Hancock State Prison is a correctional facility located in Sparta, Georgia, that serves adult male felons. It is a close-security prison that houses over 1,000 inmates. The prison is operated by the Georgia Department of Corrections and has been in operation since 1994.
The prison has had several changes in leadership in recent years. In July 2023, George Ivey was appointed as the interim warden, responsible for overseeing staff members and the offenders. The previous year, Calpurnia Washington was promoted to deputy warden of security, overseeing security staff members and over 1,100 medium-security male offenders. The prison also has a primary phone number and mailing address for those seeking additional information.
Hancock State Prison has faced criticism for its treatment of inmates, including allegations of abuse and neglect. However, the prison has also implemented various programs to help inmates prepare for re-entry into society, including vocational training and substance abuse treatment. Despite these efforts, the prison continues to face challenges in providing adequate care and rehabilitation for its inmates.
| Security | Close |
| Capacity | 1,201 |
| Physical Address | 701 Prison Blvd Sparta, GA 31087 |
| Mailing Address | P.O. Box 339 701 Prison Boulevard Sparta, GA 31087 |
| Can You Send Gifts? | No |
| Visitation Hours | General Population: Saturday and Sunday: 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Tier I and Tier II: Tuesday and Thursday: 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. |
| Dress Code | Yes |
| Phone Number | (706) 444-1000 |
| Jurisdiction | State |
History of Hancock State Prison
Hancock State Prison is a state prison located in Sparta, Georgia, United States. It serves as a correctional facility for adult male felons and close security inmates. The prison was established in 1994 and has since undergone several changes in leadership and administration.
In 2013, Dennis Brown was assigned as the Warden of Hancock State Prison. He was responsible for overseeing 350 staff members and 1,267 close security male inmates. In 2014, Eric Sellers replaced Brown as the new Warden of Hancock State Prison and was responsible for overseeing 351 staff members and 1,037 close security male inmates.
In July 2023, George Ivey was appointed as the Interim Warden at Hancock State Prison. As Interim Warden, Ivey is responsible for overseeing staff members and approximately 1,170 male offenders.
Hancock State Prison has had its fair share of incidents throughout its history. In 2015, a riot broke out among the inmates, leading to the injury of several inmates and correctional officers. In 2017, the prison was placed on lockdown following the discovery of contraband in the facility.
Despite these incidents, Hancock State Prison remains an important correctional facility in Georgia, providing close security for male inmates.
Facilities and Capacity
Hancock State Prison is a medium-security facility located in Sparta, Georgia. The prison has a capacity of 1,201 inmates and was constructed in 1990, with an opening date in 1991. The facility houses adult male felons and has an annex that contains four open-bay dorms, each housing 50 inmates.
The prison’s facilities include a medical unit, a visitation center, a chapel, and an in-house transitional center facility. Inmates can also participate in vocational training programs, educational courses, and substance abuse treatment programs. The prison has a library and offers religious services to inmates of different faiths.
The prison has a mix of housing options, including dormitories and tent housing. The dormitories are open bay and house up to 50 inmates each. The tent housing is used for overflow capacity and is located outside the main prison complex. The tent housing is also used for inmates who are on their way to other facilities or are being transferred to other institutions.
The prison’s facilities are regularly inspected and audited to ensure compliance with the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) and other federal and state regulations. The prison has a PREA audit system in place to monitor and prevent sexual abuse and harassment of inmates.
In summary, Hancock State Prison has a capacity of 1,201 inmates and offers a mix of housing options, including dormitories and tent housing. The prison has an in-house transitional center facility and offers vocational training programs, educational courses, and substance abuse treatment programs. The prison’s facilities are regularly inspected and audited to ensure compliance with federal and state regulations.
Inmate Population
Hancock State Prison is a facility that serves adult male felons convicted of serious crimes. As of 2023, the prison houses a total of 1,200 inmates.
The inmate population at Hancock State Prison is diverse, with individuals from various backgrounds and with different criminal histories. There are no convicted serial killers housed at Hancock State Prison, and the most notorious inmate in recent years was Wayne Williams, who was convicted of two murders and sentenced to life in prison.
The majority of inmates at Hancock State Prison are serving life sentences, with a small percentage serving shorter sentences. The facility has a number of housing units, including an annex that contains four open bay dorms, each housing 50 inmates, and a J Unit, which is an open bay tent housing unit that can house up to 70 inmates.
The staff at Hancock State Prison work hard to maintain a safe and secure environment for both staff and inmates. The facility has a C.E.R.T. Team and Tactical Squad to respond to any emergencies that may arise. Additionally, the prison houses a Fire Department to deal with any fires that may occur on the premises.
Overall, the inmate population at Hancock State Prison is managed in a professional and responsible manner, with a focus on ensuring the safety and security of all individuals involved.
Visiting Hours and Procedures
Visiting an inmate at Hancock State Prison is possible during specific hours and following certain procedures. Visitors are encouraged to arrive at the facility at their scheduled time and follow all visitation rules, including parking, security screening, and dress code. All visitors must be cleared and approved by the Georgia Department of Corrections before being permitted to visit an inmate.
The visiting hours for the general population at Hancock State Prison are on Saturdays and Sundays from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. However, it is important to note that visiting hours may vary for different tiers of inmates. Tier I inmates are allowed more frequent visits, while Tier II inmates are allowed less frequent visits. Visitors should confirm the visiting hours for the specific inmate they wish to visit.
Visitors must also follow specific dress codes when visiting Hancock State Prison. Visitors are not allowed to wear revealing clothing, such as shorts or skirts that are above the knee, or clothing that exposes the midriff or chest. Visitors are also prohibited from wearing clothing that displays gang affiliation, offensive language or images, or any clothing that resembles the clothing worn by inmates.
All visitors must be approved and cleared by the Georgia Department of Corrections before being permitted to visit an inmate. Visitors must fill out an application and be placed on the inmate’s approved visiting list. The application process may take up to 60 days to complete, and visitors must provide a valid government-issued photo ID when visiting the prison.
In conclusion, visiting an inmate at Hancock State Prison requires following specific procedures and adhering to certain rules. Visitors must be cleared and approved by the Georgia Department of Corrections, follow the dress code, and arrive at the facility at their scheduled time. It is important to confirm the visiting hours for the specific inmate and comply with all rules and regulations to ensure a successful visit.
Education and Rehabilitation Programs
Hancock State Prison offers a range of education and rehabilitation programs to help inmates prepare for re-entry into society. The Georgia Department of Corrections oversees these programs, which include Adult Basic Education (ABE) and General Education Diploma (GED) classes. These programs help inmates improve their literacy and numeracy skills, which can increase their chances of finding employment upon release.
Motivation for Change is a program offered at Hancock State Prison that helps inmates identify negative patterns of behavior and develop strategies for change. The program is based on the Matrix Early Recovery Skills model, which emphasizes the importance of self-awareness, coping skills, and positive thinking.
Re-entry programs at Hancock State Prison help inmates prepare for life outside of prison. These programs include Family Violence, which helps inmates address issues related to domestic violence, and Moral Reconation Therapy, which focuses on developing moral reasoning skills. Thinking for a Change is another program that helps inmates develop problem-solving skills and make better decisions.
Relapse Prevention is a program designed to help inmates who struggle with addiction. The program teaches inmates how to identify triggers and develop coping skills to avoid relapse. Individual counseling is also available to inmates who need additional support.
The Career Center at Hancock State Prison provides inmates with job training and placement services. Inmates can receive vocational training in fields such as welding, carpentry, and automotive repair. The Career Center also helps inmates develop resumes and prepare for job interviews.
Confronting Self is a program that helps inmates develop self-awareness and take responsibility for their actions. The program is designed to help inmates understand the impact of their behavior on others and develop empathy.
Finally, the Sex Offender Psycho-Educational Program is a program designed specifically for inmates who have committed sex offenses. The program helps inmates understand the impact of their behavior on victims and develop strategies for managing their impulses.
Overall, the education and rehabilitation programs at Hancock State Prison are designed to help inmates develop the skills and attitudes they need to succeed upon release.
Work Details and Assignments
Hancock State Prison offers a range of work details and assignments for its inmates, both inside and outside the facility. These assignments contribute to the day-to-day operations of the institution and provide opportunities for inmates to learn new skills and earn performance pay.
Inside the facility, institutional work details include custodial maintenance, laundry, food service, and library. Inmates assigned to custodial maintenance are responsible for keeping the facility clean and sanitary, while those assigned to laundry are responsible for washing and folding inmate clothing and bedding. Food service workers assist with meal preparation and distribution, and library workers help maintain the prison library and assist other inmates with research and educational materials.
Outside the facility, inmates may be assigned to city and county contract and non-contract details. These assignments include firefighting, yard orderlies, and barbershops. Inmates assigned to firefighting details receive specialized training and assist with fighting wildfires in Georgia and other states. Yard orderlies are responsible for maintaining the grounds and landscaping around the facility, while barbershop workers provide haircuts and other grooming services to fellow inmates.
Overall, the work details and assignments at Hancock State Prison provide inmates with opportunities to learn new skills, earn performance pay, and contribute to the day-to-day operations of the facility.