SOP_NUMBER: 211.03
TITLE: Housing and Transfer of Detainees
REFERENCE_CODE: IIB14-0001
DIVISION: Facilities Division (Secure Alternative Centers)
TOPIC_AREA: 211 Policy-Special Housing
EFFECTIVE_DATE: 2023-05-23
WORD_COUNT: 3186
POWERDMS_URL: https://public.powerdms.com/GADOC/documents/106160
URL: https://gps.press/sop-data/211.03/

SUMMARY:
This policy establishes procedures for housing and transferring detainees (probationers and parolees) between Secure Alternative Centers and state prisons when necessary to meet their medical, mental health, or supervision needs. The policy applies to all staff in Secure Alternative Centers and explains when and how detainees can be moved to facilities with higher levels of care or security, including the evaluation and authorization processes required.

KEY_TOPICS: detainee housing, secure alternative centers, prison transfer, medical evaluation, mental health care, utilization management, detainee assignment, supervision, administrative transfer, disciplinary process, transport procedures, health services, security management, continuity of care, bed space allocation

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|GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS<br>Standard Operating Procedures|Col2|Col3|
|---|---|---|
|**Policy Name:**Housing and Transfer of Detainees|**Policy Name:**Housing and Transfer of Detainees|**Policy Name:**Housing and Transfer of Detainees|
|**Policy Number:** 211.03|**Effective Date:** 5/23/2023|**Page Number:** 1 of 14|
|**Authority:**<br>Commissioner<br>|**Originating Division:** <br>Facilities Division<br>(Secure Alternative Centers)|**Access Listing:**<br>Level I: All Access<br>|


**I.** **Introduction and Summary:** A Detainee sentenced to a Secure Alternative Center
may be housed at a State Prison(s) or transferred to another Secure Alternative Center
to provide the Detainee with physical health care, mental health care and supervision
most appropriate to their needs. Assignment to designated prisons shall in no way
modify the legal status of the Detainee and will only occur when the level of service
required by the Detainee cannot be met in the assigned Secure Alternative Center and
in order to ensure continuity of care.

**II.** **Authority:**

A. O.C.G.A. 42-8-111 and 42-8-35.4.

B. GDC Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs): 103.63 Americans with Disabilities

Act (ADA), Title II Provisions, 222.01 Inter-Institutional Transfer, 222.10
Security Procedures During Transport of Offenders, and 507.04.16 Utilization
Management; and

C. ACA Standards: 4-ALDF-2A-33, 4-ALDF-2A-34, 4-ALDF-4C-04, 4-ALDF-4C
05, 4-ALDF-4C-06, 4-ALDF-4C-40, and 4-ALDF-4D-27.

**III.** **Definitions:**

A. **Detainee**    - A probationer sentenced by the courts, or a parolee placed by the Parole

Board in a short-term Secure Alternative to incarceration.

B. **Secure Alternative**    - An alternative sentencing option to incarceration using

placement by the Parole Board or Courts to a short-term confinement.

C. **Secure Alternative Center**    - A GDC center designed to house probationers and/or

parolees sentenced to a Secure Alternative, i.e., Probation RSAT, Probation
Detention Center, Bootcamp, or Integrated Treatment Facility.

**IV.** **Statement of Policy and Applicable Procedures:**

A. As physical and mental health recommendations dictate, certain Detainees may






|GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS<br>Standard Operating Procedures|Col2|Col3|
|---|---|---|
|**Policy Name:**Housing and Transfer of Detainees|**Policy Name:**Housing and Transfer of Detainees|**Policy Name:**Housing and Transfer of Detainees|
|**Policy Number:** 211.03|**Effective Date:** 5/23/2023|**Page Number:** 2 of 14|
|**Authority:**<br>Commissioner<br>|**Originating Division:** <br>Facilities Division<br>(Secure Alternative Centers)|**Access Listing:**<br>Level I: All Access<br>|



need to be referred to a state prison or another Secure Alternative Center for:


1. Medical/Mental health evaluations.

2. Other services; or

3. Housing.

B. Evaluations will follow procedures as outlined in medical and mental health

policies:


1. Moves needed as a result of such evaluation will be referred to Central Office

for the location of the appropriate bed space; and

2. The Superintendent/Designee will utilize as deemed necessary the state prison

or Secure Alternative Center which can appropriately provide the care needed
for the Detainee.

C. Physical Health Care:


1. When it is determined that a Detainee presents health care needs beyond the

Secure Alternative Center’s capability to manage, the following options are
available:


a. Facility medical staff will contact Utilization Management and advise of

the Detainee’s medical condition(s).

b. Utilization Management staff will advise the Superintendent of the:


i. Necessary level of care required to meet the Detainee’s needs; and

ii. Advise of infirmary or hospital bed location if deemed necessary.


|GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS<br>Standard Operating Procedures|Col2|Col3|
|---|---|---|
|**Policy Name:**Housing and Transfer of Detainees|**Policy Name:**Housing and Transfer of Detainees|**Policy Name:**Housing and Transfer of Detainees|
|**Policy Number:** 211.03|**Effective Date:** 5/23/2023|**Page Number:** 3 of 14|
|**Authority:**<br>Commissioner<br>|**Originating Division:** <br>Facilities Division<br>(Secure Alternative Centers)|**Access Listing:**<br>Level I: All Access<br>|



c. Superintendent/Designee may advise the referring probation office that the

Detainee’s medical condition does not allow for completion of sentence at
the Secure Alternative Center.

D. Mental Health Care:


1. State prisons will also provide mental health care for Detainees.

2. State Prisons serving as evaluation sites shall be indicated by the current Health

Services Directive.

3. The Secure Alternative Center will transport the Detainee to the designated

prison for assessment.

4. Should it be determined that mental health care and housing is needed, the

mental health staff member will contact the Center Superintendent for
authorization to assign to the appropriate Mental Health facility.

5. When approved, all affected facilities and Centers will be notified.

6. Transportation will be indicated on the email authorizing the transfer; and

7. The Detainee may be temporarily housed at the assessing state prison until

movement to the assigned location for treatment can be accomplished.

E. Administrative Reason:


1. Detainees may be assigned to a state prison due to security and /or supervision

problems beyond the ability of the Secure Alternative Center to manage
effectively.

2. Assignment to a state prison is not in lieu of a revocation action necessitated

by Detainee behavior.


|GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS<br>Standard Operating Procedures|Col2|Col3|
|---|---|---|
|**Policy Name:**Housing and Transfer of Detainees|**Policy Name:**Housing and Transfer of Detainees|**Policy Name:**Housing and Transfer of Detainees|
|**Policy Number:** 211.03|**Effective Date:** 5/23/2023|**Page Number:** 4 of 14|
|**Authority:**<br>Commissioner<br>|**Originating Division:** <br>Facilities Division<br>(Secure Alternative Centers)|**Access Listing:**<br>Level I: All Access<br>|



3. Disciplinary violations shall be dealt with through:


a. The Secure Alternative Center’s disciplinary process; or

b. Through request for a probation revocation.

4. In determining who should be referred, the probation facility staff shall

consider the following:


a. History of violent or sexually assaultive behavior and whether the Detainee

currently presents a clear and present threat to self and others and cannot
be managed in a low security Secure Alternative Center

b. Escape risk and history of escape.

c. The Detainee has demonstrated that he/she presents a danger to the public,

staff, or other Detainees.

d. Detainer or pending charges for a violent or sexual assault offense that

would necessitate a higher degree of security and control than the Secure
Alternative Center can provide; and

e. Observed behavior and attitude should be considered in combination with

the above factors and a determination made as to the Secure Alternative
Center’s ability to manage the Detainee.

5. On occasion, after a Secure Alternative Center-initiated revocation hearing,

some Detainees may be returned to the Secure Alternative Center rather than
being revoked to prison.

6. Frequently, they will have received an additional Secure Alternative Center

sentence as a result of the revocation hearing; and


|GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS<br>Standard Operating Procedures|Col2|Col3|
|---|---|---|
|**Policy Name:**Housing and Transfer of Detainees|**Policy Name:**Housing and Transfer of Detainees|**Policy Name:**Housing and Transfer of Detainees|
|**Policy Number:** 211.03|**Effective Date:** 5/23/2023|**Page Number:** 5 of 14|
|**Authority:**<br>Commissioner<br>|**Originating Division:** <br>Facilities Division<br>(Secure Alternative Centers)|**Access Listing:**<br>Level I: All Access<br>|



7. The Secure Alternative Center may wish to consider reassignment to another

Secure Alternative Center.

F. Moves of those with Accommodation Needs:


1. All offenders requiring reasonable accommodations as defined by the

Americans with Disabilities Act shall be housed in cells/living units that best
meet the identified disability needs.

2. Offenders who require this type of accommodation will be given priority over

an offender who does not require accommodation for a disability.

3. The offender not requiring reasonable accommodations shall be moved to

another cell/living unit if the cell/living unit is needed for an offender requiring
such accommodations.

4. Transfer from one facility of this nature to another facility of this nature shall

be a method of last resort; and

5. Offender housing shall be facilitated in accordance with SOP 103.63.

G. Approval:


1. The referral for movement must be approved by the Secure Alternative Center

Superintendent or designee.

2. Upon determining that a transfer is needed Offender Administration will be

contacted for approval; and

3. When approved, Central Office shall notify the receiving institution and

sending Secure Alternative Center.


|GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS<br>Standard Operating Procedures|Col2|Col3|
|---|---|---|
|**Policy Name:**Housing and Transfer of Detainees|**Policy Name:**Housing and Transfer of Detainees|**Policy Name:**Housing and Transfer of Detainees|
|**Policy Number:** 211.03|**Effective Date:** 5/23/2023|**Page Number:** 6 of 14|
|**Authority:**<br>Commissioner<br>|**Originating Division:** <br>Facilities Division<br>(Secure Alternative Centers)|**Access Listing:**<br>Level I: All Access<br>|



H. Procedures for Movement and Other Instructions:


1. Central Office must be contacted by telephone or email and will coordinate all

movement of Detainees into and out of state prisons and centers.

2. The Superintendent of the Secure Alternative Center and the Warden of the

state prison will be advised by staff involved (medical or mental health staff)
of the need to transfer the Detainee.

3. The Secure Alternative Center may be responsible for providing/coordinating

transportation to and from the state prison.

4. Offender Administration will advise if state bus transport is available.

5. The Secure Alternative Center shall ensure that all relevant information and

files are delivered to the receiving institution with the Detainee.

6. The information should include:


a. The medical file. (Include x-rays if available).

b. The Detainee case file or copy (including photograph).

c. Indication of Detainee’s maximum release date.

d. The Secure Alternative Center shall insure that the proper 'Special

Conditions" form is in the case file; and

e. The Detainee identification card.

7. Funds in the Detainee’s account should be forwarded within two (2) working

days unless the Detainee is expected to return in five (5) days or less.


|GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS<br>Standard Operating Procedures|Col2|Col3|
|---|---|---|
|**Policy Name:**Housing and Transfer of Detainees|**Policy Name:**Housing and Transfer of Detainees|**Policy Name:**Housing and Transfer of Detainees|
|**Policy Number:** 211.03|**Effective Date:** 5/23/2023|**Page Number:** 7 of 14|
|**Authority:**<br>Commissioner<br>|**Originating Division:** <br>Facilities Division<br>(Secure Alternative Centers)|**Access Listing:**<br>Level I: All Access<br>|



8. A Detainee’s personal property will normally be forwarded to the receiving

facility unless the Detainee is expected to return to the Secure Alternative
Center.

**NOTE:** While housed in a state prison, Detainees will be afforded all
privileges that are afforded the general population offenders. These shall
include, but not be limited to commissary, visitation, phone, and any program
services needed, based upon individual assessments.

9. The Detainee’s family/next-of-kin will be notified of his/her whereabouts

within two (2) working days.

10. The Secure Alternative Center will:


a. Enter the supervisor change into SCRIBE; and

b. The Detainee will be placed on the non-custody count of the sending

Secure Alternative Center.

11. The Secure Alternative Center shall maintain documentation that reflects:


a. Transfer location.

b. Date of departure.

c. Reason for transfer; and

d. Maximum release date of the Detainee.

12. The Detainee will be carried as a sleeper on the institution’s count.

13. The Detainee should be returned to the sending Secure Alternative Center for

discharge.


|GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS<br>Standard Operating Procedures|Col2|Col3|
|---|---|---|
|**Policy Name:**Housing and Transfer of Detainees|**Policy Name:**Housing and Transfer of Detainees|**Policy Name:**Housing and Transfer of Detainees|
|**Policy Number:** 211.03|**Effective Date:** 5/23/2023|**Page Number:** 8 of 14|
|**Authority:**<br>Commissioner<br>|**Originating Division:** <br>Facilities Division<br>(Secure Alternative Centers)|**Access Listing:**<br>Level I: All Access<br>|



14. If it is necessary for the host state prison to discharge the Detainee, the sending

Secure Alternative Center will provide any necessary assistance. This includes:


a. Ensuring that the prison is aware of the release date.

b. Forwarding personal property and discharge clothing in a timely manner.

c. All Detainees must be discharged in civilian clothing.

d. Providing probation reporting instructions so that the Detainee can be

informed as to requirements; and

e. Any other needed assistance to facilitate discharge.

15. The Detainee is responsible for providing his/her own discharge transportation

and clothing.

16. If the Detainee does not have resources, funds from the sending Secure

Alternative Center’s regular operating expenses will be utilized to purchase a
bus ticket or to buy clothing.

17. Every effort will be made to assist the Detainee in making his/her own

arrangements for meeting these needs.

18. When it becomes evident that a Detainee has no means of assistance with

transportation and/or clothing, the business office shall review the personal
account of the Detainee.

19. The Detainee shall be declared eligible for assistance if:


a. He/she has insufficient funds to purchase a bus ticket home; or

b. Insufficient funds to purchase essential clothing.


|GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS<br>Standard Operating Procedures|Col2|Col3|
|---|---|---|
|**Policy Name:**Housing and Transfer of Detainees|**Policy Name:**Housing and Transfer of Detainees|**Policy Name:**Housing and Transfer of Detainees|
|**Policy Number:** 211.03|**Effective Date:** 5/23/2023|**Page Number:** 9 of 14|
|**Authority:**<br>Commissioner<br>|**Originating Division:** <br>Facilities Division<br>(Secure Alternative Centers)|**Access Listing:**<br>Level I: All Access<br>|



20. The Detainee may keep:


a. His/her state-issued shoes; and

b. One set of underwear and socks.

21. The facility may protect up to ten ($10.00) dollars of the Detainee’s personal

funds to ensure that the Detainee has some money at discharge, but the facility
shall not provide any discharge money.

22. The limits of expenditure are:


a. The cost of a bus ticket to the Detainee’s home.

b. Cost of one (1) pair of pants.

c. A shirt; and

d. If demanded by weather, one (1) lightweight jacket or sweater.

23. A seventy ($70.00) dollar limit is imposed on clothing purchases per Detainee.

24. This procedure applies only to:


a. Eligible Detainees released from Secure Alternative Centers; and

b. State prisons that may be discharging a Detainee.

25. The host state prison will advise the sending Secure Alternative Center of any

transfer or change in status of a Detainee.

26. Any questions or concerns regarding a Detainee should be addressed to the

sending Secure Alternative Center.


|GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS<br>Standard Operating Procedures|Col2|Col3|
|---|---|---|
|**Policy Name:**Housing and Transfer of Detainees|**Policy Name:**Housing and Transfer of Detainees|**Policy Name:**Housing and Transfer of Detainees|
|**Policy Number:** 211.03|**Effective Date:** 5/23/2023|**Page Number:** 10 of 14|
|**Authority:**<br>Commissioner<br>|**Originating Division:** <br>Facilities Division<br>(Secure Alternative Centers)|**Access Listing:**<br>Level I: All Access<br>|



27. The host state prison shall:


a. Obtain a release date on each Detainee; and

b. Shall ensure that the Detainee is not held beyond that date.

28. All discharges will be coordinated with the sending Secure Alternative Center.

29. Normally, Detainees will be returned to the Secure Alternative Center for

discharge.

30. The host state prison shall ensure that the medical and case files are returned

to the sending Secure Alternative Center either:


a. With the returning Detainee; or

b. At the discharge of the Detainee.

31. When the Detainee is returned to the Secure Alternative Center:


a. Any personal property will be returned; and

b. Any funds in the Detainee’s account will be forwarded.

32. Detainee will be managed and supervised by the rules and regulations of the

host state prison.

33. Grievances or disciplinary appeals pursued beyond the institutional level will

be processed as those for all offenders.

34. Copies of paperwork shall be:


a. Placed in the Detainee’s file; and


|GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS<br>Standard Operating Procedures|Col2|Col3|
|---|---|---|
|**Policy Name:**Housing and Transfer of Detainees|**Policy Name:**Housing and Transfer of Detainees|**Policy Name:**Housing and Transfer of Detainees|
|**Policy Number:** 211.03|**Effective Date:** 5/23/2023|**Page Number:** 11 of 14|
|**Authority:**<br>Commissioner<br>|**Originating Division:** <br>Facilities Division<br>(Secure Alternative Centers)|**Access Listing:**<br>Level I: All Access<br>|



b. Forwarded to the Secure Alternative Center with his/her other records.

35. Central Office does not need these documents on Detainees.

36. Examples of such paperwork include:


a. Disciplinary Reports; and

b. Detainee’s Physical Profiles.

37. Detainees housed in state prisons will be provided:


a. Access to needed services.

b. Programs available within the prison; and

c. Additional services as determined by prison staff.

38. Should a Detainee need to be transferred to a community hospital (or other

similar facility) while being housed at a state prison, the prison Warden or
designee shall make the determination of security supervision needs based
upon an assessment of the security of the individual.

39. This may include a range of possibilities from:


a. Allowing the Detainee to be housed without correctional officer

supervision; to

b. Requiring twenty-four (24) hour correctional officer supervision.

40. In the event that an emergency transfer needs to be accomplished after normal

working hours, on weekends, or during holidays, the senior official at the
Secure Alternative Center shall:


|GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS<br>Standard Operating Procedures|Col2|Col3|
|---|---|---|
|**Policy Name:**Housing and Transfer of Detainees|**Policy Name:**Housing and Transfer of Detainees|**Policy Name:**Housing and Transfer of Detainees|
|**Policy Number:** 211.03|**Effective Date:** 5/23/2023|**Page Number:** 12 of 14|
|**Authority:**<br>Commissioner<br>|**Originating Division:** <br>Facilities Division<br>(Secure Alternative Centers)|**Access Listing:**<br>Level I: All Access<br>|



a. Contact the designated state prison; and

b. Request that the prison accept the Detainee.

41. The state prison shall contact the Communications Center and notify them of

the transfer.

42. The transfer will be described on the Emergency Report; and

43. If an emergency transfer cannot be agreed upon between the facilities involved,

the Communications Center shall be requested to contact the appropriate
Director for assistance in resolving the situation.

I.  Transfer to another Secure Alternative Center:


1. Detainees may be transferred from one Secure Alternative Center to another

through:

a. Authorization of Offender Administration; or

b. As directed by the Regional Director(s).

2. These transfers may occur in order to:


a. Provide needed health care.

b. For other causes which are essential to the care and supervision of the

Detainee; or

c. As necessary for the effective administration and management of the

Centers.


|GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS<br>Standard Operating Procedures|Col2|Col3|
|---|---|---|
|**Policy Name:**Housing and Transfer of Detainees|**Policy Name:**Housing and Transfer of Detainees|**Policy Name:**Housing and Transfer of Detainees|
|**Policy Number:** 211.03|**Effective Date:** 5/23/2023|**Page Number:** 13 of 14|
|**Authority:**<br>Commissioner<br>|**Originating Division:** <br>Facilities Division<br>(Secure Alternative Centers)|**Access Listing:**<br>Level I: All Access<br>|



3. Detainees may be transferred as long as it is not prohibited by court order from

the sentencing court as specified in the special conditions clause.

4. If prohibited, the Superintendent may seek an amended order.


5. When a Detainee is transferred form one Center to another, it will be necessary

to send the following:

a. Case file.

b. Medical file.

c. All medications prescribed for the Detainee’s use.

d. Personal belongings.

e. Personal funds held on a Detainee’s account; and

f. The completed Attachment 1 of this SOP.

6. Prior to the actual transfer occurring, it must be:


a. Authorized through Offender Administration; and

b. Arranged that the sending facility will be responsible for transport unless

other arrangements are necessary and agreed upon.

7. Offender Administration must:


a. Always be notified; and

b. Will assist in transport arrangements, if needed.


|GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS<br>Standard Operating Procedures|Col2|Col3|
|---|---|---|
|**Policy Name:**Housing and Transfer of Detainees|**Policy Name:**Housing and Transfer of Detainees|**Policy Name:**Housing and Transfer of Detainees|
|**Policy Number:** 211.03|**Effective Date:** 5/23/2023|**Page Number:** 14 of 14|
|**Authority:**<br>Commissioner<br>|**Originating Division:** <br>Facilities Division<br>(Secure Alternative Centers)|**Access Listing:**<br>Level I: All Access<br>|



8. Offender Administration should prepare a transfer order and add Detainee to

the bussing order if the transfer bus is utilized.

9. Detainees should be added to the transport list and should be seated in the front

seats of the bus or van.

10. The sending Secure Alternative Center will complete attachment 1 of this SOP

and forward it to the Receiving Center or Facility.

11. Every attempt to make this a cooperative effort should be maintained and all

information regarding the transfer request should be made known to all parties
involved.

12. Regional Offices may, at times, direct that Detainees be transferred for cause;

and

13. The Detainee Transfer Form (Attachment 1) will be completed in these cases.

**V.** **Attachments:**

Attachment 1: Detainee Transfer Form


**VI.** **Record Retention of Forms Relevant to this Policy:**

Upon completion, Attachment 1 shall be placed in the Detainee’s Institutional file and
maintained according to the retention schedule for that file.