.0x times more likely
Georgia Diagnostic Prison at 581% of design capacity Statistic
Georgia Diagnostic Prison is operating at 581% of its original design capacity, with 4,651 inmates held in a facility designed for 800.
581% vs. original design capacity
Data gap: Georgia-specific data on mothers of minor children Data gap
Georgia-specific data distinguishing mothers of minor children from other dependents requires an Open Records Act request.
Deaths in GDC custody since 2020: 1,767 Statistic
Total deaths in GDC custody since 2020 is 1,767.
1,767 deaths
Women significantly more likely to be widowed than men Finding
Women are significantly more likely to be widowed (4.08% vs 0.94% for men), divorced (13.45% vs 7.92%), or married (19.22% vs 10.74%).
Deaths in GDC custody in 2024: 333 Statistic
333 deaths occurred in GDC custody in 2024.
333 deaths
McRae Women's Facility purchased for $130 million from CoreCivic Case detail
McRae Women's Facility was purchased from CoreCivic for $130 million — despite Telfair County tax records valuing the property at approximately $48 million.
Deaths in GDC custody in 2025: 301 Statistic
301 deaths occurred in GDC custody in 2025.
301 deaths
McRae closed in November 2022 after federal BOP pulled contract Case detail
The McRae facility closed in November 2022 after the federal BOP pulled its contract, laying off 252 employees. Commissioner Oliver announced the conversion in January 2023.
Deaths in GDC custody in 2026 YTD: 67 Statistic
67 deaths occurred in GDC custody in 2026 year-to-date (as of March 2026).
67 deaths
McRae houses approximately 1,200 women by August 2025 Statistic
By August 2025, McRae Women's Facility housed approximately 1,200 female offenders. Warden Jody Yancey was installed January 2025.
1,200 women (approximate)
Homicide rate in Georgia prisons: 32x general population Statistic
The homicide rate in Georgia prisons is 32 times the rate of the general population.
32.0x times general population rate
Data gap: McRae not in GPS inmate database Data gap
McRae Women's Facility is not yet in the GPS inmate database, creating a significant blind spot for independent tracking.
GDC correctional officer vacancy rate: 52.5% Statistic
The correctional officer vacancy rate in GDC is 52.5%.
52.5%
Lee Arrendale reduced from ~1,200 to 438 active inmates (64% reduction) Statistic
Lee Arrendale — built 1926 as a tuberculosis sanatorium — has been reduced from ~1,200 to 438 active inmates (GPS database, March 2026), a 64% reduction. Commissioner Oliver proposed downsizing to a 112-bed transitional center, projecting $18.7 mill…
438 active inmates vs. previous population (approximate)
GDC staff turnover within 1 year: 83.7% Statistic
Staff turnover within one year at GDC is 83.7%.
83.7%
Projected $18.7 million annual savings from Arrendale downsizing Statistic
Commissioner Oliver proposed downsizing Lee Arrendale to a 112-bed transitional center, projecting $18.7 million annual savings. No definitive closure date announced.
$18.7M
Georgia parole rate: 37.5% in 2025, down from 69.9% in 1993 Trend
The parole rate in Georgia is 37.5% in 2025, down from 69.9% in 1993.
Pulaski scored 67 (failing) on 2025 food inspection Case detail
Pulaski scored 67 (failing) on a 2025 food inspection — handwashing sink had plumbing ripped from wall, sewage backing through kitchen floor drains.
Average time served (all crimes): 4.61 years Statistic
The average time served for all crimes in Georgia prisons is 4.61 years.
4.6 years
Mass strip-search of 576 women at Lee Arrendale in 46-degree weather Case detail
In February 2024, GDC's tactical squad mass strip-searched all 576 women in B-Unit at Lee Arrendale, forcing them outside in 46-degree weather.
Average time served (lifers): 31.1 years Statistic
The average time served for lifers in Georgia prisons is 31.1 years.
31.1 years
Governor Kemp allocated $600 million for emergency prison repairs Statistic
Governor Kemp allocated $600 million for emergency repairs to Georgia's prison system.
$600.0M
GDC annual budget: $1.7 billion Statistic
The GDC annual budget is $1.7 billion.
$1.7B
December 2024 consultant report found prison system in 'emergency mode' Finding
A December 2024 consultant report found the Georgia prison system in 'emergency mode.'
Active lifers in GDC: 8,026 (~15% of total population) Statistic
There are 8,026 active lifers in the GDC system, representing approximately 15% of the total prison population.
8,026 inmates
Bloods gang seized control of Pulaski after transfers from Lee Arrendale Case detail
The AJC's March 2022 investigation revealed Bloods gang members seized control of Pulaski after transfers from Lee Arrendale. Documented: at least three sexual assaults including two women sodomized at knifepoint; a woman whose ear was partially bit…
GDC commissary revenue: $47 million annually Statistic
GDC commissary revenue is $47 million annually.
$47M
Pamela Dixon paid $10,000-$12,000 to protect daughter at Pulaski Case detail
Pamela Dixon paid $10,000-$12,000 protecting her daughter from gang extortion at Pulaski State Prison.
Two women's facilities operating over capacity Finding
Emanuel Women's Facility (100.2% capacity) and Whitworth Women's Facility (100.5% capacity) are both operating slightly over their rated capacity, while McRae Women's Facility sits at 52.5% — indicating a maldistribution of the women's prison popula…
GED instructor Corey Melvin admitted smuggling contraband and sexual misconduct with six inmates Case detail
Male GED instructor Corey Melvin admitted smuggling contraband and sexual misconduct with six inmates at Pulaski. GDC opened 20 investigations.
Helms Facility classified as Medical Facility, not State Prison Policy
Helms Facility is classified as a 'Medical Facility' not 'State Prison' in GDC's facility system. It houses all pregnant women and terminally ill female inmates.
Senator Ossoff requested FBI RICO investigation into Pulaski Case detail
Senator Ossoff sent a June 22, 2022 letter to FBI Director Wray urging a RICO investigation into Pulaski. No public confirmation of FBI action.
Arrendale being downsized to 112-bed transitional center Policy
Arrendale State Prison is being downsized toward 112-bed transitional center status, despite currently having a capacity of 1,476 beds.
DOJ found Eighth Amendment violations in Georgia prisons Legal fact
The DOJ civil rights investigation (launched August 2021) released its 93-page findings report October 1, 2024, finding Eighth Amendment violations, rampant violence and sexual violence, gang control, and systematic death misclassification. GDC reje…
GPS Facilities Directory is more current than GPS inmate database Methodology note
The GPS Facilities Directory, sourced from GDC's own reporting system, is more current than the GPS inmate database used in the initial brief. This discrepancy means the initial brief's population and capacity figures were superseded.
DOJ investigation future effectively dead under Trump administration Finding
The DOJ investigation's future under the Trump administration is effectively dead — DOJ Civil Rights Division gutted through mass terminations and resignations.
Two women strangled to death eight days apart at Lee Arrendale mental health unit Case detail
Sherry Joyce (61) and Hallie Reed (23) were strangled to death in the same Lee Arrendale mental health unit eight days apart (April 27 and May 5, 2024), allegedly by Jeanni Geuea (22), serving just two years. Reed had requested protective custody af…
Only 9 women died from homicide in all U.S. state prisons 2001-2019 Statistic
Nationally, only 9 women died from homicide in all U.S. state prisons from 2001 to 2019. Georgia had three in two years.
9 homicides of women (national, 2001-2019) vs. Georgia homicides of women in two years
GPS 2025 mortality tracking at women's facilities Statistic
GPS 2025 mortality tracking: Emanuel WF (6 deaths), Lee Arrendale (6), Pulaski (4), McRae (1), Whitworth (1). Emanuel's 6 deaths for 415 capacity is alarming.
18 deaths at women's facilities (2025)
Georgia's prison death rate approximately 584 per 100,000 vs. national 344 Statistic
Georgia's overall prison death rate: ~584 per 100,000 vs. national 344 — roughly 70% higher.
584 per 100,000 (death rate) vs. national prison death rate per 100,000
GDC stopped publishing cause-of-death data March 2024 Data gap
GDC stopped publishing cause-of-death data in March 2024.
CO vacancy rate reached 56.3% in 2022 Statistic
CO vacancy rate reached 56.3% in 2022 (2,985 of 5,991 positions vacant).
56.3%
82.7% of new CO hires quit within first year (2021-2024) Statistic
Between January 2021 and November 2024, 82.7% of new hires quit within their first year.
82.7%
Pulaski had more CO openings than any other facility Finding
Pulaski had more CO openings than any other facility in the GDC system.
Lee Arrendale 62% CO vacancy in December 2020, 44% in April 2024 Statistic
Lee Arrendale had 62% vacancy (December 2020) and 44% vacancy (April 2024 when two women were murdered).
44% vs. percent vacancy (December 2020)
Commissioner Oliver: gang populations 'growing, especially within our female population' Quote
Commissioner Oliver stated that gang populations are 'growing, especially within our female population.'
Four Lee Arrendale staff arrested for sexual assault in five months (2020) Case detail
In 2020, four Lee Arrendale staff were arrested for sexual assault in five months.
Officer Cameron Cheeks raped inmate requiring surgery for partial uterus removal Case detail
In 2022, Officer Cameron Cheeks allegedly 'violently and forcibly raped' an inmate requiring surgery for partial uterus removal; he pled guilty.
Deputy Warden McMillian and Lt. Clark arrested within 24 hours for sexual contact Case detail
In 2023, Deputy Warden McMillian (Pulaski) and Lt. Clark (Lee Arrendale) were arrested within 24 hours for sexual contact with prisoners.
Dr. Nazaire: at least 22 prisoners died under his care Case detail
Dr. Yvon Nazaire served as Pulaski medical director August 2006 to September 2015. At least 22 prisoners died under his care (15 at Pulaski, 5 post-release, 2 at Emanuel).
Nazaire hired despite New York gross negligence citation and active probation Case detail
Nazaire was hired despite a New York gross negligence citation, four malpractice death claims ($2.55 million settlement in one case), and active probation. Georgia medical board granted unrestricted license. He falsified his employment application.
State paid $3+ million in settlements for Nazaire-related deaths Statistic
State paid $3+ million in settlements ($1.5M for Mollianne Fischer, $925K for Bonnie Rocheleau) related to deaths under Dr. Nazaire's care.
$3.0M
Data gap: GBI investigation outcome for Dr. Nazaire Data gap
GBI criminal investigation into Dr. Nazaire launched October 2015 — no public record of charges. Outcome requires an Open Records Act request.
Wellpath exited Georgia prison healthcare citing $32 million in excess costs Case detail
Wellpath took over prison healthcare from Augusta University's GCHC but exited after three years citing $32 million in excess costs.
Centurion Health assumed $2.4 billion 9-year no-bid contract in July 2024 Statistic
Centurion Health assumed a $2.4 billion 9-year no-bid contract to provide Georgia prison healthcare in July 2024.
$2.4B
Georgia ranked 43rd of 49 states in healthcare funding per inmate ($3,610) Statistic
Georgia ranked 43rd of 49 states in healthcare funding per inmate at $3,610.
$3,610
DOJ found 10-month psychiatrist waits and ~10% treatment rate for Hepatitis C/HIV Finding
DOJ found 10-month waits for psychiatrist appointments and approximately 10% treatment rate for Hepatitis C/HIV in Georgia prisons.
81% of women in Georgia prisons require mental health treatment Statistic
81% of women in Georgia prisons require mental health treatment.
81%
MAT limited to Vivitrol only at one facility Policy
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is limited to Vivitrol only at one facility — no methadone or buprenorphine available.
Approximately 50-100 births annually in GDC custody Statistic
Approximately 50-100 births occur annually in GDC custody; 4% of women enter GDC pregnant. Within 48 hours of birth, mothers are returned to prison. No prison nursery program exists.
75 births annually (approximate midpoint of 50-100 range)
Mothers returned to prison within 48 hours of birth; no nursery program Policy
Within 48 hours of birth, mothers are returned to prison. No prison nursery program exists in Georgia.
Motherhood Beyond Bars banned from state prisons in 2019 Case detail
Motherhood Beyond Bars was banned from state prisons in 2019; by December 2025 it was operating in 11 county jails serving 392 children and 1,056 family members.
Jessica Umberger forced to undergo C-section against her will in 2018 Case detail
Jessica Umberger testified she was forced to undergo a C-section against her will in 2018.
Woman begged 13 hours for hospital; newborn died four days later Case detail
Another woman begged for 13 hours to be taken to the hospital; her newborn died four days later.
Georgia Dignity Act (HB 345) bans shackling of pregnant prisoners Legal fact
Georgia Dignity Act (HB 345, signed May 2019) bans shackling of pregnant prisoners and solitary for pregnant/postpartum women.
SCHR documented five women shackled or placed in solitary within six months of birth Finding
Enforcement of the Georgia Dignity Act is weak: SCHR documented five women shackled or placed in solitary within six months of birth at Lee Arrendale (April 2021). GDC reported zero shackling incidents in 2022.
Georgia LIFE Act bans abortion after ~6 weeks; incarcerated women cannot access Legal fact
Post-Dobbs: Georgia's LIFE Act bans abortion after ~6 weeks. Incarcerated women effectively cannot access abortion.
~200 DV survivors documented in Georgia prisons (GCADV) Statistic
GCADV documented ~200 DV survivors in Georgia prisons (2016-2025); 58% serving life or virtual life.
200 DV survivors (approximate)
58% of incarcerated DV survivors serving life or virtual life Statistic
Of ~200 documented DV survivors in Georgia prisons, 58% are serving life or virtual life sentences.
58%
78% of women entering Georgia prisons experienced partner physical abuse Statistic
Study of women entering Georgia prisons: 78% experienced partner physical abuse, 60% threatened with death, 81% reported 5+ traumatic events.
78%
Nationally 30% of women serving homicide sentences were protecting themselves Statistic
Nationally, 30% of women serving homicide sentences were protecting themselves from domestic violence.
30%
Survivor Justice Act (HB 582) signed May 12, 2025 Legal fact
The Survivor Justice Act (HB 582) was signed May 12, 2025 by Governor Kemp. Sponsored by Rep. Stan Gunter (R). Passed with only three dissenting votes. Allows DV evidence at trial/sentencing, expands coercion defense, removes murder exception, provi…
Nicole Boynton: first resentencing under Survivor Justice Act, released after 23 years Case detail
First resentencing under the Survivor Justice Act: Nicole Boynton, released January 2025 after 23 years of incarceration.
Ashley Diamond sexually assaulted 16 times in Georgia men's prisons Case detail
Transgender woman Ashley Diamond was sexually assaulted 16 times in Georgia men's prisons.
SB 185 banned gender dysphoria treatment for incarcerated people, struck down December 2025 Legal fact
SB 185 (signed May 2025) banned all gender dysphoria treatment for incarcerated people. Federal Judge Calvert permanently struck it down December 2025.
340 inmates diagnosed with gender dysphoria, 107 receiving hormone therapy (June 2025) Statistic
As of June 2025: 340 inmates diagnosed with gender dysphoria, 107 receiving hormone therapy in Georgia prisons.
340 inmates diagnosed with gender dysphoria vs. receiving hormone therapy
GDC created Deputy Director of Women's Services position January 2026 Policy
GDC created the Deputy Director of Women's Services position (January 2026), filled by Myra Orsborn.
Commissary vendor generates ~$47 million revenue with ~66% profit margin Statistic
The commissary vendor generates approximately $47 million in revenue with approximately 66% profit margin.
$47.0M
Commissary markups range from 67% to 280% Statistic
Commissary markups range from 67% to 280% over vendor cost.
280% vs. percent (minimum markup)
GPS found 153 items with hidden price increases totaling ~$420,000 Finding
GPS found 153 items where the vendor lowered the contract price but GDC maintained or raised inmate prices, extracting approximately $420,000 extra.
GDC cut $5 million from FY2021 budget via commissary price increases Statistic
GDC cut $5 million from the FY2021 budget via commissary price increases.
$5.0M
Georgia pays $0 for prison labor (one of seven states) Statistic
Georgia pays $0 for prison labor, one of seven states that do not compensate incarcerated workers.
$0.00
Securus generated $8,062,201 in kickbacks (3rd nationally) Statistic
Securus generated $8,062,201 in kickbacks to GDC, ranking 3rd nationally. The commission rate is 59.6%.
$8.1M
87% of communication cost burden falls on women Statistic
Worth Rises found that 87% of prison communication cost burden falls on women (family members).
87%
Only ~346 of 2,761 transitional center beds serve women (12.5%) Statistic
Of 2,761 transitional center beds statewide, only ~346 (12.5%) serve women at Metro TC (234 beds) and Arrendale TC (140 beds).
346 transitional center beds for women vs. total transitional center beds
Georgia's 3-year recidivism rate approximately 27% Statistic
Georgia's 3-year recidivism rate is approximately 27% but gender-disaggregated data is not published (national: 63% women rearrest vs 72% men).
27%
Reentry Partnership Housing does not fund housing for children/family Policy
Reentry Partnership Housing explicitly does not fund housing for children/family — a structural barrier for 46%+ of incarcerated women with dependents.
Data gap: Gender-disaggregated recidivism data not published Data gap
Georgia's gender-disaggregated recidivism data is not published by GDC.
15 critical data gaps identified requiring Open Records Act requests Data gap
The brief identifies 15 critical data gaps including: offense category breakdown by gender, average sentence lengths by gender, GBI Nazaire investigation outcome, deaths with cause of death, gender-disaggregated recidivism, PREA audit results, menta…
GPS inmate database contains 293,000+ records as of March 2026 Methodology note
The GPS inmate database contains 293,000+ records as of March 2026.
Women spread across at least 11 facilities Finding
Women are spread across at least 11 facilities in the Georgia prison system including the recently opened McRae Women's Facility.
Helms Facility houses all pregnant women and terminally ill Policy
Helms Facility (Atlanta, 81-bed capacity, 13 active per GPS database) houses all pregnant women and terminally ill female inmates.
Augusta University GCHC provided prison healthcare 1997-2021 Case detail
Augusta University's Georgia Correctional Healthcare (GCHC) provided prison healthcare from 1997 to 2021.
Pulaski State Prison active population 1,068 Statistic
GPS inmate database shows Pulaski State Prison has 1,068 active female inmates (March 2026), against a capacity of 1,212.
1,068 active inmates vs. capacity
Lee Arrendale houses death row, diagnostic intake, and all-female fire department Finding
Lee Arrendale State Prison still houses death row, diagnostic intake, the Children's Center, and the all-female fire department despite downsizing.
Georgia Senate Public Safety Committee toured McRae in June 2025 Case detail
The Georgia Senate Public Safety Committee toured McRae Women's Facility in June 2025.
Motherhood Beyond Bars serving 392 children and 1,056 family members by December 2025 Statistic
Motherhood Beyond Bars was operating in 11 county jails by December 2025, serving 392 children and 1,056 family members.
392 children served vs. family members served
JPay email costs ~$0.20-$0.30 per message, video visits ~$3.95 per 30 minutes Statistic
JPay charges approximately $0.20-$0.30 per email message and approximately $3.95 per 30-minute video visit.
$3.95
Securus commission rate 59.6% Statistic
Securus Technologies has a 59.6% commission rate on prison communication services in Georgia.
59.6%
Sources
46 cited sources backing this research.
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Journalism
Primary
Press release
Secondary
Data portal
Primary
Gps original
Primary
Data portal
Primary
Gps original
Primary
Gps original
Tertiary
Gps original
GPS Women's Incarceration in Georgia Research Brief
Primary
Gps original
Primary
Official report
Primary
Press release
Secondary
Journalism
Secondary
Journalism
Secondary
Journalism
Secondary
Journalism
Secondary
Data portal
Secondary
Data portal
Primary
Official report
Secondary
Official report
Primary
Official report
Primary
Official report
Secondary
Official report
Primary
Press release
Secondary
Journalism
Key Entities
Organizations, people, facilities, and other named entities referenced in this research.
Arrendale State Prison
[facility]
Arrendale Transitional Center
[facility]
Ashley Diamond
[person]
Augusta University GCHC
[organization]
Bleckley RSAT
[facility]
Bonnie Rocheleau
[person]
Brian Kemp
[person]
Cameron Cheeks
[person]
Center for Constitutional Rights
[organization]
Centurion Health
[organization]
CoreCivic
[organization]
Corey Melvin
[person]
DOJ Civil Rights Investigation of Georgia Prisons
[case]
Dr. Nazaire
[person]
Emanuel Women's Facility
[facility]
GCADV
[organization]
GDC
[organization]
Georgia Bureau of Investigation
[organization]
Georgia Department of Corrections
[organization]
Georgia Diagnostic Prison
[facility]
Georgia Dignity Act
[legislation]
Georgia Justice Project
[organization]
Georgia Prisoners' Speak
[organization]
Hallie Reed
[person]
HB 582
[legislation]
Helms Facility
[facility]
Jeanni Geuea
[person]
Jessica Umberger
[person]
Jody Yancey
[person]
Jon Ossoff
[person]
JPay
[organization]
Kelly Gissendaner
[person]
Lee Arrendale State Prison
[facility]
LIFE Act
[legislation]
McRae Women's Facility
[facility]
Metro Transitional Center
[facility]
Mollianne Fischer
[person]
Motherhood Beyond Bars
[organization]
Myra Orsborn
[person]
NELSON Worldwide
[organization]
Nicole Boynton
[person]
Pamela Dixon
[person]
Pamela Winn
[person]
Prison Policy Initiative
[organization]
Pulaski State Prison
[facility]
RestoreHER US
[organization]
SB 185
[legislation]
Securus Technologies
[organization]
Sherry Joyce
[person]
Southern Center for Human Rights
[organization]
Stan Gunter
[person]
The Sentencing Project
[organization]
Tiffany Moss
[person]
Tyrone Oliver
[person]
U.S. Department of Justice
[organization]
Wellpath
[organization]
West Central ITF
[facility]
Whitworth Women's Facility
[facility]
Women on the Rise
[organization]
Women's Probation Detention Center
[facility]
Worth Rises
[organization]
Yvon Nazaire
[person]