Rutledge State Prison is a medium-security prison located in Columbus, Georgia. The facility houses adult male felons and has been in operation since 1976. With a capacity of 610 inmates, Rutledge State Prison is responsible for providing a secure and safe environment for its prisoners while also offering rehabilitation programs to help them reintegrate into society.
The Georgia Department of Corrections oversees the operations of Rutledge State Prison. The facility has had several wardens over the years, with the most recent appointment being Deshawn Jones in December 2020. As the warden, Jones is responsible for overseeing the staff and inmates at the facility, ensuring that the prison operates in compliance with state and federal regulations. In addition to providing security and rehabilitation services, Rutledge State Prison also offers educational and vocational programs to help inmates develop new skills and prepare for life after their release.
| Security | Medium |
| Capacity | 610 |
| Physical Address | 7175 Manor Rd, Columbus, GA 31907 |
| Mailing Address | 7175 Manor Rd, Columbus, GA 31907 |
| Can You Send Gifts? | No |
| Dress Code | Yes |
| Phone Number | (706) 568-2340 |
| Jurisdiction | State |
History and Establishment
Rutledge State Prison is a medium-security prison located in Columbus, Georgia. It was established in 1976 and is operated by the Georgia Department of Corrections. The prison is named after a former Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Corrections, James E. Rutledge.
The prison was built to house medium-security male offenders and can accommodate 610 inmates. It offers a range of vocational programs, including food preparation, laundry operations, barbershop, warehouse, general office clerk, and custodial maintenance.
Over the years, the prison has undergone several changes in leadership. In 2018, Brian Chambers was promoted to Warden at Rutledge State Prison, and in 2020, Deshawn Jones was promoted to Warden at the prison, responsible for overseeing 143 staff members and approximately 500 inmates. In 2022, Scott Wiza was promoted to Warden, responsible for overseeing all prison staff members and inmates.
Rutledge State Prison has had its share of controversies over the years. In 2016, the prison was placed on lockdown after an inmate was found dead in his cell. The incident sparked an investigation into the prison’s security protocols. Despite the challenges, the prison remains an important part of Georgia’s correctional system, providing rehabilitation and vocational training to its inmates.
Inmate Population
Rutledge State Prison has a capacity of 610 inmates and houses medium-security male offenders.
According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, the U.S. prison population was 1,204,300 at yearend 2021, a 1% decrease from 2020. Inmates serving sentences in state prison for a violent offense accounted for the most significant portion of the prison population.
Inmates aged 18 to 34 accounted for 53% of the jail population, while inmates aged 55 or older made up 7%. Black U.S. residents were incarcerated at 3.5 times the rate of white U.S. residents at midyear 2020.
It is important to note that the inmate population is constantly changing due to new admissions, releases, and transfers. The Department of Corrections manages offenders effectively and provides opportunities for positive change to create a safer Georgia.
Visitation and Contact Information
Visitors are advised to check the prison’s website for any updates on visiting hours or restrictions.
To visit an inmate at Rutledge State Prison, visitors must be on the inmate’s approved visitation list. The inmate must submit the visitor’s name to the prison authorities. Visitors must also provide a valid photo ID and be dressed appropriately. Visitors are not allowed to bring any items inside the prison, including cell phones, cameras, and bags.
For those who cannot visit in person, Rutledge State Prison allows inmates to receive mail. Visitors can send letters to inmates at the following address:
Inmate Name, ID Number
Rutledge State Prison
7175 Manor Road, Columbus, Georgia 31907All mail must include the sender’s full name and return address. Inmates are not allowed to receive packages, but they can receive money orders to purchase items from the prison commissary.
Visitors can also contact Rutledge State Prison by phone at (706) 568-2340. The prison’s website also provides information on how to send money to inmates using JPay.
Overall, Rutledge State Prison strives to maintain a safe and secure environment for both inmates and visitors. Visitors are encouraged to follow all rules and regulations to ensure a smooth and hassle-free visitation experience.
Security Measures
Rutledge State Prison is a medium-security facility that houses adult male felons. The facility has implemented a variety of security measures to ensure the safety of staff, visitors, and inmates.
Security Staff
The prison employs a team of security staff who are responsible for maintaining order and ensuring the safety of everyone in the facility. The security staff includes correctional officers, sergeants, lieutenants, and captains. They work in shifts to provide 24-hour coverage of the facility.
C.E.R.T. Team
The prison has a Correctional Emergency Response Team (C.E.R.T.) that is trained to respond to emergency situations. The team is made up of specially trained correctional officers who are equipped with specialized gear and weapons. The C.E.R.T. team is responsible for responding to riots, hostage situations, and other emergencies.
Tactical Squad
The prison also has a Tactical Squad that is responsible for handling high-risk situations. The Tactical Squad is made up of highly trained correctional officers who are equipped with specialized gear and weapons. They are responsible for responding to situations that require a higher level of force, such as cell extractions.
Custodial Measures
The prison has implemented a number of custodial measures to ensure the safety of everyone in the facility. Inmates are searched regularly to prevent the introduction of contraband into the facility. The prison also uses electronic surveillance to monitor inmate activity and detect any suspicious behavior.
Overall, Rutledge State Prison has implemented a variety of security measures to ensure the safety of staff, visitors, and inmates. These measures include a team of security staff, a C.E.R.T. team, a Tactical Squad, and custodial measures such as regular inmate searches and electronic surveillance.
Living Conditions
Rutledge State Prison is a medium-security facility that houses adult male felons. The prison is divided into six living units, each consisting of four pods. Each pod has 12 two-man cells, and there are a total of 288 cells in the facility. In addition to the cells, there are 30 beds in the dayrooms, 32 isolation/segregation beds, and two beds in the medical section.
The living units at Rutledge State Prison are designed to provide a secure and safe environment for the inmates. Each unit has a common area where inmates can watch television, play games, and socialize during their free time. The common area is monitored by correctional officers to ensure that there are no incidents of violence or other disruptive behavior.
The two-man cells at Rutledge State Prison are designed to provide a minimum level of comfort for the inmates. Each cell has a bunk bed, a toilet, and a sink. The cells are small, but they are designed to be functional and provide the inmates with the basic necessities of life.
The dayrooms at Rutledge State Prison are used for a variety of purposes. Inmates can use the dayrooms to watch television, play games, and socialize with other inmates. The dayrooms are also used for educational and vocational programs that are designed to help inmates prepare for their release.
The isolation/segregation beds at Rutledge State Prison are used to house inmates who are deemed to be a threat to the safety and security of the facility. Inmates who are placed in isolation are confined to their cells for 23 hours a day and are only allowed out for one hour of exercise per day.
Overall, the living conditions at Rutledge State Prison are designed to provide a safe and secure environment for the inmates. The prison is staffed by trained correctional officers who are responsible for maintaining order and ensuring the safety of both the inmates and the staff.
Programs and Services
Rutledge State Prison offers a variety of programs and services to help inmates prepare for a successful re-entry into society. These programs cover a wide range of topics, including education, vocational training, mental health, and more.
One of the most important programs offered at Rutledge State Prison is Adult Basic Education. Inmates can work towards earning their General Education Diploma (GED) through this program, which includes preparation and testing. Remedial reading classes are also available to help inmates improve their literacy skills.
For inmates struggling with mental health issues, Rutledge State Prison offers several programs, including Anger Management, Schizophrenia Education, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and Advanced Mood Disorder. These programs provide inmates with the tools and resources they need to manage their mental health and improve their overall well-being.
In addition to education and mental health programs, Rutledge State Prison also offers vocational training in areas such as horticulture, food preparation, custodial maintenance, and more. Inmates can also participate in programs such as Thinking for a Change, Problem Solving, and Motivation for Change to help them develop the skills they need to succeed both inside and outside of prison.
Religious activities are also available at Rutledge State Prison, including various worship services, Bible study, and pastoral counseling. Inmates can participate in programs such as Alcoholics Anonymous/Narcotics Anonymous and the Lifers Group to help them overcome addiction and develop a sense of community within the prison.
Overall, Rutledge State Prison’s programs and services are designed to help inmates develop the skills they need to succeed both inside and outside of prison. By offering a wide range of educational, vocational, and mental health programs, Rutledge State Prison is helping inmates prepare for a successful re-entry into society.