Georgia Diagnostic and Classification State Prison is a mixed-security prison located in Jackson, Georgia. The prison is operated by the Georgia Department of Corrections and is responsible for conducting diagnostic processing for male offenders, housing offenders assigned to the 90-Day (S.T.E.P -Segregated Transition Educated Program), housing offenders Under Death Sentence (UDS), and carrying out state-ordered executions.
The prison has been the subject of significant media attention in recent years due to its role in carrying out executions in the state of Georgia. The prison has been criticized for its use of lethal injection as a method of execution, which has been the subject of legal challenges and controversy. Despite this, the prison remains an important part of the state’s criminal justice system, providing a secure and safe environment for some of the state’s most dangerous offenders.
The Georgia Department of Corrections is responsible for overseeing the operations of the prison, including the management of staff, the provision of healthcare services, and the implementation of rehabilitation programs. The department is committed to ensuring that the prison operates in a safe and secure manner, while also providing offenders with the opportunity to make positive changes in their lives. Overall, Georgia Diagnostic and Classification State Prison plays an important role in the state’s criminal justice system and will continue to do so for the foreseeable future.
| Security | Mixed |
| Capacity | 2,538 |
| Physical Address | 2978 Hwy 36 West Prison Blvd Jackson, GA 30233 |
| Mailing Address | P.O. Box 3877 2978 Hwy 36, West Jackson, GA 30233 |
| Can You Send Gifts? | No |
| Visitation Hours | Monday, Tuesday, Thursday: 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. |
| Dress Code | Yes |
| Phone Number | (770) 504-2000 |
| Jurisdiction | State |
History of Georgia Diagnostic and Classification State Prison
Georgia Diagnostic and Classification State Prison (GDCP) is a state prison located in Jackson, Georgia, that was opened in 1969. Its primary function is to complete the diagnostic process on adult male offenders who have been sentenced to prison in Georgia.
The diagnostic process is an evaluation of the offender’s physical and mental health, educational level, and job skills. It also includes an assessment of the offender’s risk level and the best security classification for the offender. The goal of the diagnostic process is to ensure that the offender is placed in the appropriate prison facility and program to reduce the risk of recidivism and improve the offender’s chances of successful rehabilitation.
Over the years, the diagnostic process has been revised to ensure that it is effective and efficient. Today, the diagnostic facility at GDCP is staffed with medical and mental health professionals, correctional officers, and other support staff to provide comprehensive evaluations of offenders.
GDCP also serves as the location for the state’s death row for male offenders. In June 1980, the electric chair was moved to GDCP from the Georgia State Prison in Reidsville. A new chair was constructed, and the original electric chair, which is no longer used, remains on display at Georgia State Prison.
In recent years, GDCP has undergone several changes in leadership. In February 2022, Antoine Caldwell was promoted to Warden at GDCP, responsible for overseeing staff members and approximately 2,700 close security male offenders at the facility. In July 2023, Shawn Emmons was reassigned to Warden at GDCP, taking over the same responsibilities as Caldwell.
Location and Directions
Georgia Diagnostic and Classification State Prison is located in Jackson, Georgia, in Butts County. The prison is situated approximately 50 miles south of Atlanta and 20 miles north of Macon. It is easily accessible from Interstate 75 at Exit 201.
The physical address of the prison is 2978 Hwy 36 West Prison Blvd, Jackson, GA 30233. Visitors can use GPS or other navigation tools to find the facility. However, it is important to note that visitors must arrive at least 30 minutes before their scheduled visitation time to allow for processing and security checks.
The diagnostic center at GDCP is responsible for processing and classifying all male inmates entering the Georgia Department of Corrections system. The center is equipped with modern facilities and advanced technology to ensure that inmates receive accurate diagnoses and appropriate classifications.
For those traveling to GDCP from the north, take exit 201 off of I-75 and turn left onto Highway 36. Continue on Highway 36 for approximately 8 miles, then turn right onto Highway 16. Continue on Highway 16 for approximately 10 miles, then turn left onto East Church Street. The prison will be on the left.
For those traveling from the south, take exit 201 off of I-75 and turn right onto Highway 36. Continue on Highway 36 for approximately 8 miles, then turn right onto Highway 16. Continue on Highway 16 for approximately 10 miles, then turn left onto East Church Street. The prison will be on the left.
Overall, visitors to GDCP should plan ahead and allow an adequate period of time for travel and processing. By following all rules and regulations, visitors can help ensure a safe and successful visitation experience.
Visiting Rules and Regulations
Visiting an inmate at Georgia Diagnostic and Classification State Prison is subject to certain rules and regulations that visitors must follow. These rules are in place to ensure the safety and security of both the inmates and visitors.
Visiting hours at the prison are on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Visitors must arrive at least 30 minutes before the scheduled visitation time. It is important to note that the prison may cancel visitations at any time due to security reasons or other unforeseen circumstances.
To visit an inmate, visitors must be on the inmate’s approved visitation list. The inmate is responsible for adding and removing visitors from the list. Visitors must also provide a valid photo ID, such as a driver’s license or passport, before being allowed to enter the prison.
All incoming and outgoing mail is subject to inspection and may be read by prison staff. Visitors are not allowed to bring any items, including gifts, to the inmate during visitation. However, visitors may bring up to $20 in coins for use in vending machines.
Only immediate family members are allowed to visit inmates, including spouses, parents, siblings, and children. Visitors must dress appropriately and follow the dress code, which prohibits revealing clothing, shorts, and sleeveless shirts.
In conclusion, visitors to Georgia Diagnostic and Classification State Prison must follow certain rules and regulations to ensure the safety and security of all involved. It is important to plan ahead and follow the guidelines to ensure a successful visitation.
Institutional Structure
Georgia Diagnostic and Classification State Prison is a mixed-security facility that houses adult male offenders in Georgia. The prison is responsible for completing the diagnostic process on adult male offenders who are newly sentenced to the Georgia Department of Corrections system. GDCP opened in 1969 and has since undergone several revisions to its process.
General Population
The general population at GDCP consists of approximately 2,530 male offenders. These offenders are housed in various buildings on the prison grounds. The prison provides educational and vocational programs to help offenders prepare for their release. The programs include adult basic education, GED preparation, and vocational training in fields such as auto mechanics, welding, and carpentry.
The prison also offers various counseling services to help offenders address issues such as substance abuse, anger management, and mental health. Offenders in the general population are allowed visitation from immediate family members on designated days and hours.
Special Management Unit (SMU)
The Special Management Unit (SMU) at GDCP is designed to house offenders who require a higher level of custody and supervision than the general population. The SMU is divided into two sections: SMU I and SMU II. SMU I is for offenders who have committed serious disciplinary infractions or who pose a threat to the safety and security of the institution. SMU II is for offenders who require protective custody or who have medical or mental health issues.
Offenders in the SMU are subject to more restrictive conditions than those in the general population. They have limited visitation and recreation time and are housed in single cells. The prison provides counseling and educational programs to offenders in the SMU to help them address their issues and prepare for their eventual release.
GDCP also houses offenders who are under a death sentence (UDS). These offenders are kept in a separate section of the prison and are subject to more restrictive conditions than those in the general population or the SMU. They have limited visitation and recreation time and are housed in single cells.
Overall, GDCP’s institutional structure is designed to provide a safe and secure environment for offenders while also providing them with the necessary resources and programs to help them prepare for their eventual release.
Security and Safety Measures
Georgia Diagnostic and Classification State Prison places a high priority on maintaining a safe and secure facility for both staff and inmates. The prison utilizes several security and safety measures to ensure public safety and prevent any incidents within the facility.
One of the key measures employed by GDCP is the use of a Crisis Emergency Response Team (C.E.R.T. team). This team is made up of specially trained officers who are equipped to handle emergency situations within the facility. They are responsible for responding to incidents such as riots, hostage situations, and other disturbances.
In addition to the C.E.R.T. team, GDCP also has a Tactical Squad. This squad is responsible for providing additional security measures and responding to incidents that require a higher level of force. They are equipped with specialized equipment and weapons to ensure that they can handle any situation that may arise.
The prison also utilizes canine units to enhance its security measures. These dogs are trained to detect contraband and provide an additional layer of security. They are used to search cells, common areas, and visitors to the facility.
Overall, GDCP takes its responsibility to maintain a safe and secure facility seriously. It employs several measures to ensure that both staff and inmates are protected and that public safety is maintained.
Educational and Rehabilitation Programs
The Georgia Diagnostic and Classification State Prison offers various educational and rehabilitation programs to help offenders prepare for their successful reentry into society. These programs are designed to equip offenders with the necessary skills and knowledge to become productive members of society.
Adult Basic Education
The Adult Basic Education program at the Georgia Diagnostic and Classification State Prison helps offenders improve their basic literacy skills. This program is designed for offenders who have not completed high school and need to improve their reading, writing, and math skills.
General Education Diploma
The General Education Diploma program at the Georgia Diagnostic and Classification State Prison helps offenders earn their high school equivalency diploma. This program is designed for offenders who have not completed high school and need to earn their GED to improve their chances of finding employment after release.
Literacy
The Literacy program at the Georgia Diagnostic and Classification State Prison helps offenders improve their reading and writing skills. This program is designed for offenders who struggle with reading and writing and need to improve their literacy skills to succeed in other educational programs.
Thinking for a Change
The Thinking for a Change program at the Georgia Diagnostic and Classification State Prison helps offenders develop the cognitive and problem-solving skills needed to make positive changes in their lives. This program is designed to help offenders identify negative thought patterns and replace them with positive ones.
Overall, the educational and rehabilitation programs at the Georgia Diagnostic and Classification State Prison provide offenders with the skills and knowledge they need to become productive members of society. These programs are designed to help offenders successfully reenter society and reduce the likelihood of recidivism.