Hays State Prison is a state prison located in Trion, Georgia. It was opened in 1990 and is operated by the Georgia Department of Corrections. The prison has a total capacity of 1,100 male offenders and is responsible for overseeing staff members and the well-being of inmates.
The prison is comprised of seven general population dorms, six Tier II dorms, and three Tier I dorms. The outside fire station and infirmary also have beds for prison inmates. Hays State Prison is staffed by 156 employees who are responsible for maintaining the safety and security of the facility and its inmates. The prison offers various programs for inmates, such as educational and vocational training, substance abuse treatment, and mental health services.
Hays State Prison has had its fair share of issues, including incidents of contraband smuggling and staff misconduct. However, the Georgia Department of Corrections has taken steps to address these issues and improve the overall safety and security of the prison. Despite these challenges, Hays State Prison remains an important part of Georgia’s correctional system and plays a vital role in rehabilitating inmates and preparing them for a successful reentry into society.
| Security | Close |
| Capacity | 1,100 |
| Physical Address | 777 Underwood Drive Trion, GA 30753 |
| Mailing Address | P.O. Box 668 777 Underwood Road Trion, GA 30753 |
| Can You Send Gifts? | No |
| Visitation Hours | General Population: Saturdays, Sundays, and State Holidays: 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Tier I/II & Step Down: Wednesday And Friday: 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. |
| Dress Code | Yes |
| Phone Number | (706) 857-0400 |
| Jurisdiction | State |
History and Overview
Hays State Prison is a close security facility located in Trion, Georgia, United States. It was opened in the year 1991 and is responsible for housing male offenders. The facility is named after former Georgia Department of Corrections Commissioner, James Hays.
The prison has a total capacity of 1,100 beds, which are distributed among several general population and Tier II dorms. Additionally, there are three Tier I dorms, an outside fire station with 10 beds, and an infirmary with 9 beds.
Over the years, Hays State Prison has experienced several changes in leadership. In 2013, Scott Crickmar was appointed as the new warden, responsible for overseeing 353 staff members and 1,000 close security male inmates. In 2022, Shawn Emmons was reassigned as the new warden.
In recent years, the prison has also been the subject of legal disputes. In 2021, a case was filed against the warden of Hays State Prison regarding a prisoner’s grievances. The case was heard by the United States Court of Appeals, which rejected the prisoner’s claims.
Overall, Hays State Prison is an important correctional facility in Georgia, providing close security for male offenders.
Facilities and Infrastructure
Hays State Prison is a Tier I, II, and STEP Down facility that houses 1,100 close security male offenders. The facility is comprised of several buildings and dorms, including general population dorms, a Fast Track building, an outside fire station, an infirmary, an annex, segregation, and single cells.
The seven general population dorms consist of 64 beds per dorm, totaling 448 beds. The Fast Track building houses 256 offenders, while there are six Tier II dorms with 218 beds and three Tier I dorms with 160 beds. The outside fire station provides 10 beds for offenders.
The infirmary at Hays State Prison is equipped to provide medical care to offenders with various health conditions. The facility also has an annex that houses up to 200 offenders. The segregation unit is used to house offenders who have violated prison rules or pose a threat to others.
The prison has a range of infrastructure to support the daily operations of the facility. The heating system in the building core is well-maintained, and the facilities and safety staff continually monitor the area to ensure its proper functioning. The mold abatement B&F project was completed in June 2020 to address mold present in the West Education classrooms.
Overall, Hays State Prison’s secure facilities and infrastructure are designed to provide a safe environment for offenders and staff.
Inmate Information
Hays State Prison houses close security male offenders in Georgia. Inmates are assigned to one of the seven general population dorms, six Tier II dorms, or three Tier I dorms. The outside fire station has 10 beds, and the infirmary has 9 beds.
To look up an inmate’s information, interested parties can use the Georgia Department of Corrections offender search tool. The tool allows users to search for an inmate by their ID number or name. It provides information such as the inmate’s ID number, race, gender, date of birth, and current location.
Inmates are assigned an ID number upon arrival at the prison. This number is used to identify them in all official records and communications. It is important to note that the ID number may change if an inmate is transferred to another facility.
Friends and family members of inmates can also use the offender search tool to find out an inmate’s visitation schedule, mailing address, and phone number. The tool provides information on how to send money to an inmate’s account and how to set up an account to receive phone calls from an inmate.
It is important to note that not all information about an inmate may be publicly available. Some information may be restricted due to privacy concerns or security reasons.
Visitation Information
Visiting an inmate at Hays State Prison is allowed on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays. To schedule a visit, the visitor must be on the inmate’s approved visitation list and schedule an appointment in advance. Visitors must provide a valid photo ID and arrive at least 30 minutes before the scheduled visitation time.
Visitation hours at Hays State Prison for General Population are from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Each inmate is allowed up to two visits per week, with each visit lasting up to two hours. Visitors must adhere to the approved dress code, and any unauthorized items will not be allowed inside the facility.
Visitation hours for Tier I/ii & Step Down Visitation are on Wednesday And Friday (by appointment only) from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Call 706-857-0400 to make an appointment.
To schedule a visit, visitors can fill out the necessary form online or contact the prison’s admissions office during normal business hours. It is recommended to schedule visits in advance to ensure availability, as visitation quotas may apply.
It’s important to note that visitation hours and policies may be subject to change, so visitors should check with the prison’s official website or contact the admissions office for the most up-to-date information.
Inmate Communication
Inmates at Hays State Prison have several ways to communicate with their loved ones and friends outside of the facility. These include sending and receiving mail, making phone calls, and receiving funds.
Inmate Mailing Address
Inmates at Hays State Prison can receive mail from their loved ones and friends. To send mail to an inmate, it is important to include their full name, CDCR number, and the address of the facility. The full address is as follows:
Inmate Name, CDCR #
Hays State Prison
P.O. Box 668
777 Underwood Road
Trion, GA 30753It is important to note that all incoming mail is subject to inspection by prison staff. Inmates are not allowed to receive certain items, including cash, checks, and sexually explicit material.
Phone Calls
Inmates at Hays State Prison can make phone calls to their loved ones and friends outside of the facility. To receive phone calls from an inmate, it is necessary to set up an account with a phone service provider that works with the facility. The provider will assign a phone number that can be used to receive calls from the inmate.
It is important to note that phone calls from inmates may be monitored and recorded for security purposes. In addition, there are rules and regulations regarding the frequency and duration of phone calls that inmates can make.
Sending Money to an Inmate
Inmates at Hays State Prison can receive funds from their loved ones and friends outside of the facility. There are several ways to send money to an inmate, including through a money order, cashier’s check, or online transfer.
It is important to note that there are limits on the amount of money that can be sent to an inmate and that all incoming funds are subject to inspection by prison staff. In addition, there may be fees associated with sending money to an inmate, depending on the method used.
Security Measures
Hays State Prison has implemented various security measures to ensure the safety of both staff and inmates. The facility has a dedicated C.E.R.T. (Correctional Emergency Response Team) that is trained to handle emergency situations such as riots, hostage situations, and other high-risk incidents. The C.E.R.T. team is equipped with specialized gear and weapons to handle such situations.
In addition to the C.E.R.T. team, Hays State Prison also has a Tactical Squad that is responsible for conducting searches, responding to incidents, and providing additional security support as needed. The Tactical Squad is trained in various tactics and techniques to handle different situations and is equipped with specialized gear and weapons.
The Canine Unit at Hays State Prison is also an integral part of the security measures. The unit consists of specially trained dogs and handlers who are responsible for conducting searches for contraband and detecting drugs. The dogs are trained to detect various substances and are a valuable asset in maintaining the security of the facility.
The facility also utilizes GCIC Optics (Georgia Crime Information Center Optics) to monitor and track the movement of inmates within the facility. The system uses cameras and other monitoring devices to ensure that inmates are where they are supposed to be at all times.
Hays State Prison takes the issue of inoperative locks seriously and has implemented a system to ensure that all locks are functioning properly. The facility has a team of auditors who conduct regular checks to ensure that all locks are operational and that there are no security vulnerabilities.
Overall, Hays State Prison has implemented a comprehensive security system to ensure the safety and security of staff and inmates. The facility’s use of specialized teams, technology, and regular audits helps to maintain a secure environment for all.
Educational and Rehabilitation Programs
Hays State Prison offers various educational and rehabilitation programs to help inmates gain valuable skills and knowledge to prepare them for a successful re-entry into society. These programs aim to reduce recidivism rates, promote personal growth, and improve the quality of life for inmates.
The prison offers academic programs such as General Education Diploma (GED), Adult Basic Education (ABE), and Literacy courses. These programs help inmates improve their reading, writing, and math skills, which can increase their chances of obtaining employment upon release.
In addition to academic programs, Hays State Prison also provides treatment and counseling services for inmates struggling with anger management and family violence issues. These programs aim to address the root causes of their behavior and provide them with the necessary tools to manage their emotions and build healthy relationships.
The prison also offers a re-entry program that helps inmates transition back into society. This program provides inmates with job training, resume building, and interview skills. It also connects them with community resources such as housing, healthcare, and legal services to ensure a smooth transition.
Overall, Hays State Prison’s educational and rehabilitation programs provide inmates with the opportunity to develop valuable skills and knowledge that can help them lead successful and fulfilling lives after release.