SOP 209.09: Special Management Unit - Tier III Program

|GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS
Standard Operating Procedures|Col2|Col3|
|---|---|---|
|Policy Name:Special Management Unit - Tier III Program|Policy Name:Special Management Unit - Tier III Program|Policy Name:Special Management Unit - Tier III Program|
|Policy Number: 209.09|Effective Date: 04/23/2025|Page Number: 1 of 40|
|Authority:
Commissioner|Originating Division:
Facilities Division|Access Listing:
Level II: Required Offender
Access|

I. Introduction and Summary:

The Special Management Unit (SMU): Tier III Program (Tier III Program) is
established to protect staff, offenders, and the public from offenders who commit or
lead others to commit violent, disruptive, predatory, or riotous actions, or who
otherwise participated in or was associated with activity such that greater management
of the offender’s interaction with other persons is necessary or ensure the safety,
security, or orderly operation of Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC) facilities,
or protection of the public.

The purpose of the Tier III Program is to establish an incentive program based on an
increased level of privileges for demonstrated appropriate offender behavior and
program compliance. The goal is for an offender to make the appropriate adjustments
so that he or she may be returned to a general population housing assignment.

The Tier III Program will consist of five (5) separate phases. Phase 1, Phase 2, Phase
3, Phase 4, and Phase 5 will be the identified phases. The stratification location of
these phases will be identified by the Director, Field Operations (or designee).

II. Authority:

A. GDC Board Rule: 125-3-2-.10.

B. GDC Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs): 103.58, Security Threat Group

Management Program; 107.05, Program Management; 203.03, Incident Reports;
204.10, Offender Use of the Goal Device and J-Pay Kiosk; 205.07, Post Orders;
206.01, Offender Personal Property Standards; 209.01, Offender Discipline;
209.04, Use of Force and Restraint for Offender Control; 209.05, Stripped Cells
and Temporary Confiscation of Personal Property; 209.55, Special Management
Unit - Tier III Segregated Transition Education Program (Tier III STEP); 219.01,
Case Management-Records Maintenance; 220.02, Security Classification; 220.03,
Classification Committee; 220.04, Offender Orientation; 222.01, InterInstitutional Transfer; 222.10, Security Procedures during Transport of Offenders;
226.01 Searches, Security Inspections, and Use of Permanent Logs; 227.01,

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|Authority:
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Offender Access to Telephones; 227.03, Access to Courts; 227.05, Offender
Visitation; 228.01, Safety and Sanitation Inspection; 409.04.28, Alternative Entrée
Program; 507.04.35, Examination Following Use of Force; 508.01, Mental Health
Organization and Administration; 508.15, Mental Health Evaluations; 508.20,
Mental Health Rounds In Restrictive Housing Units; 508.23, Specialized Mental
Health Treatment Units (SMHTU); 508.27, Time Out, Seclusion, and Physical
Restraint; 508.28, Managing Potentially Suicidal/Self Injurious and Aggressive
Behavior; 508.29, Suicide Precautions; 508.30, Mental Health Acute Care Unit;
and

C. ACA Standards: 5-ACI-4A-04, 5-ACI-4A-05, 5-ACI-4A-06, 5-ACI-4A-07, 4
ACI-4A-08, 5-ACI-4A-09, 5-ACI-4A-10, 5-ACI-4A-11, 5-ACI-4A,12, 5-ACI4A-13, 5-ACI-4A-14, 5-ACI-4A-15, 5-ACI-4A-16, 5-ACI-4A-17, 5-ACI-4A-18,
5-ACI-4A-19, 5-ACI-4A-20, 5-ACI-4A-21, 5-ACI-4A-22, 5-ACI-4A-23, 5-ACI4A-24, 5-ACI-4A-25, 5-ACI-4A-26 and 5-ACI-4A-27.

III. Definitions:

As used in this SOP, these terms are defined as follows.

A. Tier III Program Classification Committee - The Institutional Classification

Committee created in SOP 220.03, Classification Committee: The group of staff
appointed by the SMU Warden to review offender progress through the Tier III
Program. A security member of the Committee also conducts disciplinary hearings
for offenders assigned to the Tier III Program. At a minimum, the committee shall
include: (1) the Tier III Program Deputy SMU Warden of Security; (2) a Mental
Health (MH) Counselor or other MH Professional and/or a General Population
Counselor; and (3) the Tier III Program Chief of Security.

B. Notoriety - The state of being famous or well known for some bad quality or deed.

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|Authority:
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IV. Statement of Policy and Applicable Procedures:

A. Overview :

1. An offender assigned to the Tier III Program is given the opportunity to

progress through the program’s phases based upon his or her behavior and
ability to adjust under reduced levels of supervision.

a. The Tier III Program is a minimum 13-month (390 days) program.

Offenders, if successful at each phase, shall spend at least sixty (60) days
in E-Wing, at least sixty (60) days in F-Wing, at least ninety (90) days in
D-Wing, at least ninety (90) days in C-Wing, and at least ninety (90) days
in B-Wing.

b. There are five (5) phases, from the most restrictive (Phase 1) to the least

restrictive (Phase 5): Phase 1, Phase 2, Phase 3, Phase 4, and Phase 5.

c. Each phase offers progressively more privileges (see Attachment 6).

d. Offenders shall be initially placed in E-Wing (Phase 1) upon placement in

the Tier III Program.

e. Offenders that have progressed past E-Wing and F-Wing may not be

returned to E-Wing or F-Wing unless the offender has been found to have
engaged in conduct that would satisfy one (1) of the criteria for assignment
to the SMU found in IV.B. If the offender is recommended to be returned
to E-Wing or F-Wing, it will be treated as a new assignment to the SMU
and the offender will be processed under the same procedures found in
IV.C.

f. Offenders shall not be held in the Tier III Program for more than 24
months. However, the Department reserves the right to retain offenders in

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|Authority:
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Facilities Division|Access Listing:
Level II: Required Offender
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the Tier III Program for a longer period of time if they meet one (1) of the
following criteria:

i. Committed a murder while incarcerated.

ii. Escaped outside the secure fencing of a facility.

iii. Caused serious bodily injury to an offender, GDC employee,

contractor, or volunteer.

iv. Has taken an offender, GDC employee, contractor, or volunteer

hostage.

v. Offenders whose crimes are so egregious that the offender was placed

in the Tier III Program immediately upon being placed in GDC
custody: or

vi. The offender, due to unique position of influence and authority over

others, poses such an exceptional, credible, and articulable risk to the
safe operation of the prison system or to the public that no facility other
than the Tier III Program facility is sufficient to contain the risk.

g. Offenders that have been in the Tier III Program more than 24 months and

have completed the requirements of the Tier III Program but cannot be
removed from the Tier III Program due to the offender meeting the
requirements in IV.A(1)(f), shall be placed in Phase 5. The physical
location of the offender will not change the Phase, unless the offender
commits another act that would qualify for placement in the Tier III
Program. If the offender is recommended to be returned to E-Wing or FWing, it will be treated as a new assignment to the SMU and the offender
will be processed under the same procedures found in IV.C.

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|Authority:
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h. Offenders recommended to remain in the Tier III Program past 24-months

shall be reviewed quarterly, utilizing Attachment 12, by a panel made up
of the Director, Field Operations, the Statewide Mental Health Director,
the Statewide Medical Director, and a member of the Office of Legal
Services. In the event a panel member is unavailable due to illness, family
emergency, or other exigent circumstances to participate in the quarterly
review, the panel member may select a designee in the senior management
of his or her particular department to participate in the review.
i. The Commissioner or Assistant Commissioner for Facilities must

personally approve any decision by the panel to retain an offender in the
Tier III Program past 24-months.

j. The criteria governing the panel’s determination shall include:

i. Length of time in current phase.

ii. Potential risk for harm to the offender, other offenders, staff, volunteers,

contractors, or the public, if the offender is released from the Tier III
Program.

iii. Number, type, and frequency of disciplinary reports.

iv. Involvement in self-improvement activities.

v. Behavior while in the SMU.

vi. The offender’s 60-day or 90-day mental health evaluation.

vii. Progress on the Offender’s Management Plan, Attachment 11; and

viii. Total duration of the offender’s confinement in the SMU.

2. All offenders assigned to the Tier III Program are classified as Close Security.

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|Authority:
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3. If the offender successfully completes the Tier III Program, he or she will be

considered for reassignment to the Tier III STEP Program with a Close
Security status.

B. Criteria for Admission to the Tier III Program. To be eligible for placement in

the Tier III Program an offender must have at least one (1) of the following at
the time of the request:

1. Participated in or was associated with activity such that greater management.

of the offender’s interaction with other persons is necessary to ensure the
safety, security, or orderly operation of GDC facilities, or protection of the
public.

2. Escape involving violence or serious threat of violence.

3. Multiple escapes or escape attempts within the previous three (3) years from a

secure correctional facility or law enforcement custody.

4. Participation in a major disturbance or riot during the previous five (5) years

involving: (a) ten (10) or more offenders; and/or (b) the serious threat of loss
of life or actual major property damage.

5. Killing or causing serious injury to another person within the previous five (5)

years.

6. Participation in a hostage taking within the previous five (5) years.

7. Possession of a firearm or an explosive device within the previous five (5)

years.

8. Two (2) or more disciplinary infractions for possession of a weapon within the

previous five (5) years.

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9. Three (3) or more disciplinary charges within the previous 12 months that

involve excessive disruptive behavior of either a Great or High severity level
as defined in SOP 209.01, Offender Discipline.

10. Offenders with assaultive histories; and

11. Offenders that are considered to be a person of Notoriety and placement in the

Tier III Program is necessary to maintain the safety and security of a facility
or the GDC system.

Note: The criteria listed above for admission to Tier III only apply to
offenders whose mental health level is classified as MH Level II or less.
MH Level III/IV offenders who meet the criteria above shall be screened
by MH Staff and considered for placement in a Specialized Mental Health
Treatment Units (SMHTU). Refer to SOP 508.23, SMHTU.

C. Process for Assignment to the Tier III Program:

1. Assignment of an offender to the Tier III Program begins as a request for

placement from the requesting facility Warden to the Tier III Program
Classification Committee at the SMU. The request must be made on the Tier
III Program Assignment Request Form (Attachment 1). For emergency
placement in the Tier III Program, see paragraph IV.C.16.

2. Upon completion of the Tier III Program Assignment Request Form

(Attachment 1) by the requesting facility Warden, the offender must be served
a copy of the Tier III Program Assignment Request Form (Attachment 1),
which must be signed by the offender and the date and time of service listed
on the form. The service provides the offender notice of the Tier III Program
assignment request and notice of the 48-hour hearing to be held by the Tier III
Classification Committee. The completed Tier III Program Assignment
Request Form (Attachment 1) and evidence supporting the assignment request
shall be forwarded to the SMU Warden and the North Regional Director.

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|Authority:
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3. Upon receiving a Tier III Program Assignment Request Form (Attachment 1),

the SMU Warden will notify the SMU Mental Health Unit Manager that a
mental health evaluation has to be done on the offender by a licensed mental
health provider. The SMU Mental Health Unit Manager will coordinate with
the requesting facility mental health unit to have the mental health evaluation
done to determine if the offender is suitable for placement in the Tier III
Program.

a. If the mental health evaluation finds the offender is not suitable for

placement in the Tier III Program, the SMU Warden will notify the
requesting facility Warden, the North Regional Director, and the Director,
Field Operations that the offender is not suitable for placement in the Tier
III program. The offender shall not be transferred to the Tier III Program
and will be evaluated for other appropriate housing, such as the Special
Mental Health Treatment Unit (SMHTU).

b. If the offender’s mental health evaluation allows placement in the Tier III

Program, then the SMU Mental Health Unit Manager will notify the Tier
III Program Classification Committee Chair that the offender is suitable for
placement in the Tier III Program and will provide a copy of the mental
health evaluation to same.

4. The 48-hour hearing will be convened to advise the offender that he or she is

being recommended for assignment to the Tier III Program. The offender is
entitled to the following rights:

a. At least 48 hours prior to the hearing, the offender must be served with a

copy of the Tier III Program Assignment Request Form (Attachment 1).

b. The offender has the right to attend the hearing. This hearing may be done

by video (if the offender is at another facility) or in-person (if the offender
has been placed at the SMU as an emergency placement). The offender

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may forfeit this right if he or she is disruptive, and this disruption shall be
documented.

c. The offender has the right to make an oral statement and to present

documents. However, the offender does not have the right to call witnesses;
and

d. The offender has the right to submit a written statement.

5. The Tier III Program Classification Committee will hold the 48-hour hearing,

no earlier than 48-hours after service of the Tier III Program Assignment
Request Form (Attachment 1). This hearing may be done by video (if the
offender is at another facility) or in-person (if the offender has been placed at
the SMU as an emergency placement). At the 48-hour hearing, the offender
may make an oral statement to the Tier III Program Classification Committee,
present documents, and provide a written statement. The offender is not
permitted to call witnesses.

The Tier III Program Classification Committee will document on Attachment
2 the offender’s statement to the committee, whether the offender provided a
written statement, presented any documents, whether the offender received a
mental health evaluation, the date and time of the mental health evaluation, and
whether the offender is suitable for placement in the Tier III Program.

The Tier III Program Classification Committee will review the request for
assignment to the Tier III Program, evidence supporting the assignment
request, any statements made by the offender, any documents presented by the
offender, and whether the offender is suitable for placement in the Tier III
Program in determining whether to recommend approval or disapproval of the
assignment request.

If the Tier III Program Classification Committee recommends approval of the
Tier III Program Assignment Request, the recommendation shall be made on

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|Authority:
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the Tier III Program Assignment Memo (Attachment 2) and will contain
specific reasons for the offender’s assignment, including but not limited to,
specific reference to the activity participated in or associated with, the stated
need for additional management, and the precise concern for the safe and
secure operation of the facilities or the need for further protection from the
public. The Tier III Program Classification Committee Chair will sign and
forward the Tier III Program Assignment Memo (Attachment 2) to the SMU
Warden for further review.

Note: An offender placed in the Tier III Program due to allegations of
criminal activity, and that activity is under investigation, then the
Department may withhold information from the offender that may impact
the ongoing investigation .

6. The SMU Warden will review the Tier III Program Assignment Memo

(Attachment 2) within seven (7) calendar days. If the SMU Warden
recommends disapproval of the Tier III Program assignment request, then the
process is complete, and no further action is required.

7. If the SMU Warden recommends approval, he or she must forward the Tier III

Program Assignment Request Form (Attachment 1), the supporting evidence
for the assignment request, the Tier III Program Assignment Memo
(Attachment 2), and any documents provided by the offender to the North
Regional Director. The North Regional Director will recommend approval or
disapproval of assignment. A decision must be rendered within seven (7)
calendar days.

8. If the North Regional Director approves the request for assignment to the Tier

III Program, the offender must be served with a copy of this action (Attachment
2) and that service must be documented, which includes listing the date served,
the date the appeal is due, signature of the counselor providing the service of
the form, and the offender’s signature.

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9. The offender has the right to appeal the Tier III Program assignment. The

appeal must be submitted to the Director, Field Operations (or designee),
utilizing the Tier III Program Assignment Appeal Form (Attachment 3) within
fourteen (14) calendar days from receipt of the Notice of the Assignment to the
Tier III Program.

The offender shall provide the Tier III Program Assignment Appeal Form
(Attachment 3) to the offender’s assigned counselor, who will sign and date
that the appeal was received. The offender shall sign and date the Tier III
Program Assignment Appeal Form (Attachment 3) acknowledging that the
counselor has received the appeal. The assigned counselor will provide a copy
of the signed Tier III Program Assignment Appeal Form (Attachment 3) to the
offender.

The assigned counselor shall then forward the signed Tier III Program
Assignment Appeal Form (Attachment 3) to the Director, Field Operations
within three (3) calendar days of receipt of the offender’s appeal.

10. The Director, Field Operations shall review and render a decision on the

assignment to the Tier III Program within seven (7) calendar days of receipt of
the offender’s appeal.

11. If the Director, Field Operations (or designee) disapproves the

recommendation for placement in the Tier III Program, then the offender shall
remain or be returned (if previously moved under IV.C.16) to the offender’s
current facility. The Director, Field Operations (or designee) may also transfer
the offender to another facility if appropriate.

If the Director, Field Operations (or designee) approves the recommendation
for placement in the Tier III Program, then the offender’s written objections
and Tier III Program Assignment Appeal Form (Attachment 3) must be
forwarded to the Assistant Commissioner for Facilities within three (3)
calendar days.

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|Authority:
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12. The Assistant Commissioner for Facilities shall have three (3) calendar days

to make the final decision on the offender’s assignment to the Tier III Program.
The Assistant Commissioner for Facilities final decision shall be provided to
the offender, who will acknowledge receipt of the final decision on the Tier III
Program Assignment Appeal Form (Attachment 3).

13. Formal placement of the offender to the Tier III Program must not be made

until after the time for the offender to submit objections expires.

14. If the Tier III Program assignment request is approved, the identified staff from

the Special Management Unit will enter, within three (3) business days, a
formal transfer request into the Scribe assignment application to implement the
transfer to the Tier III Program.

15. The Classification Unit at Offender Administration will finalize the transfer

request and assign the applicable profile in Scribe.

16. Emergency Situations:

In emergency situations, the requesting facility Warden may request
emergency placement of the offender in the Tier III Program. The requesting
facility Warden may verbally request the emergency placement to the Director,
Field Operations. The requesting facility Warden shall then provide the
reasons in writing for the emergency placement on the Tier III Program
Assignment Request Form (Attachment 1).

The Director, Field Operations (or designee) may approve or disapprove an
emergency placement of an offender to the Tier III Program. The Director,
Field Operations (or designee) shall sign the Tier III Program Assignment
Request Form (Attachment 1) with approval or disapproval of the emergency
placement.

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If approved, upon arrival at the SMU, the offender will be given a mental health
evaluation by a licensed mental health provider to determine if the offender is
suitable for placement in the Tier III Program. If after hours or on the weekend,
the on-call mental health provider will be contacted to have a licensed mental
health provider respond to the facility to perform the mental health evaluation.

a. If the mental health evaluation finds the offender is not suitable for

placement in the Tier III Program, the SMU Warden will notify the North
Regional Director and the Director, Field Operations that the offender is
not suitable for placement in the Tier III program. The offender shall
immediately be placed in the SMHTU at the Special Management Unit
pending assignment to the SMHTU or other suitable housing.

b. If the offender’s mental health evaluation allows placement in the Tier III

Program, then the offender will be placed in Phase 1 status and the offender
must be served a copy of the Tier III Program Assignment Request Form
(Attachment 1), which must be signed by the offender and the date and
time of service listed on the form. The service provides the offender notice
of the Tier III Program assignment request and notice of the 48-hour
hearing to be held by the Tier III Classification Committee. The Tier III
Classification Committee will then proceed with the steps listed above,
starting at IV.C.5.

D. Tier III Program Orientation :

1. Within seven (7) calendar days of arrival at the Tier III Program, the Unit staff

must provide the offender with an orientation program.

2. The orientation must contain the following:

a. A review of the overall rules governing offender behavior within the Tier

III Program.

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b. A review of the rules governing each phase of the program. This must

include a review of the behavioral expectations and privileges for each
phase and how they provide the offender a road map as to how the offender
can progress through each Phase.

c. A description of the periodic review process that determines if the offender

progresses to the next phase (found in Paragraph VI.F of this SOP).

d. A review of the steps required to complete the Tier III Program and be

considered for placement in the Tier III STEP Program; and

e. A copy of the Offenders’ Management Plan (Attachment 11), which will

list the general requirements to be completed to progress through the Tier
III Program and any specific programming recommended for the offender,
if applicable.

E. Conditions and Privileges in the Tier III Program:

1. Subject to the ordinary restrictions that apply as a result of offender

misconduct, the following general rules apply:

a. All cells are single occupancy. This applies to offenders in Phase 1, 2, 3, 4,

and 5.

a. All cells must be equipped and furnished in a manner consistent with cells

in the general population.

c. Each offender must be provided prescribed medication, clothing that is not

degrading, and access to basic personal items (as set out in the privileges
chart (Attachment 6) for use in their cells unless there is imminent danger
that an offender will destroy an item or induce self-injury.

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d. Toiletries and personal hygiene items must be provided on the same basis

as the general population.

e. Each offender must be provided the opportunity for a shower and shave

three (3) times per week.

f. Food provided to offenders in the Tier III Program must be the same quality

and quantity as that provided in general population. Special or substitute
meals shall be handled in accordance with SOP 409.04.28, Alternative
Entrée Meal.

g. Alternative meal service may be provided to an offender in segregation

who uses food or food service equipment in a manner that is hazardous to
self, staff, or other offenders. Alternative meal service is on an individual
basis, is based on health or safety considerations only, meets basic
nutritional requirements and occurs with the written approval of the SMU
Warden or designee and responsible health authority. The substitution
period shall not exceed seven (7) calendar days.

h. Offenders must be provided the same bedding supplies as are provided

offenders in the general population.

i. Offenders must be provided the same laundry and barbering services and

are issued and exchanged clothing on the same basis as offenders in general
population. Exceptions are permitted only when found necessary by the
SMU Warden or designee; any exception is recorded in the Electronic
Logbook (Note Active) unit log and justified in writing.

j. Offenders must receive the services of a counselor. Offenders may

participate in such educational, vocational and/or rehabilitative programs
as can be provided within the confines of the Tier III Program, consistent
with the security needs of the unit. Offenders shall be notified of available
programming, and such notification should be documented in Case Notes.

|GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS
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|Authority:
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k. Offenders will receive a minimum of one (1) hour of recreation per day,

Monday through Friday, unless security or safety considerations dictate
otherwise, which shall be documented. This recreation time must be
outside in the recreation pens unless security or safety considerations
dictate otherwise. Staff shall document recreation times in the Electronic
Logbook (Note Active) door sheet for each individual offender, and in the
event of digital connection loss, staff will utilize paper/pen record keeping
using Attachment 10, Tier III Program Check List. Staff shall document
the time the offender is taken out to the recreation pens and initial under
that time notation. Staff shall document the time the offender is returned
from the recreation pen and initial under that time notation. Recreation
time will also be broadly notated in the Electronic Logbook (Note Active)
unit logs.

l. All offenders shall receive a minimum of four (4) hours out of cell time per

day, Monday through Friday, unless security or safety considerations
dictate otherwise, which shall be documented. Offenders are not required
to participate in out of cell time if they choose. Any such refusal to
participate shall be documented in the Electronic Logbook (Note Active)
door sheet for each individual offender, and in the event of digital
connection loss, staff will utilize paper/pen record keeping using
Attachment 10, Tier III Program Check List.

The four (4) hours out of cell time may consist of any of the following or
any combination thereof but must include at least one (1) hour of recreation
time: table time, recreation time in the recreation pens, out-of-cell
programming, and an offender’s visitation time Monday through Friday,
for a total of a minimum of four (4) hours out of cell time each day.

Legal visits will not be included in the four (4) hours out of cell time.
Visitation time that occurs on the weekend shall not be used to reduce the
Monday through Friday out of cell time. All out of cell time will be
documented in the Electronic Logbook (Note Active) and in the event of

|GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS
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|Authority:
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digital connection loss, staff will utilize paper/pen record keeping using
Attachment 10, Tier III Program Check List for each offender. Staff shall
document the time the offender is taken out of the cell and initial under that
time notation. Staff shall document the time the offender is returned to their
cell and initial under that time notation. Out of cell time will also be broadly
notated in the logbook.

Note: If out of cell time for an individual wing or the entire SMU is
canceled or shortened for three (3) or more consecutive days, then the
SMU Warden will promptly notify the North Region Director in
writing and explain the circumstances resulting in the cancellation, the
steps taken to resolve the issues resulting in the cancellation, and an
estimated timeline for resuming out of cell time.

Note: Denial of out of cell time as punishment will not be allowed
unless the offender has committed a “Great” or higher severity level
disciplinary offense, during out of cell time or during movement to or
from out of cell time.

m. All telephone calls are limited to 25 minutes in duration.

n. The SMU Warden will deal with emergency telephone calls on a case-by
case basis. The highest-ranking official present may authorize an
emergency call for a serious illness or death of a family member if the SMU
Warden is not available. The staff member who authorizes the call must
verify and document that the situation warrants an emergency call.

o. All visits shall follow the Tier III Program Privileges Chart (Attachment 6)

for Phases 1-5 and shall be noncontact visits. This does not apply to
attorney visits. Contact visits for attorneys must be approved by the SMU
Warden.

|GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS
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|Policy Name:Special Management Unit - Tier III Program|Policy Name:Special Management Unit - Tier III Program|Policy Name:Special Management Unit - Tier III Program|
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|Authority:
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p. All offenders in the Tier III Program must be allowed legal access as

provided in SOP 227.03, Access to Courts.

q. All offenders in the Tier III Program shall have access to Chaplaincy

Services. An offender may make a request for Chaplaincy Services in case
of an emergency, death in family, serious illness, injury to a family
member, divorce, or other such family trauma. The request can be made to
any available officer or staff member. The officer or staff member
receiving the request shall notify the facility Chaplain of the request as soon
as possible. Religious materials are available upon request to the Chaplain,
including approved religious texts, and books on a variety of subjects and
services. Volunteers from religious organizations may visit with offenders
and conduct religious services for individuals or small groups of Tier III
offenders at the discretion of the SMU Warden.

r. All offenders in the Tier III Program must be allowed access to reading

materials through the institution’s library upon request at least once per
week utilizing the mobile book carts. Staff shall document the time reading
materials are offered and/or delivered in the Electronic Logbook (Note
Active) door sheet for each individual offender, and in the event of digital
connection loss, staff will utilize paper/pen record keeping using
Attachment 10, Tier III Program Check List.

s. All offenders shall have access to write and receive letters on the same

basis as offenders in the general population.

t. All offenders shall have access to the GOAL Devices and Kiosks.

Offenders will be allowed to recharge the devices daily and access the
Kiosk at least twice a week. Staff shall document the time the offender is
offered access to the Kiosk in the Electronic Logbook (Note Active) door
sheet for each individual offender, and in the event of digital connection
loss, staff will utilize paper/pen record keeping using Attachment 10, Tier

|GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS
Standard Operating Procedures|Col2|Col3|
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|Authority:
Commissioner|Originating Division:
Facilities Division|Access Listing:
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Access|

III Program Check List. Repair and replacement of devices shall be done
in accordance with SOP 204.10, Use of the GOAL Device.

2. Offenders receive specific privileges based on their current phase. Those

privileges are outlined in the Tier III Program Privileges Chart (Attachment 6).

F. Progression through the Program:

1. The SMU Warden (or designee) must informally review each offender every

thirty (30) days to evaluate the offender’s progress and to develop new goals
and objectives if needed. The review will be recorded in the SCRIBE case
notes.

Goals shall be communicated verbally to the offender in a clear, concise, and
professional manner. Progress shall be monitored and positively reinforced.
This informal review provides documentation about the offender’s progress or
failure with his or her Offender Management Plan (Attachment 11).

2. Mental Health Evaluations:

a. All offenders in Phase 1 and 2 (or if housed in E and F Wings regardless

of phase) shall receive an out of cell mental health evaluation, from a
licensed mental health provider, once every 60-days.

b. All offenders in D, C, and B Wings shall receive an out of cell mental health

evaluation, from a licensed mental health provider, once every 90-days.

c. The purpose of the mental health evaluations shall be to determine if the

offender is mentally capable of continuing in the Tier III Program. If the
licensed mental health provider finds that the offender is not capable of
continuing in the Tier III Program, then the Director, Field Operations (or
designee) shall place the offender in a suitable housing assignment that
meets the offender’s mental health needs.

|GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS
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|Authority:
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Facilities Division|Access Listing:
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3. 90-day review (B, C, and D Wings):

a. At least every ninety (90) days the Tier III Program Classification

Committee must review the offender’s status and make a recommendation
to the SMU Warden (or designee). This recommendation is to determine if
the offender will be:

1) Transitioned to the next phase.

2) Retained in the current phase.

3) Reassigned to a previous phase; or

4) Released to the Tier III STEP Program.

b. This review must be documented on the 90-Day Review Hearing Form

(Attachment 4). The Tier III Program Classification Committee must give
specific reasons for its recommendation.

c. The Tier III Program Classification Committee must consider the

following factors when formulating its recommendation:

1) Length of time in current phase.

2) Behavior at the SMU, including involvement in self-improvement

activities and progress on the Offender’s Management Plan
(Attachment 11).

3) Potential risk for harm to the offender, other offenders, staff,

volunteers, contractors, or the public, if the offender is released from
the Tier III Program.

4) Number, type, and frequency of disciplinary reports.

|GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS
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|Authority:
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5) The offender’s 60-day/90-day mental health evaluation.

6) The offender’s demeanor with staff during periodic reviews; and

7) If the offender is within 12-months or 6-months of their maximum

release date (MRD), then the Tier III Program Classification
Committee shall consider the offender for placement in the Tier III
STEP Program. If the offender is denied placement in the Tier III STEP
Program, then the Tier III Program Classification Committee shall
document the specific reasons for the denial on Attachment 4. Offender
appeals of denial for placement in the Tier III STEP Program shall be
reviewed by the Assistant Commissioner for Facilities.

d. If circumstances warrant, the SMU Warden (or designee) may convene the

Tier III Program Classification Committee at an earlier time. These
circumstances include exemplary behavior or significant misbehavior.

e. As part of this 90-day review, the Tier III Program Classification

Committee must offer the offender an opportunity for a hearing, which
must include:

1) At least 48-hours before the hearing, the offender must be served with

a copy of the 90-Day Hearing/Review Form (Attachment 4).

2) The offender may attend the hearing. The offender may forfeit this right

if he or she is disruptive, and this disruption shall be documented.

3) The offender may make a statement and present documents. However,

the offender does not have the right to call witnesses.

4) The offender may submit a written statement.

|GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS
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|Authority:
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Facilities Division|Access Listing:
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f. If the recommendation of the Tier III Program Classification Committee is

that the offender be retained in the current phase, moved to the next phase,
or reassigned to the previous phase, then Attachment 4, 90-Day Review
Hearing Form, must be forwarded to the SMU Warden (or designee).

g. The SMU Warden (or designee) shall have ten (10) business days to review

the packet and render a recommendation. If the SMU Warden (or designee)
recommends that the offender be retained in the current phase, moved to
the next phase, or reassigned to the previous phase, then the SMU Warden
(or designee) shall annotate that recommendation and sign Attachment 4,
90-Day Review Hearing Form. The SMU Warden’s (or designee)
recommendation shall be provided to the offender, who will acknowledge
receipt of the decision on the 90-Day Review Hearing Form (Attachment
4).

h. If the Tier III Program Classification Committee or the SMU Warden (or

designee) recommends the offender be released to the Tier III STEP
Program, then the recommendation, using the 90-Day Review Hearing
Form (Attachment 4) shall be sent directly to the Director, Field Operations
(or designee) for review.

1) The Director, Field Operations (or designee) shall have ten (10)

business days to review the recommendation for transfer to the Tier III
STEP Program.

2) If the Director, Field Operations (or designee) approves the transfer to

the Tier III STEP Program, then staff at the Tier III Program facility
must submit the request to Offender Administration to initiate the
transfer.

3) If the Director, Field Operations (or designee) disapproves of the

recommendation to transfer the offender to the Tier III STEP Program,
then the Director, Field Operations (or designee) shall forward the 90

|GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS
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|Authority:
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Day Review Hearing Form (Attachment 4) to the Assistant
Commissioner of Facilities for a final review and recommendation.

4) The Assistant Commissioner of Facilities final recommendation shall

be provided to the offender, who will acknowledge receipt of the
decision on the 90-Day Review Hearing Form (Attachment 4).

i. After the offender has acknowledged the decision on the 90-Day Review

Hearing Form (Attachment 4), the offender may choose to submit a formal
appeal utilizing the Review/Classification Appeal Form (Attachment 7).

4. 90-day Review Appeal:

a. If the final approved recommendation on the 90-Day Review Hearing Form

(Attachment 4) is that the offender be retained in the current phase,
reassigned to the previous phase, or is denied a transfer to the Tier III STEP
Program, then the offender may appeal that recommendation using the 90Day Review/Classification Appeal Form (Attachment 7).

i. If the appeal is for being retained in the current phase or reassigned to

the previous phase, then the offender must submit those objections to
the SMU Warden (or designee) within five (5) business days from
receipt of the Tier III Program Classification Committee’s decision.

ii. If the appeal is for being denied a transfer to the Tier III STEP Program,

then the offender must submit those objections to the Director, Field
Operations (or designee) within five (5) business days from receipt of
the Tier III Program Classification Committee’s decision.

b. The SMU Warden (or designee) shall have ten (10) business days to review

the offender’s appeal. If the SMU Warden (or designee) recommends that
the offender be retained in the current phase or reassigned to the previous

|GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS
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|Authority:
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phase, then Attachment 7, 90-Review/Classification Appeal Form, and any
supporting documents, must be forwarded to the Director, Field Operations
(or designee).

c. The Director, Field Operations (or designee) shall have ten (10) business

days to review the offender’s appeal. If the Director, Field Operations (or
designee) recommends that the offender be retained in the current phase,
reassigned to the previous phase, or is denied a transfer to the Tier III STEP
Program, then the 90-Day Review/Classification Appeal Form
(Attachment 7) and any supporting documents, must be forwarded to the
Assistant Commissioner for Facilities.

d. The Assistant Commissioner for Facilities shall have ten (10) business days

to review the offender’s appeal and render the final decision. The Assistant
Commissioner for Facilities final decision shall be provided to the
offender, who will acknowledge receipt of the final decision on the 90-Day
Review/Classification Appeal Form (Attachment 7).

5. 60-day review (E and F Wings):

a. At least every sixty (60) days the Tier III Program Classification

Committee must review the offender’s status and make a recommendation
to the SMU Warden (or designee). This recommendation is to determine if
the offender will be:

1) Transitioned to the next phase.

2) Retained in the current phase.

3) Reassigned to a previous phase; or

4) Released to the Tier III STEP Program.

|GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS
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|Policy Name:Special Management Unit - Tier III Program|Policy Name:Special Management Unit - Tier III Program|Policy Name:Special Management Unit - Tier III Program|
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|Authority:
Commissioner|Originating Division:
Facilities Division|Access Listing:
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b. This review must be documented on the 60-Day Review Hearing Form

(Attachment 5). The Tier III Program Classification Committee must give
specific reasons for its recommendation.

c. The Tier III Program Classification Committee must consider the

following factors when formulating its recommendation:

1) Length of time in current phase.

2) Behavior at the SMU, including involvement in self-improvement

activities and progress on the Offender’s Management Plan
(Attachment 11).

3) Potential risk for harm to the offender, other offenders, staff,

volunteers, contractors, or the public, if the offender is released from
the Tier III Program.

4) Number, type, and frequency of disciplinary reports.

5) The offender’s 60-day/90-day mental health evaluation.

6) The offender’s demeanor with staff during periodic reviews; and

7) If the offender is within 12-months or 6-months of their maximum

release date (MRD), then the Tier III Program Classification
Committee shall consider the offender for placement in the Tier III
STEP Program. If the offender is denied placement in the Tier III STEP
Program, then the Tier III Program Classification Committee shall
document the specific reasons for the denial on Attachment 5. Offender
appeals of denial for placement in the Tier III STEP Program shall be
reviewed by the Assistant Commissioner for Facilities.

|GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS
Standard Operating Procedures|Col2|Col3|
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|Authority:
Commissioner|Originating Division:
Facilities Division|Access Listing:
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d. If circumstances warrant, the SMU Warden (or designee) may convene the

Tier III Program Classification Committee at an earlier time. These
circumstances include exemplary behavior or significant misbehavior.

e. As part of this 60-day review, the Tier III Program Classification

Committee must offer the offender an opportunity for a hearing, which
must include:

1) At least 48-hours before the hearing, the offender must be served with

a copy of the 60-Day Hearing/Review Form (Attachment 5).

2) The offender may attend the hearing. The offender may forfeit this right

if he or she is disruptive, and this disruption shall be documented.

3) The offender may make a statement and present documents. However,

the offender does not have the right to call witnesses.

4) The offender may submit a written statement.

f. If the recommendation of the Tier III Program Classification Committee is

that the offender be retained in the current phase, move to the next phase,
or reassigned to the previous phase, then Attachment 5, 60-Day Review
Hearing Form, must be forwarded to the SMU Warden (or designee).

g. The SMU Warden (or designee) shall have ten (10) business days to review

the packet and render a recommendation. If the SMU Warden (or designee)
recommends that the offender be retained in the current phase, moved to
the next phase, or reassigned to the previous phase, then the SMU Warden
(or designee) shall annotate that recommendation and sign Attachment 5,
60-Day Review Hearing Form. The SMU Warden’s (or designee)
recommendation shall be provided to the offender, who will acknowledge
receipt of the decision on the 60-Day Review Hearing Form (Attachment
5).

|GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS
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|Authority:
Commissioner|Originating Division:
Facilities Division|Access Listing:
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Access|

h. If the Tier III Program Classification Committee or the SMU Warden (or

designee) recommends the offender be released to the Tier III STEP
Program, then the recommendation, using the 60-Day Review Hearing
Form (Attachment 5), shall be sent directly to the Director, Field
Operations (or designee) for review.

1) The Director, Field Operations (or designee) shall have ten (10)

business days to review the recommendation for transfer to the Tier III
STEP Program.

2) If the Director, Field Operations (or designee) approves the transfer to

the Tier III STEP Program, then staff at the Tier III Program facility
must submit the request to Offender Administration to initiate the
transfer.

3) If the Director, Field Operations (or designee) disapproves of the

recommendation to transfer the offender to the Tier III STEP Program,
then the Director, Field Operations (or designee) shall forward the 60Day Review Hearing Form (Attachment 5) to the Assistant
Commissioner of Facilities for a final review and recommendation.

The Assistant Commissioner of Facilities final recommendation shall
be provided to the offender, who will acknowledge receipt of the
decision on the 60-Day Review Hearing Form (Attachment 5).

4) After the offender has acknowledged the final recommendation on the

60-Day Review Hearing Form (Attachment 5), the offender may
choose to submit a formal appeal utilizing the 60-Day
Review/Classification Appeal Form (Attachment 8).

|GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS
Standard Operating Procedures|Col2|Col3|
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|Policy Name:Special Management Unit - Tier III Program|Policy Name:Special Management Unit - Tier III Program|Policy Name:Special Management Unit - Tier III Program|
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|Authority:
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Facilities Division|Access Listing:
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6. 60-day Review Appeal:

a. If the final approved recommendation on the 60-Day Review Hearing Form

(Attachment 5) is that the offender be retained in the current phase,
reassigned to the previous phase, or is denied a transfer to the Tier III STEP
Program, then the offender may appeal that recommendation using the 60Day Review/Classification Appeal Form (Attachment 8).

i. If the appeal is for being retained in the current phase or reassigned to

the previous phase, then the offender must submit those objections to
the SMU Warden (or designee) with five (5) business days from receipt
of the Tier III Program Classification Committee’s decision.

ii. If the appeal is for being denied a transfer to the Tier III STEP Program,

then the offender must submit those objections to the Director, Field
Operations (or designee) with five (5) business days from receipt of the
Tier III Program Classification Committee’s decision.

b. The SMU Warden (or designee) shall have ten (10) business days to review

the offender’s appeal. If the SMU Warden (or designee) recommends that
the offender be retained in the current phase or reassigned to the previous
phase, then Attachment 8, 60-Review/Classification Appeal Form, and any
supporting documents, must be forwarded to the Director, Field Operations
(or designee).

c. The Director, Field Operations (or designee) shall have ten (10) business

days to review the offender’s appeal. If the Director, Field Operations (or
designee) recommends that the offender be retained in the current phase,
reassigned to the previous phase, or is denied a transfer to the Tier III STEP
Program, then the 60-Day Review/Classification Appeal Form
(Attachment 8) and any supporting documents, must be forwarded to the
Assistant Commissioner for Facilities.

|GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS
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|Authority:
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Facilities Division|Access Listing:
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d. The Assistant Commissioner for Facilities shall have ten (10) business days

to review the offender’s appeal and render the final decision. The Assistant
Commissioner for Facilities final decision shall be provided to the
offender, who will acknowledge receipt of the final decision on the 60-Day
Review/Classification Appeal Form (Attachment 8).

G. Criteria for consideration for transfer to the Tier III STEP Program . To be eligible

for consideration for a transfer to the STEP Program an offender must have met the
following at the time of the request:

1. Comply with facility rules.

2. Exhibit positive behavior in the program.

3. Participate in and complete the O.U.T. Program and other available

programming as recommended. If the offender cannot complete programs due
to no fault of the offender, then this requirement is not required; and

4. No Great or High Disciplinary Reports within the previous 390 days.

H. Staffing of the Tier III Program:

1. Assignment to duty in the Tier III Program is regarded as hazardous. Personnel

assigned are expected to deal professionally with unpleasant and irrational
behavior.

2. Because of the unusual difficulty of the work to be done, the SMU Warden (or

designee) must specifically approve the assignment of uniformed officers,
counselors, medical or other staff members to the Tier III Program. The SMU
Warden (or designee) shall supervise and evaluate the on-the-job performance
of all correctional staff who work with offenders in the Tier III Program and
establish rotation procedures due to intensity of the assignment.

|GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS
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|Authority:
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3. All staff shall have training to recognize and respond to signs of mental illness,

including suicidal ideation and acts.

4. All staff working in the Tier III Program shall be trained on this policy and the

requirements of the _Gumm Settlement Agreement._

I. Security in General:

1. The SMU Warden is responsible for:

a. The care, secure confinement, and control of all offenders assigned to the

Tier III Program;

b. The overall security of the Tier III Program;

c. The effective accomplishment of assigned tasks; and

d. Implementing and participating in quarterly training conducted by Tier

Manager, GDC Facility Operations.

2. The use of all available security equipment shall be assigned and utilized to the

fullest to ensure that the mission of the Department is met.

3. The SMU Warden must ensure strict compliance with SOP 209.09, Use of

Force and Restraint for Offender Control and all other related SOPs.

4. Hand-held metal detectors or a suitable device must be placed in or near all

control rooms and utilized by all officers whenever an offender leaves the
living unit (i.e., yard call, call outs, visitation etc.) There are no exceptions –
all officers must follow this procedure. The hand-held metal detectors must be
utilized on all cell searches (i.e., mattresses, pillow, and shoes).

|GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS
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|Authority:
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Facilities Division|Access Listing:
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5. The SMU Warden is responsible for ensuring that a thorough security

inspection of the SMU Tier III Program is conducted and recorded at a
minimum of once per day. All control panels, cell doors, windows, locks, and
chases must be inspected. A rubber mallet must be utilized in the inspection of
all yards, wings, chases, exterior, and interior fences. (See SOP 226.01,
Searches, Security Inspections, and Use of Permanent Logs).

6. Incident Reports: When any incident occurs, the correctional officers or

employees involved must prepare an Incident Report and submit it for review
to the Shift Supervisor, Chief of Security, and SMU Warden. The report will
follow reporting procedures as outlined in SOP 203.03, Incident Reports. All
use of force reports must be forwarded by the SMU Warden or designee to the
Office of Professional Standards within five (5) business days after the
incident. (See SOP 209.04, Use of Force and Restraint for Offender Control).

J. Transports:

1. Tier III offenders must be escorted by at least three (3) Correctional Officers

when being transported, two (2) of whom must be armed. The unarmed officer
is tasked with removing the offender’s restraints.

2. Transfer officers must restrain all offenders utilizing:

a. Handcuffs with Black Box.

b. Waist chains.

c. Leg irons; and

d. Bandit or Remote, Electronically, Activated, Control Technology

(R.E.A.C.T.) Restraint System.

|GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS
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|Authority:
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Facilities Division|Access Listing:
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3. The SMU Warden is authorized to make individual exceptions or

enhancements to the above guidelines. Any exceptions or enhancements made
must be documented in the Security Logbook.

K. Opening of Cells, Feeding/Handcuff Slot, and Cell Door Windows:

1. Except for immediate, life threatening circumstances or emergency (ex. suicide

attempt, fire evacuation), the following process shall be followed in opening
of cells:

Note: In the event of an emergency, an officer must make a radio call for
assistance and at least two (2) Correctional security staff shall be present
at the cell door before opening a single man cell.

a. A cell door must not be opened unless at least two (2) Correctional Officers

are present at the cell.

b. Prior to the offender being brought out of the cell for any reason:

1) The offender must strip down to tee shirt, underwear, and shower shoes.

2) The offender must hand each clothing item (jumpsuit, state pants, state

shirt, etc.) out to the officer.

3) The officer must thoroughly check each item for contraband. Handheld

metal detectors should be utilized for checking clothing. Clothing items
shall them be returned to the offender to put back on prior to exiting the
cell; and

4) The offender must be restrained with handcuffs behind the back and

with leg irons.

|GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS
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|Authority:
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c. After an offender is placed in the cell and the door is closed, an officer must

pull the door to ensure that it is locked. Only then may the handcuffs be
removed.

2. Feeding/Handcuff Slot:

a. Cell lighting must be sufficient to ensure the safety of staff and offenders

before the feeding/handcuff slot is opened.

b. The feeding/handcuff slot of each cell door may be in the open position

only: (1) when items are actually being issued to or received from an
offender (meals, medication, commissary, laundry, etc.); or (2) for the
purpose of placing or removing handcuffs on/from an offender.

c. Staff must order the offender to move to the back of the cell with the

offender’s hands visible and palms up. Staff must observe whether the
offender has any objects in his or her hands.

d. When issuing items, the slot is to be opened, and the items are to be placed

in the opening. The staff member is then to step back from the cell door far
enough to ensure that the offender cannot grab him/her through the slot.

e. Upon the offender taking the item from the opening, the offender must be

instructed to step away from the door. When the offender has moved away
from the door, the officer must then close the slot.

f. When receiving items from an offender, the slot is to be opened, and the

staff member is to step back from the door. The offender is then instructed
to approach the door, place the item in the opening, and then step back
away from the door. The staff member may approach the door and take the
item only after the offender has stepped away from the door. The officer
must then close the slot.

|GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS
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|Policy Name:Special Management Unit - Tier III Program|Policy Name:Special Management Unit - Tier III Program|Policy Name:Special Management Unit - Tier III Program|
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|Authority:
Commissioner|Originating Division:
Facilities Division|Access Listing:
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3. Sliding covers attached to cell door windows shall remain open at all times

unless articulable security or safety considerations dictate otherwise. Sliding
covers shall not remain closed once the security or safety consideration has
been resolved. Closure of the sliding covers will be broadly noted in the
Logbook.

L. Exterior Cell Windows and Cell Lighting:

1. Offenders shall not be held in a cell lacking an exterior window unless the

offender damaged the exterior window in the offender’s assigned cell.

2. Cells shall be equipped with operable lighting. Broken or inoperable lighting

shall be promptly repaired. If the repair cannot be done promptly, the offender
should be moved to another cell, if one is available.

3. Cell lights shall not be constantly lit. Cell lights shall be turned off during time

periods designated for sleeping, unless otherwise requested by the offender or
deemed necessary for the safety and security of the offender.

M. Cell Searches:

1. All shift supervisors are responsible for ensuring the continuous searches of

cells. Cells must be thoroughly searched whenever an offender is removed
from the cell.

2. The Chief of Security is responsible for ensuring the entire building is searched

every thirty (30) days.

3. All cell searches must be documented in the logbook. Any deficiencies

detrimental to security must be immediately reported and logged.

|GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS
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|Authority:
Commissioner|Originating Division:
Facilities Division|Access Listing:
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N. Property Control:

1. The SMU Warden must assign a Property Officer. This officer is responsible

for inventory, control, securing, receiving, and issuing of all offender property.
However, all staff must ensure that the property control procedures are
followed, as per SOP 206.01, Offender Personal Property Standards.

2. The property must be stored in an identified property room, properly

inventoried, logged in the property log, and properly labeled.

3. Property may be confiscated from any offender who is abusing the property or

fashioning it in such a way that it provides a threat to security or safety. The
SMU Warden must make that decision.

4. Whenever an offender in the Tier III Program is deprived of any usually

authorized item or activity, the SMU Warden will be notified, and a case note
will be made in SCRIBE.

O. Security Inspections:

1. The SMU Warden and Chief of Security must ensure compliance with SOP

226.01, Searches, Security Inspections, and Use of Permanent Logs.

2. The SMU Warden and Chief of Security must ensure that a thorough security

inspection of the Tier III Program is conducted and recorded at least once a
day.

3. Shift Supervisors or their designees must conduct daily living and work area

inspections using the Security Inspection Form, Attachment 1 of SOP 226.01.

Note: Utilizing the same daily inspection form, each Monday, the Shift
Supervisors, or their designees must send a weekly Security Inspection Report
to the Chief of Security.

|GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS
Standard Operating Procedures|Col2|Col3|
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|Authority:
Commissioner|Originating Division:
Facilities Division|Access Listing:
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P. Safety/Sanitation Inspections:

1. The highest possible standards of cleanliness, sanitation, and safety must be

maintained in the Tier III Program.

2. Offenders shall be provided the opportunity to clean their cells in the same

manner as offenders in the general population, which is three (3) times a week.
Staff shall document in the Electronic Logbook (Note Active) door sheet for
each individual offender, and in the event of digital connection loss, staff will
utilize paper/pen record keeping using Attachment 10, Tier III Program Check
List. Staff shall also notate sanitation broadly in the Electronic Logbook (Note
Active) unit logbook and sanitation logbook.

3. The SMU Warden and Chief of Security are responsible for compliance with

SOP 228.01, Safety/Sanitation Inspections.

4. The SMU Warden is responsible for the direction, coordination, and

supervision of all activities associated with the maintenance of high standards
of sanitation, cleanliness, and safety in the Tier III Program.

Q. Staff Inspection Visits:

1. The unit must be inspected on a regular basis. These inspections enable

responsible officials to observe and evaluate conditions of confinement and
speak with confined offenders.

2. These inspection visits must be conducted at least as often as listed in the

following schedule:

a. The Correctional Shift Supervisor in charge will conduct visits once during

each shift.

|GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS
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|Authority:
Commissioner|Originating Division:
Facilities Division|Access Listing:
Level II: Required Offender
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b. Healthcare officials will conduct an initial medical round within the first

24 hours after placement in the Tier III Program and then conduct visits
daily, excluding weekends and holidays.

c. A Psychologist or Psychiatrist will conduct visits when requested by staff

or as described in the Mental Health policy.

d. The Mental Health Counselor will conduct visits daily, excluding

weekends and holidays.

e. The Mental Health Counselor personally interviews and prepares a report

on any offender remaining in the Tier III Program for more than 30 days.

f. The General Population Counselor will conduct visits once per week.

g. The Chief of Security will conduct visits daily, excluding weekends and

holidays.

h. The SMU Warden will conduct visits daily, excluding weekends and

holidays.

i. The Special Management Unit Duty Officer will conduct visits daily.

excluding weekends and holidays.

3. Documentation of rounds – All rounds will be documented in the Electronic

Logbook (Note Active) using the same listed colors below. In the event of
digital connection loss, staff shall resume utilization of paper/pen record
keeping until the system is back up.

It shall be the responsibility of each individual to document in the appropriate
colored ink, so as to provide a clear record of who has visited the segregation
unit. SMU Warden/Deputy Wardens and Supervisors shall document in
Red ink . Healthcare staff shall document in Green ink . Counselors shall

|GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS
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|Policy Name:Special Management Unit - Tier III Program|Policy Name:Special Management Unit - Tier III Program|Policy Name:Special Management Unit - Tier III Program|
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|Authority:
Commissioner|Originating Division:
Facilities Division|Access Listing:
Level II: Required Offender
Access|

document in Blue ink and Officers shall document in Black ink . This
documentation is for the sign in log and all SMU Tier III Program Housing
Unit program flow sheets.

R. Staff Observations and Record Keeping:

1. When an offender is admitted to the Tier III Program, the Chief of Security

must complete a Cell Check Form (Attachment 9).

2. All movement and activities (meals, programming, recreation, table time, book

cart, etc..) documented on Attachment 10 will be captured in the Electronic
Logbook (Note Active) by staff using their Note Active credentials. In the
event of digital connection loss, staff will resume utilization of paper/pen
record keeping. Each offender shall have a Special Management Unit (SMU):
Tier III Program Checklist (Attachment 10). The Checklist will be placed
outside each offender’s cell and will be marked as follows:

a. All activities listed on the Checklist shall be initialed and the time the

activity begins and the time the activity ends will be annotated (if
applicable) every time an activity occurs.

b. Be signed by the officer in charge of each shift.

c. Cite medical observations/visits.

d. Include comments of unusual occurrences or behavior.

3. The Special Management Unit (SMU): Tier III Program Checklist (Attachment

10) will be printed on colored paper to identify the phase an offender is in. The
following-colored paper will be used to identify each phase:

Phase 1: Program Checklist should be Pink.

|GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS
Standard Operating Procedures|Col2|Col3|
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|Authority:
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Facilities Division|Access Listing:
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Phase 2: Program Checklist should be Yellow.

Phase 3: Program Checklist should be Green.

Phase 4: Program Checklist should be Blue.

Phase 5: Program Checklist should be Purple.

4. Correctional officers are required to conduct daily observation checks of

offenders every 30 minutes while on their assigned floor. These observations
will be documented in the Electronic Logbook (Note Active) unit logs by staff
using their Note Active credentials. In the event of digital connection loss, staff
will resume utilization of paper/pen record keeping.

5. Accountability Log: The housing unit officer must maintain an accountability

log accurate to the minute, making it possible to give an accountability of the
whereabouts of each offender assigned to that housing unit. This log must
include cell number, bed number, offender name, offender number, race, in or
out time, assignment of offender, and destination of offender.

a. The accountability logs must be printed daily after 1800 hours (6:00 p.m.),

once all daily scheduled offender moves have been completed in both
SCRIBE and the offender-housing unit.
b. All unscheduled offender movement must be hand-written by the assigned

dorm officer on the accountability log with all information recorded as it is
on the printed log (including the cell number, bed number, race, in or out
time, assignment of the offender, and destination of the offender).

c. Accountability logs must be distributed daily by the second shift

supervisor/designee.

6. The shift supervisor must ensure that all required documentation is completed

on his/her shift.

|GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS
Standard Operating Procedures|Col2|Col3|
|---|---|---|
|Policy Name:Special Management Unit - Tier III Program|Policy Name:Special Management Unit - Tier III Program|Policy Name:Special Management Unit - Tier III Program|
|Policy Number: 209.09|Effective Date: 04/23/2025|Page Number: 40 of 40|
|Authority:
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Facilities Division|Access Listing:
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V. Attachments:

Attachment 1: Tier III Program Assignment Request Form
Attachment 2: Tier III Program Assignment Memo
Attachment 3: Tier III Program Assignment Appeal Form
Attachment 4: Tier III Program 90-Day Review Hearing Form
Attachment 5: Tier III Program 60-Day Review Hearing Form
Attachment 6: Tier III Program Privileges Chart
Attachment 7: Tier III Program 90-Day Review/Classification Appeal Form
Attachment 8: Tier III Program 60-Day Review/Classification Appeal Form
Attachment 9: Tier III Program Cell Check Sheet
Attachment 10: Tier III Program Checklist
Attachment 11: Tier III Program Offender Management Plan
Attachment 12: Tier III Program Over 2-Years Quarterly Review Hearing
Form

VI. Record Retention of Forms Relevant to this Policy:

Upon completion, Attachments 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12 shall be placed in
the offenders institutional file and shall be retained according to the official records
retention schedule of that file. Attachment 6 does not have a retention schedule as it is
for staff use only.