Smith State Prison is a correctional facility located in Glennville, Georgia that houses adult male felons. The prison operates under the Georgia Department of Corrections and is responsible for the close security of 1,560 inmates. The facility is overseen by a warden and a deputy warden of care and treatment, who are responsible for the supervision of security staff and the implementation of educational, health, counseling, and recreational programs.
In recent years, Smith State Prison has been the subject of controversy due to allegations of corruption and misconduct by prison staff. In May 2022, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) arrested a former warden of the prison on RICO charges following an investigation into corruption at the facility. The GBI’s investigation was prompted by evidence discovered during a murder investigation at the prison. Despite these issues, the Georgia Department of Corrections has continued to operate Smith State Prison to serve its mission of public safety and rehabilitation.
| Security | Close |
| Capacity | 1,560 |
| Physical Address | 9676 US-301, Glennville, GA 30427 |
| Mailing Address | P.O. Box 726 Glennville, GA 30427 |
| Can You Send Gifts? | No |
| Dress Code | Yes |
| Phone Number | (912) 654-5000 |
| Jurisdiction | State |
History of Smith State Prison
Smith State Prison is a close-security prison located in Glennville, Georgia, United States. The facility was opened in 1995 and was named after former Georgia Department of Corrections Commissioner, Wayne P. Smith. The prison was built to house 1,560 male inmates and is currently overseen by Warden Jacob Beasley.
Over the years, Smith State Prison has faced several challenges, including allegations of corruption and violence. In 2022, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation arrested former Warden Brian Adams on RICO charges related to corruption at the prison. This incident brought attention to the need for increased oversight and reform within the Georgia Department of Corrections.
Despite these challenges, Smith State Prison has also implemented several programs aimed at rehabilitation and reducing recidivism. The facility offers vocational training, educational programs, and substance abuse treatment to help inmates prepare for reentry into society.
In recent years, Smith State Prison has also faced staffing shortages, which have led to safety concerns for both inmates and staff. The Georgia Department of Corrections has implemented several measures to address these issues, including increasing salaries and offering hiring bonuses to attract more qualified candidates.
Overall, Smith State Prison has a complex history, marked by both challenges and efforts towards reform and rehabilitation. As the facility continues to evolve, it will be important to prioritize the safety and well-being of both inmates and staff while working towards positive change within the criminal justice system.
Location and Facilities
Smith State Prison is a correctional facility located in Glennville, Georgia, United States. The prison is situated approximately 13 miles south of Claxton and two miles before Glennville on Hwy 301. The facility is easily accessible by taking I-75 south to I-I6 East to Exit 116, Hwy 301 South to Claxton. Smith State Prison is a close security prison that houses adult male inmates.
The prison has a capacity of 1,560 inmates and comprises several housing units, including general population housing units, an administrative segregation/isolation building, and a fire station. The facility also has a recycling, maintenance shop detail, grounds detail, and warehouse detail.
In addition, Smith State Prison has a Georgia Correctional Industries (GCI) program that provides inmates with vocational training and job opportunities. The program offers various industries, including textiles, metal fabrication, and printing. The inmates who participate in the GCI program receive compensation for their work, which helps them support their families and pay restitution to their victims.
Overall, Smith State Prison is a well-maintained facility that provides inmates with various opportunities to improve their lives and prepare for their eventual release.
Inmate Information and Services
Smith State Prison provides various services and resources for offenders during their incarceration. Inmates can access information about their sentences, projected release dates, and other details through the Georgia Department of Corrections inmate search database. The database can be accessed online, and it requires the inmate’s first and last name to search for their information.
Offenders can receive money from their loved ones through JPay, a service that allows people to send money to inmates online or through money orders. Inmates can use the money to purchase items from the prison commissary or make phone calls. It is important to note that offenders cannot receive cash or personal checks through the mail.
Inmate mail is an essential communication tool for offenders to stay in touch with their families and friends. The mailing address for Smith State Prison inmates is as follows:
Inmate Name, GDC ID Number
Smith State Prison
P.O. Box 726
Glennville, GA 30427It is crucial to include the inmate’s full name and GDC ID number to ensure that the mail is delivered to the correct recipient. Inmates can receive letters, cards, and photos, but they cannot receive packages or any items that are not approved by the prison.
Smith State Prison has specific visitation hours for friends and family members to visit their loved ones. Visitors must be on the inmate’s approved list, and they must follow the prison’s dress code and behavior guidelines. Visiting hours may be subject to change, so it is recommended to check with the prison before planning a visit.
Overall, Smith State Prison provides various inmate services and resources to ensure that offenders have access to necessary information and support during their incarceration.
Communication and Contact with Inmates
Communication and contact with inmates at Smith State Prison is regulated and monitored by the prison administration. Inmates are allowed to make phone calls, send and receive mail, and have visits from family and friends.
To make phone calls, inmates can purchase phone cards from the commissary. Phone calls are monitored and recorded, and any inappropriate behavior or language can result in disciplinary action. Inmates are not allowed to receive incoming calls but can make collect calls to approved phone numbers.
Inmates can also send and receive mail, subject to inspection by prison staff. All incoming and outgoing mail is screened for contraband and inappropriate content. Inmates are encouraged to maintain communication with their loved ones through letters, which can provide emotional support and a sense of connection to the outside world.
Visits from family and friends are an important part of an inmate’s social support system. Visits must be scheduled in advance and approved by the prison administration. Visitors must follow strict rules and regulations, including dress codes and behavior guidelines. Any violation of these rules can result in the cancellation of the visit and disciplinary action.
Overall, communication and contact with inmates at Smith State Prison are carefully monitored and regulated to maintain safety and security within the prison. Inmates are encouraged to maintain positive relationships with their loved ones through appropriate channels of communication.
Educational and Vocational Programs
Smith State Prison offers a variety of educational and vocational programs to help inmates gain skills and knowledge that can help them succeed after release. These programs are designed to provide inmates with the tools they need to improve their chances of finding employment and contributing positively to their communities.
Inmates who did not complete high school have the opportunity to earn their General Education Diploma (GED) or participate in Adult Basic Education programs to improve their literacy skills. The prison also offers remedial courses for those who need additional help in reading, writing, or math.
For those interested in vocational training, Smith State Prison offers programs in industrial maintenance, horticulture, and more. These programs provide inmates with hands-on experience and training in a variety of fields, preparing them for careers in industries such as manufacturing, agriculture, and landscaping.
In addition to vocational training, the prison also offers educational programs in partnership with Ashland University. Inmates can earn an Associates degree in General Studies or take courses in business, accounting, and other areas of interest. These courses can help inmates develop valuable skills and knowledge that can be applied in a wide range of careers.
For those interested in clerical work, the prison offers Career Clerk and General Office Clerk programs that provide training in office skills such as typing, filing, and data entry. These skills can be valuable in a variety of administrative and support roles.
Overall, the educational and vocational programs offered at Smith State Prison provide inmates with opportunities to gain skills and knowledge that can help them succeed after release. By participating in these programs, inmates can improve their chances of finding employment and contributing positively to their communities.
Rehabilitation and Therapy Programs
Smith State Prison offers a variety of rehabilitation and therapy programs to help inmates successfully reintegrate into society. These programs include counseling, substance abuse treatment, and moral reconation therapy.
Counseling is available to help inmates address a range of issues, including family violence and motivation for change. The Thinking for a Change program helps inmates develop problem-solving and decision-making skills, while the Confronting Self program encourages self-reflection and personal growth.
Substance abuse treatment is a key component of the rehabilitation process at Smith State Prison. The prison offers the Substance Abuse Treatment Program (SATP), which includes individual and group counseling, relapse prevention, and early recovery skills training. The Sex Offender Psycho-Educational Program (SOPP) is also available to help inmates address issues related to sexual offending.
Moral Reconation Therapy (MRT) is a cognitive-behavioral program that helps inmates develop a sense of moral reasoning and responsibility. The program is designed to help inmates make positive changes in their behavior and attitudes, leading to a reduction in recidivism rates.
In addition to these programs, Smith State Prison offers a range of recreational activities, including general recreation and various worship services. The prison also has a beekeeping program and a Lifers Group, which provides support and guidance to inmates serving life sentences.
The O.U.T. (Offenders Under Transition) program is designed to help inmates successfully transition back into the community. The program includes job training, education, and other support services to help inmates build a foundation for a successful future.
Overall, Smith State Prison’s rehabilitation and therapy programs provide inmates with the tools they need to make positive changes in their lives and successfully reintegrate into society.