Georgia’s prisons are facing significant challenges, as reported to state lawmakers on Wednesday. The prisons are dealing with understaffing, high levels of violence, and a troubling number of deaths. Since 2021, a total of 981 individuals have died in Georgia prisons, with 207 deaths recorded this year alone. The Department of Corrections Commissioner revealed that the cause of 98 deaths remains unknown, while 36 are being investigated as homicides. The issue of violence is exacerbated by problems such as contraband cellphones and drugs in the prisons.

The Commissioner highlighted that a considerable portion of the deaths in prisons result from inmate-on-inmate attacks and rampant gang activity. To address this issue, one proposed solution is to increase the number of single-person cells in state penitentiaries. Furthermore, challenges extend to prison employees, with reports of staff involvement in criminal activities like sexual assault, battery, gang participation, and drug smuggling. Although efforts have been made to enhance screening and training for new hires, there have been instances of staff misconduct.

Cellphones have emerged as a significant problem in prisons, being used for coordinating attacks and smuggling drugs. Tens of thousands of cellphones have been confiscated from prisoners in recent years. The aging infrastructure of the prisons also contributes to the difficulty in preventing contraband from entering facilities, including through the use of drones. Lawmakers are urged to consider various solutions, including technology upgrades, facility improvements, and engaging prisoners in programs to address the systemic challenges in Georgia’s prisons.

Despite efforts to combat these issues, there is a recognition that there is no single solution to the multitude of problems the prison system is facing. Lawmakers and prison officials are under pressure to find comprehensive approaches to tackle the root causes of violence, deaths, and other challenges within the state’s correctional facilities.