Peach Tree Times

Governor Brian P. Kemp, in collaboration with the Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC), announced today an extensive, system-wide assessment of the state corrections system. This initiative aims to identify current strengths, opportunities, and recommendations to enhance operational efficiency and effectiveness. It represents the latest effort to improve public safety for all Georgians, following a multi-year campaign to combat crime, apprehend violent offenders, support and train law enforcement personnel, and invest over $1.6 billion into public safety since Governor Kemp took office.

“Keeping Georgians safe continues to be my top priority,” said Governor Brian Kemp. “Since I took office in 2019, Georgia has made significant progress in bringing more violent criminals to justice; cracking down on criminal street gangs; investing in our brave law enforcement personnel, including corrections officers; and strengthening penalties on those who seek to threaten our communities. By ensuring our correctional facilities have the funding, technology, infrastructure, and operations to fulfill their mission, this comprehensive assessment is the next step in achieving a safer, stronger Georgia for all who call the Peach State home.”

The State has partnered with Guidehouse Inc., which includes The Moss Group (TMG) and CGL Companies, to conduct an unbiased and thorough system-wide assessment while developing actionable recommendations. This partnership combines an accomplished external team with expertise in conducting organizational assessments for corrections systems and facilities across all 50 states.

“When Governor Kemp appointed me, he gave me the clear mandate to keep Georgians safe by improving our corrections system,” said GDC Commissioner Tyrone Oliver. “Thanks to our partnership with the General Assembly and other state leaders, we’ve done just that by improving retention levels, removing approximately $7 million worth of contraband from our prisons, shutting down the largest contraband trafficking ring in the country, and more. But we know we have a lot more room to grow, which is why I’m thankful Guidehouse will provide a thorough review of our facilities and policies that will guide the next phase of GDC improvements.”

Over the next twelve months, Guidehouse will visit multiple state prison facilities, collaborate with GDC personnel to gather information, conduct interviews with relevant stakeholders, and develop a full assessment using evidence-based practices and research. Following this assessment period, Guidehouse will develop actionable recommendations and begin implementation support. To maintain process integrity during this time frame, neither Guidehouse nor state entities will provide comments until completion of the assessment when a full briefing will be made available to stakeholders.

The Georgia Department of Corrections currently supervises approximately 47,000 inmates and is the largest law enforcement agency in the state with roughly 9,000 employees.

Guidehouse is a global provider of consulting services across public sector and commercial markets. The company offers strategy management technology risk consulting among other advisory services through its team of over 16 thousand professionals worldwide.

The Moss Group is a women-owned consulting firm serving public safety and criminal justice organizations focused on creating optimal safety environments predicated on dignity respect for staff individuals under care.

CGL Companies provides engineering advisory services specializing in justice architecture correctional facility maintenance delivering practical solutions for justice systems globally.