ATLANTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – State lawmakers are looking for ways to prioritize health and safety in state prisons.
This comes after the US Department of Justice released an investigation found that the current state of Georgian prisons is “unconstitutional.”
On Friday, the Department of Corrections Facilities Study Committee met with representatives from the Department of Corrections.
State Sen. Randy Robertson, the head of the commission, told Department of Corrections representatives that it was the commission’s responsibility to ensure all gaps are filled.
Robertson made it clear that they would be talking about goods and services provided to prisoners – everything from toilet paper to healthcare for prisoners.
“They should have access to all the resources that the average citizen has when it comes to sanitation, nutrition and health care,” Robertson said.
This year is on track to be one of the deadliest years within Georgian corrections facilities.
The Justice Department report lists 17 problematic prisons in a dozen provinces where they investigate cases of violence, rape, drug overdoses, exploitation and gang intimidation.
AT A GLANCE
Key findings: Department of Justice dismantles prison system in Ga
- Georgia has engaged in a pattern or practice of violating the constitutional rights of inmates by failing to protect individuals from widespread physical violence and sexual abuse.
- Critical understaffing and other systemic deficiencies contribute to the widespread violence.
- Georgia allows gangs to exert undue influence on prison life, including controlling entire housing units and carrying out unlawful and dangerous schemes in and out of prisons.
- Read the full report
The investigation into Georgia’s state-run prisons found that “the State of Georgia is engaged in a pattern or practice of violating the constitutional rights of incarcerated persons.”
In a letter, Ossoff and Warnock urged Tyrone Oliver, commissioner of the Georgia Department of Corrections, to address the findings.
Matthew Charles testified before the committee. He was sentenced to 35 years in prison for nonviolent drug offenses. He now works to help families with loved ones in Georgia prisons. He believes that the state should set up a review committee with independent supervision. An agency that is not part of the organization, but is ready to help them and get to the bottom of what is causing the problem.
“When we were at the hearing a few minutes ago, they said the medical care was not substandard. But it was almost the same as what they received as private individuals and no, that is not the case. It’s the exact opposite,” said Charles.
That would cost money. Georgia’s corrections system receives $1.3 billion per year.
Robertson said the issue of crumbling infrastructure and finding ways to attract and retain corrections officers remain top priorities in crafting his recommendations.
“What citizens need to understand, what taxpayers need to understand: This is a very expensive process because these individuals are housed and cared for by the state of Georgia, and every taxpayer and every non-taxpayer living in Georgia, they.” We are responsible for that,” said Robertson.
Copyright 2024 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.