2024 Annual report / Georgia Department of Corrections.

FY24 ANNUAL REPORT
Georgia Department of Corrections Fiscal Year 2024 Annual Report

CONTENTS

04 Agency Overview 07 Recruitment and Retention 09 Employee Development and Wellness 21 Safe and Secure Facilities 33 Innovation 35 Offender Programming 51 Offender Wellness 57 American Correctional Association 59 Legal Services 63 Georgia Correctional Industries

Letter from Commissioner
I am proud to present the Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC) Fiscal Year 2024 Report (FY24) on behalf of Georgia's largest law enforcement agency. This report denotes the Department's highlights of our professional team's accomplishments. Our vision of achieving excellence through employee development, innovation, and collaboration has improved our recruitment, retention, professional development, and employee wellness. In 2024, we defined our cultural beliefs as a way to help us create a more positive work enviroment within the agency. These changes have provided correctional staff the insight to recognize and identify behaviors that will assist them in achieving the desired results. By embracing cultural beliefs, staff have lowered the turnover rate to 30%.
Our mission is clear: to protect Georgians by operating secure facilities and providing opportunities for offender rehabilitation. Our mission is also our challenge: to ensure we give the citizens of this great state an uncompromised level of public safety by operating secure facilities and providing rehabilitation opportunities for those incarcerated. We take steps to address the increasing offender population and will continue to fight contraband within and outside the walls of our facilities.
In FY24, we were awarded accreditation from the American Correctional Association at four of our facilities on their initial accreditation, and 10 were awarded reaccreditation for a total of 14 audits, including the Central Office and Central Training Academy. During FY24, the Career, Technical, and Higher Education (CTHE) programs increased completions to 45,754, with 95% CTHE completion goals at their respective facilities. Of all GEDs earned in Georgia during FY24, 20% were earned by offenders housed in GDC facilities.
Since its inception in 2016, our Vital Documents Repository has provided 43,069 identification cards and driver's licenses. For many returning citizens, having valid identification and education accomplishments is key to rebuilding their lives and reintegrating into the community.
Our agency has team members who are about building each other up by being better together. We have change agents who provide new perspectives and efficient ways to secure and operate our agency. Our GDC team takes ownership of the agency, and we will continue to pursue our responsibilities with passion and pride as we set out to perform our best. We are the Georgia Department of Corrections, and we are Better Together.

AGENCY OVERVIEW

BOARD OF CORRECTIONS AND LEADERSHIP
The Board of Corrections is composed of 19 members, as of January 2013, one in each congressional district in the State and five at-large members. The Governor appoints all members, subject to the State Senate's consent, to staggered five-year terms. The Board develops rules governing employees' conduct and welfare under its authority and the assignment, housing, feeding, clothing, treatment, discipline, rehabilitation, training, and hospitalization of all offenders under its custody.

The members serve on the following committees: Budget/Utilities Correctional Industries/Food and Farm Education/Recidivism Facilities Health Services and Nominations

The Board of Corrections is a statutory policy-making board and has legal status only as a board. The operation and management of GDC's institutions and facilities are the responsibility of the Commissioner.

FY24 BOARD MEMBERS
GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS First District: W.D. Strickland

Board of Corrections Districts & GDC Facilities

Second District: Rossie Ross

Third District: Duke Blackburn

Fourth District: Ester Fleming, Jr., Secretary

Fifth District: Andrea Shelton, tenure ended Dec. 2023

Sixth District: Christopher Clark

Seventh District: Janelle King

Eighth District: J.C. "Spud" Bowen

Ninth District: Stacy Jarrard

009 014

Tenth District: Donnie Pope Eleventh District: Thomas Culpepper

011 006 007

Twelfth District: Wayne Dasher, tenure ended Dec. 2023 Twelfth District: John B. Edwards, tenure began Feb. 2024

004 005

Thirteenth District: Barry Babb Fourteenth District: Gary Gulledge

013 010
003

AT-LARGE MEMBERS Rose Williams Larry E. Haynie, Chairman Luis "Lou" M. Solis, Jr. Ralph Alton Russell Guy Daughtrey, tenure ended Jul. 2023 Bruce Carlisle, tenure began Jul. 2023

012

002

008

001

Updated 02.22.2021
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THE GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS (GDC) IS ORGANIZED INTO FIVE DIVISIONS:
Executive Operations Administration and Finance Facilities Inmate Services Health Services
BOARD OF CORRECTIONS

GOVERNOR BRIAN P. KEMP

COMMISSIONER TYRONE OLIVER

EXECUTIVE OPERATIONS
Legal Services Office of Communications Office of Professional Standards Office of Professional Development Data Management and Research

ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER
FACILITIES DIVISION

CHIEF OF STAFF ALAN WATSON

EXECUTIVE OPERATIONS
Office of Information Technology Engineering & Construction Services Georgia Correctional Industries Judicial & Govermental Affairs

ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER
INMATE SERVICES

ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER
ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE

ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER
HEALTH SERVICES

Ahmed Holt

Jay Sanders

Jackson DeFore

Randy Sauls www.gdc.ga.gov 5

AGENCY OVERVIEW

FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT
The Office of Budget Services is responsible for the Department's $1.4 billion budget, including grants, state, federal, and other funds. Budget Services is the central coordinating entity for developing, allocating, and managing the Department's financial resources. All divisions, fields, and central office locations receive guidance from Budget Services to support their operations and to ensure the Department complies with state law, policies, and procedures. Budget Services also liaises with the Governor's Office of Planning and Budget, the House Budget and Research Office, and the Senate Budget and Evaluation Office to advocate for the Department's financial needs to the Governor and the Legislature.

BUDGET HIGHLIGHTS FOR FY24
Increase funds to provide a $2,000 cost-of-living adjustment for all full-time, benefit-eligible state employees Increase funds to provide a one-time $1,000 salary supplement all full-time, benefit-eligible state employees Increase/transfer funds to Admin program for recruitment advertising campaign and work culture review Increase funds to reflect 6-months operational costs for the opening of Metro Reinvestment Center Increase funds for physical health and pharmacy services contracts Increase funds for capital maintenance and repairs Increase funds for the replacement of 231 vehicles

$20,867,337 $7,093,059 $6,125,838 $4,669,897 $90,419,372 $135,385,847 $11,890,000

AMENDED FY24 TOTAL BUDGET BY SOURCE

Fund Type State Funds Federal Funds Other Funds Total Funds

FY23 Budget $1,341,227,525 $170,555 $13,564,603 $1,354,962,683

FY24 Initial Budget FY24 Amended Budget

$1,329,528,125

$1,436,882,819

$170,555

$170,555

$13,564,603

$13,564,603

$1,343,263,283

$1,450,617,977

AMENDED FY24 APPROPRIATIONS AND BUDGET BY PROGRAM

State Prisons 51%

Administration 3%

Transition Centers 3% Detention Centers 4% Food and Farm Operations 2%

Health 24% O ender Management 3%

Program Administration Detention Centers Food and Farm Operations Health Offender Management Private Prisons State Prisons Transition Centers Total

Budget $42,876,145 $62,938,590 $28,695,831 $338,556,718 $45,814,570 $143,513,881 $737,419,148 $37,067,936 $1,436,882,819

Private Prisons 10%
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RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION

www.gdc.ga.gov 7

RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION

RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION
At the end of FY24, the agency employed 6,641 full-time employees (FTE) and 488 hourly employees. Correctional Officers (CO) comprise 42% of staff, 21.1% are sworn employees, and the remainder are in non-security staff roles. Of the 6,641 employees, 89.9% work in the Facilities Division, directly supervising offenders.

End of Fiscal Year FTE by Type

Employee Type

FY22

FY23

Correctional Officers Other Sworn Staff

2,516 1,502

2,685 1,543

Non-Security Staff Totals

2,151 6,169

2,169 6,397

FY24
2,766 1,398 2,477 6,641

FY24 Hiring and Separations

FY23

Hires CO Hires Separations CO Separations

2,132 1,585

1,707

1,052

FY24 1,862 1,228

1,442

840

End of Fiscal year FTE by Divisions

Employee Type Executive Office Facilities Division Inmate Services Division Health Services Division Administration and Finance Totals

FY22 416 5,546 36 24 147 6,169

FY23 411 5,767 43 24 152 6,397

FY24 446 5,972 43 24 155 6,641

Recruitment and Turnover

FY23

Correctional Officers Vacancy

54.47%

Correctional Officers Vacancy Decrease -0.84%

Correctional Officers Separations

61.6%

Overall Department Vacancy Decrease -0.23%

Correctional Officers Hires

74.3%

FY24 50.92% -3.55% 58.3% -1.68% 66%

Annual Turnover Rate

FY22 FY23 FY24

Department 33.72% 26.88% 22.03%

Correctional Officer 47.82% 39.93% 30.69%

Human Resources
FY24 FT Employees FY24 PT Employees % Correctional Officers % Sworn Staff % Facilities Division % Admin & Finance

6,641 488 41.7% 21.1% 89.9% 2.3%

Recruitment and retention of COs continues to be a challenge for the GDC. Although CO hirings were 66% of GDC recruitments during FY24, 58.3% of separations also came from these positions. CO turnover decreased this fiscal year to 30.69% from 39.93% in FY23. The agency's overall turnover rate fell to 22.03%. GDC Human Resources (HR) continues an aggressive recruitment strategy targeting ideal CO position applicants.

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EMPLOYEE DEVELOPMENT AND WELLNESS

www.gdc.ga.gov 9

EMPLOYEE DEVELOPMENT AND WELLNESS

CULTURAL TRANSFORMATION
In FY24, the department partnered with Culture Partners, a widely-respected consulting firm to help create a results-driven culture. The agency has established three cultural beliefs, which will serve as anchors to achieving our key results of: 75% Employee Satisfaction 10% Reduction in Incidents $15 Million Re-invested
OUR CULTURAL BELIEFS
BETTER TOGETHER
I BUILD TRUST BY WORKING WITH OTHERS TO ACHIEVE COMMON GOALS.
CHANGE AGENT
I PROMOTE AND ENCOURAGE NEW WAYS OF THINKING AND OPERATING.
TAKE OWNERSHIP
I ANTICIPATE, COMMUNICATE, PLAN AND ACT.
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CHAPLAINCY & VOLUNTEERS
Chaplaincy and Volunteer Services are integral parts of the programming in GDC facilities. Chaplains provide pastoral care to inmates and staff, facilitate worship, education, counseling, spiritual direction, support, and crisis intervention, and attend quarterly training sessions conducted by the Office of Chaplaincy Services, which enhances their services and effectiveness.

NUMBER OF SERVICES HELD FOR EACH FAITH GROUP

Protestant 2,833 Increased 667 since FY23

Catholic 480 Increased 164 since FY23

Islamic 900 Increased 10 since FY23

Other 931 Increased 358 since FY23

Jewish 87 Increased 29 since FY23

VOLUNTEER APPLICATION PROCESS
The Volunteer Services team assists the Chaplains and facility leadership by providing a steady stream of trained volunteers for religious support and program opportunities. In collaboration with the Office of Information Technology, the updated volunteer certification process continues to offer greater efficiency, security and functionality for individuals interested in volunteering within GDC facilities. The process allows prospective volunteers to complete all their administrative paperwork electronically before the required classroom training, thus eliminating time and travel demands and enhancing recruitment and active participation.

Ne w Volunte er Applic ations Ne w Volunte ers Approve d Ne w Volunte ers Traine d Training Sessions Held Volunte er Rene wals

1,182 610 370 10 900

5,180
Total Volunte ers for FY24

www.gdc.ga.gov 11

EMPLOYEE DEVELOPMENT AND WELLNESS

BASIC CORRECTIONAL OFFICER TRAINING (BCOT)
New Regional Academies Opened: The Office of Professional Development implemented the Regional Academy concept in August
2023. The Regional GA Corrections Academies have smaller class sizes, yielding greater personalized attention opportunities, improved student engagement, and more effective trainer-student interactions.
Middle Georgia Corrections Academy (MGCA) Milledgeville Northeast Georgia Corrections Academy (NEGCA) Alto Southeast Georgia Corrections Academy (SEGCA) Reidsville
Digital Conversion: BCOT has successfully converted from utilizing paper manuals and lesson plans to a digital format.
Cadets now utilize Chromebooks to access the Cadet Manuals and class lesson plans. BCOT Peer Success Coaching Program
The objectives of this program are to: Acknowledge the value of problem-solving skills and resilience-building offered through the success coaching program in addressing challenges and reducing turnover. Evaluate the impact of the success coaching program on officer well-being, job satisfaction, and overall performance. Analyze the effectiveness of the program in promoting a culture of support, resilience, and collaboration among officers.
76% BCOT Graduation Rate
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BCOT FY24 Totals Capacity Accepted Started Graduated

TIFT 2,160 1,234 1,205 902

MGCA 350 104 104 99

NEGCA 350 151 143 110

SEGCA 315 247 240 177

Grand Totals 3,175 1,736 1,692 1,288

BCOT FY24 Totals

3,500 3,000

3,175

2,500

2,000

1,500

1,000

500

0 Capacity

1,736
Accepted

1,692

SEGCA NEGCA MGCA Tift
Note: SWGCA classes did not begin until FY25.
1,288

Started

Graduated

www.gdc.ga.gov 13

EMPLOYEE DEVELOPMENT AND WELLNESS

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
In 2024, the Deputy Warden of Security, Care and Treatment, and Administration Academies were combined into one academy to include all three areas. This learning concept was created to provide the necessary cross training and advanced leadership skills training vital to staff aspiring to be a state prison warden.

Trainings Conducted in FY24 Sergeant's Academy Lieutenant's Academy Chief of Security Chief Counselor Unit Manager Assistant Superintendent Combined Deputy Wardens Academy Warden's Pre-Command Youthful Offender's Training

Number of Staff Completions 28 26 23 23 23 11 15 16 30

AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT TRAININGS

FY24 Americans With Disabilities Act trainings were included in the following classes:

Chief Counselors Chiefs of Security Lieutenant's Academy Sergeant's Academy Deputy Warden of Security

Assistant Superintendents Unit Managers Deputy Warden of Care and Treatment Inmate Services Conference (Teachers and Counselors)

SPECIAL OPERATIONS TRAINING UNIT (SOTU)
The SOTU assisted sheriff 's offices, local police departments, and county jails statewide with cell extraction, inmate transport, mobile field force, and arrest team training. These trainings provided outside agencies and users with basic knowledge to prepare for street-level civil unrest and detention center inmate disturbances. Since April 2021, in conjunction with the Georgia Public Safety Training Center, the Office of Professional Development (OPD) implemented a Use of Force Instructor course mandated for all Defense Tactics and Firearms Instructors. This course provides GDC instructors an overview of court cases and legal precedence that justify the department's Use of Force policy.

260
hours of training provided

426
students completed

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INSTRUCTIONAL OPERATIONS UNIT

170 classes offered

4,346 students attended

87.9% average passing rate

LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT UNIT E-LEARNING SECTION (LDU)
The LDU ensured online trainings were current and available to all GDC employees, allowing them to meet Pre-Service Orientation and annual In-Service training requirements. These courses are now being offered bi-annually.
*Note: GDC employees register for multiple training classes throughout the year.

110,515
online classes taken

102,875 passed

7,636 incomplete

93.09% average passing rate

Online Training Courses Governor's Sexual Harassment Prevention Emergency Plans Americans with Disabilities Act Classification Visibility Offender Discipline Release Procedure Standards of Conduct Human Trafficking Awareness PREA Audit Process Video Court Services

Governor's Standards of Conduct and Ethics Duty Officer Front Entry and Security Procedures Mental Health Preventing Falls, Slips and Trips Vehicle Operation and Safety Count Procedures Suicide Awareness and Prevention Offender Grievance Tool Control Key Control Staff Disciplinary Process
www.gdc.ga.gov 15

EMPLOYEE DEVELOPMENT AND WELLNESS

FIELD TRAINING UNIT (FTU)
The FTU is responsible for meeting the training needs of all GDC employees. The unit works hand-inhand with facilities to organize and teach courses that provide the most current information on policies, laws, and knowledge for a safer work environment. In addition to annual training, FTU creates specialized courses, upon request, that address specific needs within the agency.
FY24 Specialized Training Course Completions 46 Field Training Officer Certification 21 Firearms Instructor Program
1,803 Offender Mental Health Training 51 Outside Detail Officer Training 32 Perimeter Officer Certification Training 24 Physical Ability Test: Train the Trainer 19 Portal Entry Officer Training 339 Taser Training Certification/Recertification 18 TIER Program Review 167 Transportation Officer Phase I 101 Transportation Officer Phase II
IN-SERVICE ANNUAL TRAINING
18,116 seats offered 4,850 completions
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EDUCATION CONFERENCE

250+ attendees at the Education Conference

April 22 - 24, 2024
Rolled out new curriculum and resource alignment documents to ensure quality control for instruction across the state
Partnered with other state agencies to present quality professional development

3000+
training hours logged at the Education Conference

Began using KickUp in FY24 to track professional development and teacher/ facility growth
KickUp allows teachers to provide feedback on training quality and future training needs and provides quantitative data that measures growth in relation to professional development.

362
coaching hours logged at facilities from March 2024 June 2024
www.gdc.ga.gov 17

EMPLOYEE DEVELOPMENT AND WELLNESS

REENTRY SERVICES

OFFICE OF REENTRY SERVICES STAFF TRAINING PROGRAMS FOR FY24

Trainings Conducted
7 Habits Training Addiction Certificate Preparation Program Anger Management Assistant Superintendent Training Chief Counselor Training Counselor Advisement Training Phase II Deputy Warden Academy Domestic Violence Training Effective Communication Helping Women Recover Initial Correctional Counseling Training Lifers/Pathfinders Training Lunch and Learn Master Calendar Training Matrix Moral Reconation Therapy Moral Recognation Training Booster Motivation for A Change Motivational Interviewing Moving On Odyssey Office of Reentry Services Training Problem Solving Skills in Action Quarterly Counseling Training Sex Offender Psycho-Educational Program Thinking for A Change Thinking for A Change Booster Unit Manager Training TOTAL

Number of Staff Completed Trainings
9 124 24 11 23 56 17 6 20 6 98 26 1,416 79 35 42 57 77 35 9 51 122 44 396 53 29 38 22 2,925

GEORGIA SCHOOL OF ADDICTION STUDIES
In August 2023, eight ORS staff members attended the 16th Annual Georgia School of Addiction Studies (GSAS) Conference. The conference theme was "Celebrating the Diversity of Prevention, Treatment, and Recovery." The State of Georgia acknowledges the need for qualified staff to address substance use disorder by offering training to behavioral health professionals specializing in addiction treatment.
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The Office of Reentry Services (ORS) Training Unit provided numerous trainings to both security and non-security staff during FY24. Some of the training consisted of Initial Correctional Counseling, Classification, and Quarterly Regional Training, as well as assistance with academy training for various leadership roles and informative sessions for Counselors.
Lunch and Learn Informative Sessions, also called "Lunch and Learn," are conducted virtually each month and are free for all staff to attend. Staff receive informative updates from GDC's subject matter experts and state agencies such as the Department of Community Supervision, Pardons and Paroles, Social Security Administration, Victim Services, as well as vendors, and community stakeholders.
This fiscal year, an average of 80-150 staff participated during each session. Some of the topics discussed are listed below.
Topics of FY24: Victim Services Georgia Correctional Industries/Prison Industry Enhancement (GCI/PIE) M.O.R.E Program Forensic Peer Specialist Security Threat Group (STG) Social Security Processes Housing Opportunities: Offenders with HIV/AIDS Court Services Social Security Administration Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) Special Mission Dorms Transitional Housing for Offender Reentry (THOR)
A Domestic Violence Training session was conducted by Correctional Counselor Incorporation for our Behavior Health Counselors at our female facilities. This training gave a more in-depth perspective to our women in the facilities on recognizing the cues when dealing with domestic violence.
The ORS Training unit implemented a graduation for our newly hired Behavior Health Counselors and Multi-Functional Officers who completed the Initial Correctional Counseling Training (ICCT). The two-week training consists of various topics that better prepare staff to provide services to the offender population. Staff will also leave ICCT training as certified facilitators in Motivation for Change and Motivational Interviewing.
www.gdc.ga.gov 19

EMPLOYEE DEVELOPMENT AND WELLNESS

ADDICTION CERTIFICATION PREPARATION PROGRAM
The Addiction Certification Preparation Program (ACPP) was created to identify, train, and develop staff to become certified addiction counselors. ACCP is an intensive 12-month program that provides participants with the educational hours required for certification to become Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselors through the International Certification and Reciprocity Consortium.
The Office of Reentry Services (ORS) launched ACCP Group XII in January 2024, during which 15 Counselors embarked on their certification journey and have acquired 157.5 of the required 300 educational hours for certification.

300 Education hours
4,000 Minimum hours of experience
200 Hours of clinical supervision

199 Graduates of ACPP since inception
150 Questions exam that requires a passing score

REPRESENTATION AT AMERICAN CORRECTIONAL ASSOCIATION CONFERENCE (ACA)
In FY24, the ORS represented the department at the ACA conference and delivered a presentation exploring how an agency can invest in its staff by preparing them for credentials that will allow them to provide addiction treatment to offenders, which can ultimately result in a reduction in recidivisim and an increase in savings.
STATEWIDE FAMILY VIOLENCE CONFERENCE
Staff from ORS, Whitworth Women's Facility and Women's Probation Detention Center attended the 29th Annual Statewide Family Violence Conference hosted by the Georgia Commission on Family Violence through a grant from the Criminal Justice Coordinating Committee. The theme for the conference was Evolving Responses: What Communities Can Do To Reduce Family Violence. Staff attended workshops that focused on topics that provided expertise regarding the health, safety, and well-being of those who have, or are at risk of, experiencing or perpetrating family violence.
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SAFE AND SECURE FACILITIES

www.gdc.ga.gov 21

S A F E A N D SSEAFCEUANRDESEFCAURCEIFLAICITLIITIEESS

CRIMINAL JUSTICE REFORM
Prison Population: FY14 - FY24

60,000 56000

53,500 53500
51000
51,000

56000
52,131

56000
52,303

53500

53500

51000

51000

52,478

53,138 53,337 53,357

48500

48,500

48500

48500

46,608

48,060

49,991

46000
46,000
43500
43,500

46000

46000

46,551

HB 1176

43500

43500

Weight Based Drug Sentencing

Phase I - July 2013

45,364

Phase II - July 2014 14-Jan

14-Apr

14-Jul

14-Oct

15-Jan

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23-Jul

23-Oct

24-Jan

24-Apr

24-Jun

41000

41000

41000

14-Jan

14-Apr

14-Jul

14-Oct

15-Jan

15-Apr

15-Jul

15-Oct

16-Jan

16-Apr

16-Jul

16-Oct

17-Jan

17-Apr

17-Jul

17-Oct

18-Jan

18-Apr

18-Jul

18-Oct

19-Jan

19-Apr

19-Jul

19-Oct

20-Jan

20-Apr

20-Jul

20-Oct

21-Jan

21-Apr

21-Jul

21-Oct

22-Jan

22-Apr

22-Jul

22-Oct

23-Jan

23-Apr

23-Jul

23-Oct

24-Jan

24-Apr

24-Jun

Jan 14 Apr 14 Jul 14 Oct 14 Jan 15 Apr 15 Jul 15 Oct 15 Jan 16 Apr 16 Jul 16 Oct 16 Jan 17 Apr 17 Jul 17 Oct 17 Jan 18 Apr 18 Jul 18 Oct 18 Jan 19 Apr 19 Jul 19 Oct 19 Jan 20 Apr 20 Jul 20 Oct 20 Jan 21 Apr 21 Jul 21 Oct 21 Jan 22 Apr 22 Jul 22 Oct 22 Jan 23 Apr 23 Jul 23 Oct 23 Jan 24 Apr 24 Jun 24

Note: Prison Population consists of active offenders counted at a GDC facility.

HOUSE BILL 1176 (2012) Since the first criminal justice reform bill, HB 1176 (July 1, 2012), it has focused on sentencing and prison admissions, prison length of stay, parole, and community supervision.
HOUSE BILL 349 (2013) Departure from mandatory minimum sentences; implementation of Georgia Prisoner Reentry Initiative (GAPRI); and created the Georgia Criminal Justice Reform Commission.
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SENATE BILL 365 (2014) This bill focuses on post-incarceration reforms suggested by the Georgia Council on Criminal Justice Reform; developed and implemented a program to assist with reentry; provided liability protection to employers of former offenders; and established the Governor's Office of Transition, Support & Reentry.
HOUSE BILL 310 (2015) House Bill 310 created a new agency, the Department of Community Supervision, which merged all community supervision from GDC, Pardons and Paroles, and the Department of Juvenile Justice. Governor Nathan Deal signed HB 310 into law on May 7, 2015.

PRISON POPULATION CHANGE
Over the decade spanning FY14 - FY24, annual admissions dropped 20% from 19,032 to 15,196. During the same period, annual releases dropped 36% from 20,634 to 13,164. The amount of annual releases has dropped significantly below annual admissions leading to an increasing overall inmate offender population in the State of Georgia.
Admissions and Releases FY14 - FY24
25,000

22,000

20,634

19,000 19,032
16,000

18,561 18,540

17,823 18,131

16,941

16,458

18,520 18,030
18,326 17,963

19,202

15,868

15,413 15,170 14,995

15,196

13,000

13,374 13,460

13,164

10,000

FY14

FY15

FY16

Admissions Releases

FY17

FY18

FY19

10,461

FY20

FY21

FY22

FY23

FY24

SENATE BILL 367 (2016) The bill promotes the successful reentry into society of those with a criminal record. It improves the misdemeanor probation system, increases opportunities to secure employment, and lifts the ban on food stamps for certain offenders. It also extends parole eligibility to drug offenders with long sentences and limits secure detention for youth 13 years old or younger.
SENATE BILL 174 (2017) Reduces probation supervision length and enhanced probationers and parolees' conditions of supervision to prevent recidivism. Senate Bill 174 will encourage alternate sentencing for certain offenses and allows input from victims and prosecuting attorneys in the parole process.

SENATE BILL 407 (2018) A comprehensive reform bill that improves pretrial justice, mainly related to misdemeanor bail; addresses probation cost, parole eligibility, Medicaid, and other public assistance benefits to offenders; and enhances sentencing for certain offenses.
HOUSE BILL 1013 (2021) The Mental Health Parity Act allows for a coordinated partnership between the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD), GDC and DJJ to provide ongoing mental health wraparound services and connectivity to local mental health resources upon reentry.
www.gdc.ga.gov 23

SAFE AND SECURE FACILITIES
34,713 34,391
35,699 36,616 36,293 36,293 36,297
33,725 34,703 35,423 36,914

VIOLENT OFFENDER POPULATION
The percentage of offenders incarcerated due to a major offense of a violent or sexual nature (compared to those incarcerated for a non-violent offense) has grown, as anticipated by the criminal reform laws, increasing by over 14% from 60% of the total population at the end of FY12, to over 74% of the total population at the end of FY24. The number of validated security threat group (STG) inmates has nearly tripled over the same period, up to 15,590 at the end of FY24 (one in three offenders are validated STG).

Violent Offender Population FY14 - FY24
40,000

32,000

24,000

18,418 19,179
18,327 18,231 18,023 16,535 14,922 12,861 13,009 12,348 12,880

16,000

8,000

0

FY14

FY15

FY16

FY17

FY18

FY19

FY20

FY21

FY22

FY23

FY24

Violent Non-Violent

Note: Offender population consists of active offenders with a status of inmate, including those out to court, on reprieves, on conditional transfers, and sentenced awaiting transfer to a GDC facility.

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OFFENDER POPULATION LIFE, LIFE - NO PAROLE, DEATH PENALTY SENTENCE
The number of offenders sentenced to life, life without parole, or death sentence rose by 23% between the end of FY12 and the end of FY24, from 7,990 to 9,822. The number of offenders serving life without parole increased from 731 at the end of FY12 to 2,033 at the end of FY24, an increase of over 178%. During the same time, the number of offenders under death sentence decreased from 94 to 34, a 64% decline.

Offender Population with Life, Life-Without Parole, Death Penalty Sentence FY14 - FY24

7,336 7,442 7,524 7,642 7,757 7,800 7,743 7,751 7,597 7,708 7,755

8,000

7,000

6,000

5,000

4,000

3,000

2,000

1,000

0

FY14

FY15

FY16

FY17

FY18

FY19

FY20

FY21

FY22

FY23

FY24

Life Life-No Parole
Death

988 88
1,107 79
1,224 61
1,324 55
1,443 51
1,582 47
1,659 41
1,653 40
1,760 38
1,896 38
2,033 34

www.gdc.ga.gov 25

OFFENDER POPULATION DEMOGRAPHICS FY24

SAFE AND SECURE FACILITIES

Male 46,146

Female 3,648

Medium 31,585

Close 11,157
Minimum 7,047

Violent 36,194

Non-Violent 12,880

Current Security Threat Group (STG) Inmates
June 2024 STG Population: 15,540 of the inmate population
6,000

5,000

5,241

4,000

4,019

NOTE: Violent Offender is an offender who has a significant offense of a violent or sexual nature.

3,000

2,000

1,156
1,000

0
Aryan

151
Black

1,605

997 434

1,202 729

Blood

Crip

Gangster Ghostface Good Fellas Hispanic Hybrid

Disciples Gangsters

Age
Under 20 20 - 29 30 - 39 40 - 49 50 - 59 60 - 69 70+

Number 430 10,134 15,702 11,997 7,135 3,534 862

Percentage 1% 20% 32% 24% 14% 7% 2%

Major Offense

Offense Type Number

Violent Sexual Property Drug Habit/DUI Others

27,854 9,060 5,159 4,656 69 2,996

Percentage 55.94% 18.19% 10.36% 9.35% 0.14% 6.02%

Race

Number

Black

29,372

White

18,011

Hispanic

2,190

Asian

156

Native American 32

Other

21

Unknown

2

Native Hawaiian 3

Percentage 58.99% 31.17% 4.40% 0.33% 0.06% 0.04% 0.00% 0.01%

26

PHYSICAL UTILIZATION RATES

During FY24, GDC facilities consisted of 34 State Prisons (SP), 13 Transitional Centers (TC), 7 Probation Detention Centers (PDC), 12 Residential Substance Abuse Treatment Centers (RSAT), 2 Integrated Treatment Facilities (ITF), 21 County Correctional Institutions (CCI), and 4 Private Correctional Facilities (CF).

Approximately nine percent of the state's offender population resides in county correctional institutions and 15% reside in private correctional facilities.

FY23 Physical Utilization Rates Facility Type
State Prisons

Physical Utilization 93.7%

Transitional Centers

97.8%

Probation Detention Centers

75.3%

RSAT's and ITFs

88.9%

County Institutions

99.4%

Private Prisons

100%

www.gdc.ga.gov 27

SAFE AND SECURE FACILITIES

OFFENDER ADMINISTRATION PROCESSING VOLUME FOR FY24
26,657 Cases Received

4,149

Cases Returned

5,428

Parole Releases

7,768

Max Out Releases

15,232 Initial Assignments

28

CRIMINAL INTELLIGENCE UNIT (CIU)
The CIU consists of regionally assigned analysts that cover all facilities within GDC. The primary function is to develop and disseminate intelligence throughout the state, aiding in the operation of safe and secure facilities while protecting Georgia's citizens.

6,455
background
checks

864
incident
reports

30
compromised
staff identified

57
administrative reports
1,618
investigative assist reports

The CIU Initiated 13,772 Cases

1,919 intelligence summaries
2,829
suspicious activity reports

OPS DIGITAL FORENSICS UNIT (DFU)

GDC's DFU is one of the largest digital forensics labs in the country and the only accredited DFU lab

in the state. The DFU leverages state-of-the-art technology and specialized training to obtain forensic

intelligence from electronic devices. The DFU is responsible for acquiring and analyzing digital

evidence supporting

criminal investigations

DURING FY24, THE DFU PROCESSED AND ANALYZED:

and intelligence

operations, including cell phones, computers, and drones.

15,702

36

1,398

cellphones

DFU identified compromised staff

leads to CIU containing likely actionable

intelligence

www.gdc.ga.gov 29

SAFE AND SECURE FACILITIES

SECURITY THREAT GROUP (STG) GANG SERGEANT TRAINING PROGRAM
The purpose of the Gang Sergeant Training program is to have a trained gang specialist assigned to 28 of our state prisons across Georgia. Their primary mission is to recognize potential criminal street and prison gang members and validate those that meet the established criteria. Additionally, they provide timely incident assessments for the facility and daily interaction with the Intelligence Division and the Criminal Investigations Division.

Monthly STG Validations for FY24

300

Male

Female

280

250 239

209

216

200

194

170 175

174

150

154

139

187 180

100

50

18

0

1

1

2

3

2

1

1

4

3

4

8

July AugusSteptembOerctobNerovembDeercembeJarnuaryFebruaryMarch April May June

July August September October November December January February March
April May June

30

ORGANIZED CRIME AND GANG UNIT

FY24 Seized Items by OCGU

$3,195,287
US Currency
63.9 kg
Cocaine
410.5 kg
Methamphetamine

48.1 kg
Marijuana
3.0 kg
Tobacco
7.6 kg
Fentanyl

The Organized Crime and Gang Unit (OCGU) is comprised of Special Agents, who are also Task Force Officers assigned to the Federal Bureau Investigation, Drug Enforcement Administration, and Georgia Bureau of Investigation Task Forces. They conduct investigations into large criminal organizations operating both in the community and inside of prisons. Their investigations are a part of a collaborative partnership with federal, state, and local law enforcement.

CRIMINAL INVESTIGATIONS DIVISION (CID)

OPS Special Agents are also assigned to various
Federal task force units throughout the state, including the FBI Public Corruption Task
Force, FBI Gang Task Force, and the Drug Enforcement Agency/High-Intensity Drug
Trafficking Area.

655
ARRESTS
Inmates - 204 Staff - 68 Civilians - 383
1,799
CRIMINAL ARREST WARRANTS

4,382
INVESTIGATIONS
417
SEARCH WARRANTS EXECUTED

FUGITIVE APPREHENSION UNIT

363 FELONY ARRESTS

34 SEX OFFENDER ARRESTS

44 ABSCOND RECAPTURES

www.gdc.ga.gov 31

SAFE AND SECURE FACILITIES

CANINE UNIT CONTRABAND

The contraband intercepted by GDC's Canine Units are from sites at or near GDC facilities and detail sites. The work of the Canine Unit resulted in 254 arrests in FY24. Offender: 0 Staff: 1 Civilian: 253

137 kgs 639 kgs

Marijuana

Tobacco

2,311
Weapons

6,471
Cellphones

21 kgs
Methamphetamine

7 kgs
MDMA - Ecstasy

123 g
Cocaine

PRISON RAPE ELIMINATION ACT (PREA)
The Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) 2003 prohibits and seeks to eliminate sexual abuse and sexual harassment in correctional institutions. Pursuant to PREA and Georgia criminal laws, the GDC is committed to protecting offenders in its custody from sexual abuse or sexual harassment.

In FY24, GDC received 698 PREA allegations from facilities; of those:

34 Substantiated 5% - determined the event most likely occurred

194 Unfounded 27% - the event most likely did not occur

46 NotPREA 6% - did not meet the definition of a PREA allegation

210 Unsubstantiated 29% - evidence insufficient to determine whether the event did or did not occur

236 Pending 33% - remain under investigation
32

INNOVATION

www.gdc.ga.gov 33

SAFE AND SECURE FACILITIES

TECHNOLOGY
NOTEACTIVE - DIGITAL LOGBOOK During FY24, the Electronic Logbook Platform was expanded to Smith State Prison (SP), making it the 18th facility to implement the documentation process. Facilities currently utilizing NoteActive are:
Phillips SP, Georgia Diagnostic and Classification Prison, Special Management Unit, Augusta State Medical Prison, Al Burruss Correctional Training Center, Dodge SP, Dooly SP, Long Unit, Helms Facility, Hays SP, Emanual Women's Facility, Pulaski SP, Ware SP, Valdosta SP, Metro RF, Lee Arrendale SP, and Montgomery SP.
The objective was to replace the traditional paper/pen (logbook) documentation practices of officers and staff within prison facilities. The electronic logbook will make reporting more efficient and effective. Also, during FY24, the Electronic Logbook Platform training was incorporated into the Deputy Warden's Academy.
FUSUS - VIDEO PLATFORM In FY24, the GDC continued the implementation of the FUSUS Video Platform. This platform enables the integration of multiple brands of closed-circuit TVs under a single sign-on. This allows a prison to easily view all its cameras without needing to log into different systems. It simplifies investigative functions and provides a tool that enhances the safety and security of GDC facilities.
Additionally, the GDC is implementing an AI feature that helps monitor the perimeter using AI functions to detect any movement in restricted areas. This feature aids in monitoring movement around the facility perimeter, thereby creating a safer and more secure environment. Phase 2 of this implementation is currently in progress, with a total of 13 facilities completed.
DRONE INTERDICTION Drone interdiction is deployed to target and combat the use of contraband within GDC facilities. GDC has installed drone detection devices to detect and alert staff of inbound drones for contraband interdiction and investigative purposes. In FY24, seven facilities were equipped with these devices, bringing the total number of sites with detection capabilities to 12.
DRONE DETECTION FY24 Total Drone Incidents: 434 Total Number of Drones Seized: 166
34

OFFENDER PROGRAMMING

www.gdc.ga.gov 35

OFFENDER PROGRAMMING

STATE ROAD AND TOLLWAY AUTHORITY
The GDC and the State Road and Tollway Authority (SRTA) agreed to provide employment opportunities to returning female citizens housed at Metro Transitional Center (TC). The program was implemented in November 2018 and focuses on image reviews that build a database of known vehicles that use the Peach Pass Lanes. The Metro TC program allows 10 returning citizens, including long-term maintenance, to earn part-time wages and skills in data entry in preparation for release.
During FY22, the program expanded to the Metro Reentry Facility and now allows 10 additional returning citizens to participate. Once released, these returning citizens can earn vocational credits towards certification and possible employment with SRTA. Since deployment, 11 returning citizens have been successfully hired by SRTA.
Below are the number of vehicle license plate images entered by the returning citizens into the state database for known vehicles using the Peach Pass Lanes during FY24.

400,000

366,251

378,668

389,719

350,000

338,543

300,000

301,879

306,655

250,000
232,128
200,000

205,103

337,983

318,382

302,580 278,927

290,752

222,259 217,820

235,429 226,969

312,265 243,719

296,805 253,572

219,726

170,556

175,182

150,000 Jul 23 Aug 23 Sept 23 Oct 23 Nov 23 Dec 23 Jan 24 Feb 24 Mar 24 Apr 24 May 24 Jun 24

Female Total: 3,912,754 Male Total: 2,709,118 Grand Total: 6,621,872
36

THE REENTRY ASSESSMENT CENTER
The Reentry Assessment Center (RAC) provides resources to offenders approximately 180 days prior to release. The RAC offers a wide range of information, including interest profilers, resume creation, local resources within different areas across Georgia, education resources, and other information needed to create a success plan. The curriculum is a four-week program designed to assist offenders in gaining access to resources they need to prepare for reentry.
GDC Office of Reentry Services (ORS) continuously seeks partnerships with employers willing to hire convicted felons. ORS has 40 active employer partners who receive the 60-day release list on a monthly basis.
Reentry Assessment
Center

Connecting
60- Day Release List Housing
Employment

Preparing
Resumes Economic Development
Vital Documents

Assessing
Interest Profiler Career 1 Stop

Informing
Community Resources Skill Courses

RAC ENROLLMENTS FY24 Reentry Assessment Center Reentry Skills Building Total

4,927 13,534 18,461

RAC COMPLETIONS FY24 Reentry Assessment Center Reentry Skills Building Total

5,493* 10,832 16,325

*Some students were enrolled in FY23 and completed their courses in FY24.

www.gdc.ga.gov 37

OFFENDER PROGRAMMING

ADMINISTRATION AND ORIENTATION PROCESS
The Administration and Orientation (A&O) Process is designed to provide incoming offenders with essential programming during their first two weeks at their permanent facility before integrating into the general population. During this time, offenders are placed in the A&O dorm, where they receive guidance from peer mentors through a program called TOPUCU, which stands for The Only Person U Cheat Is U. This program consists of seven daily sessions, which has been very successful in helping new offenders adjust.
TOPUCU Completions 2,485

VITAL DOCUMENTS/REPOSITORY
The repository provides a secure location to collect and file reentry-related documents such as Department of Driver Services (DDS) identification cards, DDS driver's licenses, and birth certificates, which are vital to an offender's successful reentry. The repository staff sends these documents to the facility 180 days before the offender's release date.

Issued since the inception of the Release Document Repository in 2016

43,069
Identification cards and driver's licenses

Release documents mailed to facilities

9,197
Documents mailed

The GDC has collaborated with the Florida Department of Health and Bureau of Vital Statistics to acquire birth certificates for offenders born in Florida. The team responsible for this process has received 637 birth certificates to be distributed to correctional facilities. Furthermore, the Department of Corrections is working to expand these efforts to include Tennessee and New York.
38

OFFENDERS UNDER TRANSITION
The Offenders Under Transition (O.U.T.) program is designed for offenders in Tier dorms who have committed violent crimes and are required to participate in Tier programming for nine months. During this period, the O.U.T. program, delivered in three phases, provides these individuals with a curriculum focused on anger management, emotional regulation, and preparation for reintegration into the general prison population. The program is consistently facilitated in five facilities. With the continued use of this program, individuals who enter the Tier dorm and complete the O.U.T. program will be better equipped to manage their behavior, reducing the likelihood of re-offending while incarcerated and returning to the Tier dorm. The program is being updated to include new scenarios that address current issues faced by the offenders. The updated program was rolled out late Fall of 2024.

Phase One
Choices and Changes 282 participants
Phase Two
Self Discovery 247 participants
Phase Three
Turning Point 228 participants

COGNITIVE PROGRAMMING
Cognitive programming assist offenders identify and change negative thoughts and behaviors that can lead to criminal behaviors. Cognitive programming can help reduce violence, aggression, and rule-breaking among offenders in a prison setting. It can also improve coping skills and emotional regulation, improving mental health outcomes.

Month July 2023 August 2023 September 2023 October 2023 November 2023 December 2023 January 2024 February 2024 March 2024 April 2024 May 2024 June 2024

Enrollments 8,258 12,320 15,600 19,695 22,155 25,782 29,874 34,166 38,122 42,344 46,892 50,888

Completions 2,702 5,639 8,268 10,951 10,951 17,416 19,797 24,437 27,705 31,462 35,656 39,898

www.gdc.ga.gov 39

OFFENDER PROGRAMMING

FAMILY REUNIFICATION PROGRAM

217
graduates have successfully returned to their families and the community through the program
500
Narcan kits were distributed to participants who successfully completed RSAT programs

FAMILY WELLNESS OUTREACH CENTER OF GEORGIA ADULT REENTRY PROGRAM

The Family Wellness Outreach Center of Georgia (FWOCG) received a grant from Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) to provide adult reentry services in the central Georgia area. The primary objective of this partnership is to improve the reentry transition for incarcerated individuals by conducting a Risk Needs Assessment to develop an individualized case plan that will result in improved employability skills and job retention, education, housing, transportation, and medical referrals.
To participate, offenders must be returning to the 14 counties of Southwest Georgia (Baker, Calhoun, Colquitt, Decatur, Dougherty, Early, Grady, Lee, Miller, Mitchell, Seminole, Terrell, Thomas, and Worth).

131
offenders assessed prior to being released from GDC as of June 2024

39 Recovery

61 Transportation

63 Counseling

84 Education

92 Employment
40

52 Housing

47 Medical

42 Prescription

RSAT FIDELITY ASSESSMENT INITIATIVE
GDC Residential Substance Abuse Treatment (RSAT) program is a nine-month program, which targets high risk, high needs offenders with a history of substance use as a crime-producing behavior leading to correctional supervision. This program is based on the modified Therapeutic Community Model. From July to September 2023, the Advocate for Human Potential conducted a Fidelity Assessment Initiative (FAI) to improve treatment and services at prison RSAT programs by ensuring all are operating according to evidence-based and promising practices principles. This process allows the Bureau of Justice Assistance to identify and provide resources to programs that may have needs in particular areas of programming and services.

The Advocate for Human Potential is a trained assessment team that gathers relevant materials and information about RSAT programs by interviewing program administrators and staff. This year, the department will receive a written FAI assessment report to review strengths, need areas, and recommendations for improvement.

RSAT FACILITIES Bainbridge PSATC* Bleckley PSATC* Coastal State Prison Coastal PSATC* Johnson RSAT (A) Johnson RSAT (B) Northwest RSAT* Paulding PSATC* Pulaski State Prison Turner RSAT* Valdosta State Prison*

ENROLLMENTS 4,371 COMPLETIONS 1,760 OVERALL COMPLETION - 80.5%
*Probation Substance Abuse Treatment Center

EVIDENCE BASED PRISON
During FY24, the Evidence Based Prison (EBP) model was expanded to every dorm at Smith State Prison (SP), and relaunched at Autry SP upon its reopening. This expansion introduced the concepts of EBP to 836 new offenders.
Currently, there are five facilities designated and operating as an EBP facility: Lee State Prison Hancock State Prison Smith State Prison Coastal State Prison Autry State Prison
Staff training in Evidence Based practices have been completed for Washington SP and McRae Women's Facility. These facilities are both slated to operate as EBP facilities upon receipt of offenders at McRae and upon opening of the new Washington SP. The EBP creates a safer environment for staff and offenders through cognitive restructuring and development of reentry skills that help reduce recidivism.
www.gdc.ga.gov 41

OFFENDER PROGRAMMING

GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
The Georgia Department of Labor implemented "Walking the Last Mile," a 12-week reentry employment program at Metro Reentry Facility. This program assists individuals preparing to reenter society with securing employment and valuable resources to tackle daily life in their new communities. A vital component of the program is to help individuals better understand themselves in all aspects of life.

First Cohort Graduated 23 Offenders
TYRO DADS
TYRO Dads is an evidence-based program that provides 10-lessons, 20-hour courses that have been proven to break negative cycles and empower participants to build new legacies for themselves and their families.
The program was introduced at Macon State Prison and Dooly State Prison where eight Mentors from each site received training.

SUPPORTIVE SERVICES FOR RETURNING CITIZENS

AFFECTED BY DOMESTIC VIOLENCE GRANT

The Supportive Services for Returning Citizens Affected by Domestic Violence Grant provides two

programs for women with histories of being affected by domestic violence, Helping Women Recover and

Beyond Trauma. Since its inception in 2020, the program has grown

from one facility to four.

The programs are currently facilitated at: Lee Arrendale State Prison Metro Transitional Center Whitworth Women's Facility Women's Probation Detention Center

54
Helping Women Recover and Beyond Trauma Completions

The offenders involved in these programs have reported positive experiences and have benefited from the support provided. There is evidence of consistent growth among the participants, with fewer disciplinary issues. Additionally, a community stakeholder, Circle of Hope, has been offering six months of housing upon release for those who complete the program, further supporting their transition and recovery. The goal is to expand this grant to three additional facilities by mid-2025.
42

TRUETT MCCONNELL UNIVERSITY
Truett McConnell University (TMU) assumed leadership sponsorship from the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary (NOBTS) program at Phillips State Prison in August 2021. The program is funded by the Georgia Baptist Mission Board. The first cohort of 29 students are working towards an accredited bachelor's degree in Christian ministry, and upon graduation will be sent to work under the direction of a facility chaplain as peer mentors and ministers.
NEW ORLEANS BAPTIST THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY
Since the inception of the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary (NOBTS) in January 2019 at a female facility, 10 female offenders have completed their course of study at Whitworth Women's Facility. Upon graduation, they were assigned to various women's facilities to provide a full spectrum of religious support and ministry efforts. Several of the students have been released from prison and are successful in the reentry process with a recidivism rate of zero percent. Heartbound Ministries provides funding for the seminary program at Whitworth Women's Facility with 16 students enrolled. The fully accredited bachelor's degree is designed to provide a broad foundation for ministry within the prison system and is based on eight core competencies:
Biblical Exposition Christian Heritage Servant Leadership Interpersonal Relationships Life Skills Spiritual and Character Formation Disciple Making Worship Leadership
www.gdc.ga.gov 43

CAREER, TECHNICAL, AND HIGHER EDUCATION

OFFENDER PROGRAMMING

95%

95% of GDC facilities exceeded their FY24 CTHE completion goals.

45,754 CTHE Completions
19,292 On-The-Job Training 2,960 Post-Secondary 19,080 Skills Trainings 4,422 Vocational
44

COSMETOLOGY

Through partnerships with North Georgia and Central Georgia Technical Colleges' cosmetology programs, participants complete three levels of cosmetology certification. The introductory classes teach salon basics such as sanitation, shampooing, braiding, and hair design, which are the foundation for Cosmetology licenses.

13 individuals completed introductory courses 25 completed the full cosmetology program, resulting in 3 receiving their state license 15 awaiting licensing board approval 09 individuals received the training necessary to petition to have their
expired licenses reinstated

BEEKEEPING
Through partnerships with the Georgia Beekeepers Association, the University of Georgia, and HeartBound Ministries, several facilities now offer Beekeeping certification.
Facilities with beekeeping Atlanta Transitional Center Burruss Correctional Training Center Calhoun State Prison Dooly State Prison Hancock State Prison Lee Arrendale State Prison Lee State Prison Metro Transitional Center Rogers State Prison Whitworth Women's Facility

21 participants
completed the basic beekeeping program
71 became certified
beekeepers
9 received Journeyman
Certification
2 became Master
Beekeepers
www.gdc.ga.gov 45

OFFENDER PROGRAMMING

CHANGES IN PELL GRANT REGULATIONS: PRISON EDUCATION PROGRAMS CONTINUE TO EXPAND
Four colleges submitted applications and were approved as official Prison Education Program (PEP) sites.

5 In FY24, five post-secondary institutions conferred degrees to incarcerated students.

80 Associate degrees 60 Bachelor degrees

TECHNICAL COLLEGE SYSTEM OF GEORGIA
Through a partnership with the Technical College System of Georgia, the Reentry Assessment Center, located at each facility, offers a variety of soft skills classes of which offenders may take advantage.

4,558 soft skills classes were completed across the state.

Attention Management Business Etiquette Customer Service Emotional Intelligence Goal Setting and Getting Things Done

Job Search Skills Telework and Telecommuting Ten Soft Skills You Need Time Management Workplace Diversity

The following programs are also offered through this partnership, resulting in the following completions.
OSHA 2,042 ServSafe 2,200 Forklift 1,123

46

WIREGRASS TECHNICAL COLLEGE
There were 5,743 completions across the state in 9 classes.
Wiregrass Technical College provides mobile classrooms that can be moved to various facilities across the state, some of which would not otherwise have access to CTHE training. 115 completed electrical training 57 completed framing 171 completed food truck certifications, which also teaches the ins and outs of being a business owner
Wiregrass also offers nine, three-hour training courses tailored to address unique workplace challenges. By providing practical information and skills, these courses empower participants to become more effective and valuable employees. Conflict Resolution at Work Dealing with Difficult Conversations at Work Developing Positive Relationships at Work Accountability and Self-Confidence at Work Effective Communication at Work Financial Literacy Managing Stress at Work Understanding Employer Expectations Personal Hygiene at Work
www.gdc.ga.gov 47

OFFENDER PROGRAMMING

ACADEMIC EDUCATION
OF ALL GEDS EARNED IN FY24, 20% WERE EARNED BY OFFENDERS HOUSED IN GDC FACILITIES.

1,493
GEDs earned in FY24
The entire state of Georgia had 7,677, including technical colleges, Department of Juvenile Justice and others.

91.6% Male GEDs
Earned

8.4% Female GEDs Earned

Credentialed Facility Submissions

Detention Centers 75

State Prisons

792

Private Prisons

211

County Prisons

211

ITF/RSAT Facilities 154

Transitional Centers 50

Total

1,493

Lifers Earned GEDs

Life with Parole

35

Life without Parole 16

Total

51

Total Academic Completions for FY24

Literacy/Remedial Reading

335

140 inmates who qualified

Adult Education

1,156

a s Ne g l e c te d an d D e l i n qu ent Foothills High School

17

und er Titl e I-D e arne d a GED GED Prep

1,649

GED Testing

1,493

Total

4,650

161

Special Education Services
During FY24, GDC served 161 students through
special education services.

48

Distance Learning Equipment CARES act funding was utilized to put distance learning equipment in Probation Detention Centers and Transitional C enters.
STUDY BUDDIES
Study Buddies is a purpose teaching and learning mobile device. The device works with cartridges for each subject and does not require an internet connection. Study Buddies are now located in all facilities. These come with a media reader cartridge to help teachers differentiate instruction. Teachers can place recorded lessons on the cartridges and have students watch lessons for enrichment and remediation.
QUALIFIED TO RECEIVE TITLE IV, PART A
This grant is a Student Support and Academic Enrichment (SSAE) grant that is intended to improve students' academic achievement by increasing the capacity of States, LEAs, schools, and local communities to provide all students with access to a well-rounded education and improve school conditions for disadvantaged students. This grant is specifically for our juvenile students who are 17 years old. It was used in FY24 to fund high school credit courses in a partnership with the Department of Juvenile Justice to allow our 17-year-old students who wanted to work on a high school diploma to continue high school courses for the entire year instead of waiting until they turn 18. In FY24, three students were served by this program, with plans to expand in FY25 as funding grows.

16,900

GDC has earned a total of 16,900 GEDs since transitioning to the 2014 version of the GED test.

459

Foothills Regional High School
had 17 high school graduates during FY24, with a total of 459 high school diplomas awarded since the start of the charter school program in 2015.
www.gdc.ga.gov 49

OFFENDER PROGRAMMING

LIBRARY SERVICES
Total circulation since July 2022 - approximately 102,000.
During FY24, GDC's book donations increased by almost 15%. Because of donations received, over 38,000 books were placed in circulation.
45,000+ Offenders served in the Law Library in FY24.
Circulation increased by approximately 20% from FY23. Interlibrary Loan circulation increased by 28% from FY23.
Surpass, a full suite of library automation services, making management of the library and upgrading of services seamless, has been fully implemented in 25 facilities.
Quarterly trainings for librarians Expansion of book repository Book drive partnerships with colleges, high schools, and nonprofits -
University of North Georgia, several Georgia high schools, and Prison Book Project 19 library vacancies filled
50

OFFENDER WELLNESS

www.gdc.ga.gov 51

OFFENDER WELLNESS

MENTAL HEALTH
The GDC's Mental Health Services are comprehensive, team-driven, interdisciplinary programs, and are designed to improve the emotional stability and overall mental health of incarcerated individuals. Services reflect community and national standards.
Staffing includes mental health administrators, psychiatrists, psychologists, counselors, nurses, and activity therapists, who provide continuous, individualized services to mentally ill offenders.
Services include psychopharmacological treatment, individual and group treatment, activity therapy, and integrated dual diagnosis treatment for inmates with co-occurring substance abuse problems.
Staff also provides consultations to security on disruptive and violent inmates, and consultations to medical on medical-psychological issues.

General Population vs. Mental Health Population

60,000
56,827
50,000

51,955

47,432

49,757

40,000

49,089

52,721

30,000

20,000 10,000

11,385

10,911

10,044

12,374

12,087

14,393

0 FY19

FY20

FY21

FY22

FY23

FY24

Mental Health General Population

52

SUICIDE AWARENESS CARDS UPDATED
The National Suicide Lifeline changed its number nationally and the agency updated the offeneder cards on the most recent bi-annual reorder to to reflect this change. Services for the lifeline are available 24-hours a day, seven days a week, across the United States.
PHYSICAL HEALTH
The Department contracts with Centurion to provide comprehensive medical, mental and dental services statewide. Services are provided under a managed care model. The State of Georgia's correctional health care system is multidisciplinary and provides offenders with access to such services as sick call, mental health care, emergency care, chronic care, medication management, diagnostic testing and procedures, infirmary care, hospitalizations, long-term acute care and specialty services. All inmates are screened at a diagnostic facility after intake from the county jail to determine their current medical, dental and mental health care needs. This includes assessments for auditory, mobility and vision disabilities, and the need for specialized mental health treatment. Within each correctional institution, the contractor provides primary care using a core staff of clinicians nurses, mental health providers, dental professionals and administrators.
www.gdc.ga.gov 53

OFFENDER WELLNESS

PHARMACY

GDC partners with CorrectRx for pharmacy services. All orders are completed online and delivered to facilities on the same or next day. At the close of FY24, pharmacy expenses were 4.5% higher year-over-year, primarily driven by higher than anticipated Hepatitis-C treatment volumes. Hepatitis-C in FY24 accounted for 15% of pharmaceutical costs, while HIV accounted for 31%, and all other medicines accounted for 44%.

Offender Pharmacy

FY22 Expenses

Prescription & OTC Medications $25,929,529

340B HIV Medications

$13,677,216

Non-340B HIV Medications

$4,318,905

FY23 Expenses FY24 Expenses

$24,722,358

$24,678,892

$9,438,684

$0.00*

$10,574,604

$17,417,679.38

The Department orders an average of 102,821 prescription fills per month.

Hepatitis-C Medications

$256,366.20

$4,084,992

$8,317,626.40

Non-Medication Costs Subtotal

$4,357,485.96

$4,668,556.22

$5,580,167.22

$47,902,502.16 $53,489,194.22 $55,994,365

*Changed from a 340B program to a non 340B program

MEDICATION COSTS PER OFFENDER
CorrectRx aggressively manages costs through formulary management, therapeutic substitutions and clinical initiatives.

Medication Cost Per Offender Per Month

120

$113 $112

$107

$103

$102

$53

$54

100 $99 $31

$21

$49

$99

$52

$43

$100 $52

80

$54

60 $57

40

$23

$37

$35

$37

$38

$41

20

$10

$9

$18

$16

$19

$22

$16

0 FY21-22

FY22-23 Q1 FY23-24 Q2 FY23-24 Q3 FY23-24

April

May

340B POPM

Non 3408B HIV POPM

POPM Less HCV/Non 3408 HIV

HCV POPM

54

$34
$12
June

PHARMACEUTICAL PATIENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
Pharmaceutical manufacturers may sponsor patient assistance programs (PAPs) that provide financial assistance or drug-free product (through in-kind product donations) to low income individuals to augment any existing prescription drug coverage.
PAPs provide cost savings to GDC for current offenders. The goal is to reduce branded specialty items filled through Augusta State Medical Prison (ASMP) Pharmacy by utilizing manufacturer programs. The patients represent $233k averted in per month drug costs. Total PAPs savings for all manufacturers in July totaled $226k.
FY24 PAPs Savings $1.71 Million

DENTAL HEALTH
Oral care is provided to each inmate in accordance with established guidelines under the direction and supervision of a dentist licensed in the state of Georgia. Every inmate has access to the full range of dental services offered at the resident facility or referral facility. Services offered are in accordance with the assigned classification level.
Offenders are provided a full range of dental services, including dental x-ray. These services are offered at facilities according to facility classifications. Offenders requiring services not readily available at their facility will be referred as clinically indicated.

36,694
Dental services, which Centurion provides, completed 36,694 services by licensed dentists and hygienists. These services include routine and specialized care ranging from cleanings to extractions and other operations.

www.gdc.ga.gov 55

NOTES
56

AMERICAN CORRECTIONAL ASSOCIATION

www.gdc.ga.gov 57

AMERICAN CORRECTIONAL ASSOCIATION

AMERICAN CORRECTIONAL ASSOCIATION (ACA)

98.96%
Agency's average accreditation score
Facilities awarded Accreditation/ Reaccreditation in FY24:
Dooly SP Long Unit Valdosta SP (initial audit) Valdosta TC (initial audit) Ware SP (initial audit) Colwell PDC Appling ITF Bainbridge PRSAT (initial audit) Turner PRSAT (initial audit) Hudson TC Columbus TC Macon TC (will be combined with
Central SP moving forward) Smith TC Central Office Central Training Academy

In FY24, five facilities were awarded initial accreditation and 10 were awarded reaccreditation for a total of 15 audits to include Central Office and Central Training Academy. Since entering into the agency's accreditation, 26 prisons, 13 PDC/ITF and eight TCs have undergone an accreditation audit.
Internal audit scoring indicates that the agency continues to embrace accreditation and is well positioned for ACA accreditation and reaccreditations in FY25 with an additional 26 audits. Twenty-two are reaccreditations and four are initial accreditations.
PowerDMS continues to streamline documentation collection for ACA accreditation and allows for virtual monitoring of accreditation preparations. ACA mock audits and accreditation audits are conducted using the PowerDMS assessment systems.

INTERNAL ASSESSMENT UNIT
GDC's Internal Audits team conducts comprehensive audits in each state facility and satellite facility, technical assistance assessments, and follow-up assessments for any identified critical security concerns. The Assessment Team comprises a core group of auditors supplemented by a cadre of well-trained adjunct auditors selected from various facilities statewide and central office staff, encompassing multiple disciplines and subject matter expertise. Internal Audits are managed under the oversight of the Office of Professional Standards Compliance Unit. The group also provides an ACA accreditation readiness assessment during each facility audit.

Consistent revision and publication of internal audit instruments (104) are maintained to incorporate language and questions from the ACA Standard Manuals (Adult Correctional Institutions, Adult Local Detention Facilities, and Adult Community Residential Services Manuals) as new editions are published and to reflect agency policy revisions from the prior year. These revisions seek to align GDC facility assessments with accreditation efforts further.

Conducted policy reviews and provided recommendations for updates and revisions to the agency's standard operating procedures maintained within PowerDMS.

Conducted 35 state prison Comprehensive Audits and four private prison Audits. Any deficiencies require that the facilities submit corrective action plans to realign practice with GDC internal policies and ACA standards.

Conducted 25 reviews and provided technical support to the Probation Detention Centers (PDC), Transitional Centers (TC), Integrated Treatment Facilities (ITF), and Residential Probation Substance Abuse Treatment Facilities (RSAT/PSAT) from their submitted self-audits.

58

58

Ongoing Quarterly and Annual Reports were created and compiled for analyzing assessment data.

LEGAL SERVICES

www.gdc.ga.gov 59

LEGAL SERVICES

FY24 LEGAL HIGHLIGHTS
Reviewed 182 requests for adverse actions involving alleged misconduct by GDC employees.
Collaborated on the drafting and negotiation of more than 99 contractual and inter-governmental agreements.
Referred 856 new cases to the Attorney General's Office and assisted in the legal strategy and defense of civil rights actions, state tort claims, habeas corpus petitions, petitions for writs of mandamus, and employment lawsuits.
Responded to 5,264 requests for public records under the Open Records Act, medical records covered by HIPAA and requests for records sought via a subpoena, request for production of documents or other legal process.
Provided oversight and recommended appropriate action on 45 internal affairs investigations involving allegations of sexual harassment and non-criminal misconduct committed by the Department's employees.
Created a new administrative role for a paralegal to coordinate the review of all proposed SOP amendments for the GDC's continuing efforts to secure and maintain ACA accreditation.
Assisted with 506 special project matters, such as making consular notifications, reviewing appellate decisions impacting offenders' sentences, and analyzing proposed legislative measures for impacts on the GDC's operations or budget.
FY24 Legal Service Matters
6,000

4,479 5,264

5,000

2,539 2,692 3,366

4,000

3,000

2,000

344 279 141 253 182 205 190 210 97 99
807 722 752
840 856 68 76 65 57 45 273 435 582 585 506

1,000

0 Adverse Actions

Contracts

Litigation

Records Requests

Investigations

Special Projects

60

FY20

FY21

FY22

FY23

FY24

AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT

The GDC maintains compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a Civil Rights Law that requires accessibility to programs, services, and activities for individuals with disabilities and prohibits discrimination.

Hard of Hearing/Deaf Assistance Video Remote Interpreter Applications Video Relay Services Devices Teletypewriter Devices UbiDuo 3 Speech Generating devices Neosensory Buzz Devices Vibrating Watches Message Boards Strobe Lights Pocket Talkers Headphones

MATTERS HANDLED BY ADA UNIT FY24
ADA Inquiries - 89 Medical 252 Facilities Operations 236 Legal 11 Other 66

Low Vision/Blind Assistance Magnifying Sheets Braille Keyboards and Labels Scanner Readers Talking Watches

Conducted 75 ADA evaluations for state prisons, probation detention centers, and county prisons.

www.gdc.ga.gov 61

LEGAL SERVICES

GEORGIA LEGAL SERVICES PROGRAM, INC.
In February 2024, Georgia Legal Services Program, Inc. provided professional services to the GDC by conducting educational workshops about affordable healthcare options for incarcerated individuals and assisting them through the healthcare enrollment application process.

The program has educated and assisted 183 individuals from seven facilities with healthcare special enrollments from seven facilities. Eight of the 183 individuals requested follow-up assistance and three are receiving additional support help with the following: SNAP, free phones, email set up, and Medicaid. Five individuals needed assistance with Supplemental Security Income and Medicare.
Georgia Legal Services Program Participants Programs 50

40

46

38
30
30

20
18
10

0 Lee Arrendale State Prison

7

Central

Metro

Rutledge

State Prison Transitional Center State Prison

Smith State Prison

20
Walker State Prison

24
Washington State Prison

62

GEORGIA CORRECTIONAL INDUSTRIES

www.gdc.ga.gov 63

GEORGIA CORRECTIONAL INDUSTRIES

FOOD SERVICE - ALTERNATIVE ENTRE PROGRAM
The Alternative Entre Program (AEP) is designed to provide offenders with meals that are Kosher in nature. This kitchen is located at the Food Distribution Unit (FDU) in Milledgeville, Ga. There are 700 offenders that participate in the program daily. The AEP kitchen produces over 3,000 meals daily to meet the needs of the of the 11 facilities receiving meals from the AEP.

FOOD SERVICE STAFF DINING BENEFITS / ENHANCEMENTS
GCI continues to provide and manage staff dining operations throughout GDC operations. Staff dining provides on-site, nutritionally sound meal options for GDC employees at a competitive price. On site dining reduces traffic in and out of the facilities, thus reducing the opportunity for introduction of contraband. Staff Dining uses a no cash payment system with reloadable meal cards for staff. Recent enhancements to the menu options, including daily lunch specials and healthy meal options, have been well received by our customers.

MANUFACTURING COLONY FARM BALDWIN SCREEN PRINTING
GCI Baldwin Screen Print Operation upgraded its production capabilities by acquiring two much-needed screen printing machines and a garment ink dryer. This investment was crucial, replacing a 30-year-old
garment dryer and two screen-printing machines that had been in use for 15-20 years.

The new equipment includes an M&R 8-color and an M&R 6-color Diamondback screen printing machine, offering advanced features that streamline the printing process. These machines are known for their precision and reliability, allowing for more complex and vibrant designs with consistent quality. The installation of a 48" Fusion garment ink dryer has enhanced the drying process, ensuring that prints set correctly and quickly, further reducing the risk of defects.

Baldwin Screen Print produces garments for all GDC facilities, as well

as various other entities, producing over 300,000 units annually. The

new equipment allows GCI's screen print operation to maintain its

high production volume while improving the overall efficiency and

64

quality of its operations.

AGRIBUSINESS ROGERS FARM DAIRY PROCESSING AND MILKING
GCI dairy produced 17,590,386 pints of milk in FY24
GCI's Dairy Processing and Milking Unit at Rogers Farm received new holding tanks for both raw milk (2,000 gallons) and finished milk (5,000 gallons) over the past six months. This new equipment will allow GCI dairy to safely hold milk product as it is being prepared to be processed and put into half pint cartons for delivery across the State of Georgia each week. GCI offers 2% white milk and 2% chocolate milk to all of GDC state facilities weekly. These tanks are the latest of several improvements made at the dairy over the past two years. GCI dairy produced 17,590,386 half pints of milk in FY 2024. This number has steadily increased over the past three years. GCI produces their own base feed on its farms (silage and corn), feed livestock daily, milk cows twice daily, and processes all the milk for consumption in state facilities. The dairy at Rogers Farm in Reidsville, Georgia is a very productive part of GCI Farm's diversified agribusiness across the state; which also includes a gristmill, multiple beef operations, row crops, egg production, and fresh vegetable operations.
SALES & MARKETING DEPARTMENT OF EARLY CARE AND LEARNING
In 2024, GCI partnered with the Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL) by providing fulfillment services for several of their reading distribution programs. GCI was able to provide warehousing, picking, packing and shipping logistics for the project. Unitizing the services of GCI allowed DECAL staff to focus on their core responsibilities, instead of time-consuming clerical tasks. The largest project fulfilled in FY24 was GCI managing a DECAL mailout of almost 12,000 books to childcare operators across the state. Phillips SP Print Plant and the Decatur Engraving Plant partnered together to complete this project. Decatur Engraving Plant helped receive and organize 12,000 books from various vendors. These books were package into specific orders that were sent out to almost 3,000 locations across the state. Included in the packages was a copy of the First Lady Marty Kemp's "Hey Georgia".
www.gdc.ga.gov 65

MISSION
To protect Georgians by operating secure facilities and providing opportunities for offender rehabilitation.
VISION
Achieving excellence through Employee Development, Innovation and Collaboration.
VALUES
Integrity Accountability Dedication 66