Governor Brian Kemp announced Monday that a team of consultants will conduct an analysis of the Georgia Department of Corrections.
The news came one day after a kitchen employee at Smith State Prison was shot and killed by an inmate, marking the second murder of a staff member at that prison in eight months.
Kemp said, in conjunction with the Georgia Department of Corrections, an in-depth, system-wide assessment of the state corrections system “to identify current strengths, opportunities, and recommendations to enhance operational efficiency and effectiveness” is underway.
From the press release:
This marks the latest measure to improve public safety for all Georgians following a multi-year effort to crack down on crime, take violent offenders off the streets, provide further support and training for state and local law enforcement, and invest well over 1.6 billion additional dollars into public safety since Governor Kemp took office.
“Keeping Georgians safe continues to be my top priority,” said Governor Brian Kemp. “Since I took office in 2019, Georgia has made significant progress in bringing more violent criminals to justice; cracking down on criminal street gangs; investing in our brave law enforcement personnel, including corrections officers; and strengthening penalties on those who seek to threaten our communities. By ensuring our correctional facilities have the funding, technology, infrastructure, and operations to fulfill their mission, this comprehensive assessment is the next step in achieving a safer, stronger Georgia for all who call the Peach State home.”
The State has partnered with Guidehouse, Inc. (comprised of The Moss Group (TMG) and CGL Companies) to conduct an unbiased and thorough system-wide assessment while developing actionable recommendations. This partnership brings together an accomplished outside team with corrections expertise in conducting organizational assessments for corrections systems and facilities in all 50 states.
“When Governor Kemp appointed me, he gave me the clear mandate to keep Georgians safe by improving our corrections system,” said GDC Commissioner Tyrone Oliver. “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. 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.”
Over the course of the next twelve months, Guidehouse will visit multiple state prison facilities, work collaboratively with GDC personnel to gather information, conduct interviews with relevant stakeholders, and develop a full assessment using evidence-based practice and research. Guidehouse will then develop actionable recommendations and begin implementation support. To protect the integrity of this process, Guidehouse and state entities will not be able to provide comment until the assessment is complete, at which time a full briefing will be made available to stakeholders.
