A day after a food service employee was shot and killed at Georgia's Smith State Prison, Gov. Brian Kemp announced an in-depth assessment of the state's Department of Corrections system.
The governor made this announcement alongside the Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC) as part of its latest measure to improve public safety in the state.
This in-depth, system-wide assessment will work to identify current strengths, opportunities and recommendations to enhance GDC's efficiency, according to a release by the governor. The state is partnering with Guidehouse, Inc. to conduct the assessment and create recommendations. The partnership brings together an outside team with knowledge about conducting organizational assessments for corrections systems and facilities in all 50 states.
Within the next 12 months, the company will visit multiple state prison facilities, work with GDC personnel to gather information, conduct interviews with relevant stakeholders, make actionable recommendations, and help support their implementation.
Gov. Brian Kemp said that keeping Georgians safe is one of his top priorities, and ensuring correctional facilities have the money, technology and operations to fulfill their mission allows for a safer and stronger state.
In addition, GDC Commissioner Tyrone Oliver said that when he was appointed, there was a clear mandate given to him by the governor to improve the corrections system.
"Thanks to our partnership with the General Assembly and other state leaders, we've done just that by improving retention levels, removing approximately $7 million worth of contraband from our prisons, shutting down the largest contraband trafficking ring in the country and more," Oliver said. "But we know we have a lot more room to grow, which is why I'm thankful Guidehouse will provide a thorough review of our facilities and policies that will guide the next phase of GDC improvements."
Earlier this year, 11Alive reported how contraband, security issues and staffing are plaguing Georgia's prisons. The investigation gave a glimpse into the problem by describing detainees dying months shy of the end of their sentences to the systemwide staffing struggles. The January investigation also said that there was state prison data showing that from 2021 to 2023, there were more than 3,500 assaults between inmates and 98 prisoners were killed. Then, in February, family and friends of inmates inside the state's prison system rallied at the Capitol to protest prison conditions following this investigation.
11Alive also reported back in March that 150 suspects, including eight GDC employees who were immediately fired, were arrested after an investigation revealed drones were allegedly used to get contraband into facilities.
Overall, it's currently unknown what this assessment of GDC's system will unveil and what steps may be taken in the future. The governor's office said Guidehouse and the state will not be able to comment until everything is completed.