SOP_NUMBER: 209.02
TITLE: Prosecution in Local Court
REFERENCE_CODE: IIB02-0002
DIVISION: Facilities Operations
TOPIC_AREA: 209 Policy-Facilities Control/Discipline/Segregation
EFFECTIVE_DATE: 2015-04-30
WORD_COUNT: 384
POWERDMS_URL: https://public.powerdms.com/GADOC/documents/105929
URL: https://gps.press/sop-data/209.02/

SUMMARY:
This policy establishes procedures for GDC Wardens and Superintendents to seek prosecution through local magistrates when inmates, probationers, staff, or civilians commit significant violations of state law within GDC facilities. The policy applies to all incarcerated facilities and transitional centers and emphasizes the importance of documentation, evidence preservation, and investigative practices to support prosecution efforts, with particular priority given to serious violations against persons, especially GDC staff.

KEY_TOPICS: prosecution, local court, magistrate, significant violations, criminal charges, evidence preservation, investigation, documentation, facility security, inmate violations, staff violations, escape, assault, weapons, hostage, riot, drug possession, arson, rape, burglary, witness protection

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FULL TEXT:
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|GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS<br>Standard Operating Procedures|Col2|Col3|
|---|---|---|
|**`Functional Area: `**<br>`Facilities Operations`|**`Reference Number: `**<br>`IIB02-0002`<br>`(209.02)`|**`Revises`**<br>**`Previous`**<br>**`Effective Date:`**<br> <br>`3/01/05`|
|**`Subject:`**<br>`Prosecution In Local Court`|||
|**`Authority:`**<br>`Bryson/Jacobs`|**`Effective Date:`**<br>`4/30/15`|`Page 1 of`<br> `2 `|

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I. POLICY:

   A warrant for prosecution shall be sought by the Warden or
   Superintendent from the local magistrate if a significant
   violation of State law has occurred and there is available
   evidence to support such an action. If a Federal law has been
   violated, the governing agency will be contacted for
   appropriate investigation.

   A. To identify significant violations that should be
      prosecuted.

   B. Promote consistent and cooperative relations with local
      prosecutorial officers in preserving law and order within
      GDC facilities.

   C. Achieve uniformity within GDC facilities with this
      procedure.

II. APPLICABILITY:

   All incarcerate facilities/transitional centers housing GDC
   inmates or probationers.

III. RELATED DIRECTIVES:

   A. GDC Rules: 125-3-l-.07(e)2, 125-3-2-.04(a), and 125-3-2      .05(2). GDC SOP: IKO1-0005, IK01-0001, IK01-0006, IK01      0007

   B. GDC SOP IK01-0005, IK01-0001, IK01-0006, IK01-0007

   C. ACA Standards: 3-4219

```

** - LEGAL - Reece

```
IV. DEFINITIONS:

   None

```

|Functional Area:<br>Facilities Operations|Prev. Eff. Date:<br>3/01/05|Page 2 of<br>2|
|---|---|---|
|`Functional Area:`<br>`Facilities Operations `|`Effective Date:`<br>`4/30/15`|`Reference Number:`<br>`IIB02-0002`<br>`(209.02)`|

```
V. ATTACHMENTS:

   None

VI. PROCEDURE:

```





```
Prosecution shall be sought against all persons who violate
the law, including inmates/probationers, staff and civilians.

A. Examples of SIGNIFICANT violations will include and are
   not limited to:

   1. Causing the death of another

   2. Homosexual activity by force

   3. Attacking another with weapon

   4. Taking and/or holding a hostage

   5. Participation in riot or other group disturbance

   6. Escape

   7. Arson

   8. Possession of narcotic drugs

   9. Damaging or destroying State or County Property

   10. Counterfeiting

   11. Violation of U.S. Postal Laws

   12. Forgery

   13. Rape/Sodomy

   14. Burglary

   15. Exposure/Exhibition

B. A high priority should be assigned in prosecuting any
   serious violations against person, particularly against
   officers or other staff.

```

|Functional Area:<br>Facilities Operations|Prev. Eff. Date:<br>3/01/05|Page 3 of<br>2|
|---|---|---|
|`Functional Area:`<br>`Facilities Operations `|`Effective Date:`<br>`4/30/15`|`Reference Number:`<br>`IIB02-0002`<br>`(209.02)`|


```
C. This procedure underscores the importance of precise
   documentation (i.e. videos & still photographs), sound
   investigative practices, evidence preservation, and
   potential protection of inmate/probationer witnesses. The
   requirements underscore the fact that pursuing justice in
   prisons is no less important than doing so in the
   community. (Refer to SOP IK01-0005)

```