Georgia Department of Corrections, Ombudsman & Inmate Affairs Office

GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS | OMBUDSMAN & INMATE AFFAIRS OFFICE

Overview
Acts as a bridge between concerned citizens and the Department of Corrections (DOC) by gathering information that potentially uncovers and reduces problems within the correctional system
Acts as the single point of contact for family members, advocates and other concerned citizens who are interested in reporting complaints on behalf of offenders
MISSION Promote fairness, accountability and integrity by investigating public and offender grievances, appeals and inquiries regarding unfair practices and non-compliance of policy Accomplished by investigating allegations of violations of GDC policies and procedure, monitoring problems in the correctional system in a fair and consistent manner and addressing offender and general public concerns in an unbiased, impartial, and courteous manner
PURPOSE Maintain a grievance procedure available to all offenders, which provides an open and meaningful forum for offender complaints, the resolution of these complaints and is subject to clear guidelines Ensure the rights and safety of offenders are protected
GRIEVANCES Offenders may report grievance issues of any condition to include policy, procedure, action or lack thereof, that might effect their lives in DOC facilities Grievances are sent to the facility administrator, first, for review Offenders have the right to appeal the administrator's resolution by bringing the matter to the attention of the Commissioner's designee
STAFF 16 Investigators 5 Customer Service Agents 3 Administrative Staff
Investigative offices are divided into four areas: North, Central, Southeast and Southwest.

DUTIES Conduct Administrative Investigations Investigate offender grievances and disciplinary appeals to ensure compliance with policies and federal laws Conduct facility pre-audits Facilitate staff training in the area of grievance and disciplinary policies Review Use of Force Incident Reports to determine whether or not a more thorough investigation is needed Act as liaison between the community and department Receive, document and investigate complaints made against the department by friends and family of offenders Participate in the agency's Semi-Annual Family Day
GOALS Enhance public trust with the DOC by treating all citizens with fairness and respect Increase the accountability of the DOC by impartially investigating reports of complaints and wrong doing Continuously provide an objective view of challenges faced by the DOC in order to enhance services provided by and focus on resolving issues
Statistics
CONTACT STATISTICS (Calendar Year 2012) Phone calls: 2,904 Mail: 2,488 Email: 3,550
CONTACT STATISTICS (2013 Year to Date) Phone calls: 1,494 Mail: 1,605 Email: 1,836
CASELOAD STATISTICS (Jan-June 2013) Ombudsman Contacts: 5,034 YTD Grievance Appeals: 2,729 YTD Disciplinary Appeals: 1,890 YTD Use of Force Reviews: 1,200 YTD

Reason to Contact
After you have contacted the offender's counselor or the warden's office and you feel your concerns were not addressed
If you feel you have a legitimate concern pertaining to the care and safety of an offender to include physical, sexual abuse, threats, harassment, medical and/or mental health treatment Complaints may be submitted via written letter, by email at ombudsman@dcor.state.ga.us, or by calling 478-992-5358
FAQ's About Ombudsman
Q: What needs to be done if an offender's time has not been computed correctly?
A: The offender may speak with his/her counselor regarding the computation error. If the matter is still unresolved, the offender may file a grievance.

Q: What can be done if an offender received a Disciplinary Report (DR) for something he/she did not do?
A: If an offender has been found guilty of a disciplinary infraction, he or she will be given the opportunity to appeal the DR through the Disciplinary Appeal Process.
Q: Who do I contact regarding an offender being assaulted?
A: The offender will first need to report any assaults (Sexual/Physical) to the administrative staff, i.e. Warden, Deputy Warden or Counselor. The administrative staff will then take the proper action.
Q: How can I contact an offender? A: Offenders may be contacted via mail.
Q: Who do I contact if an offender is not getting the proper medical treatment?
A: If an offender feels that they are not getting the proper medical treatment, the offender should file an informal grievance.

9/2013