The day before Thanksgiving, Georgia Department of Corrections officials from Atlanta, including Assistant Commissioner Derrick Schofield, took the time to show Sen. Tim Golden, Rep. Jay Shaw, Rep. Amy Carter and Rep. Ellis Black, along with Times reporter Malynda Fulton and editor Kay Harris, around the Valdosta State Prison.
The Times has been critical recently of the DOC in a series of articles and editorials demonstrating frustration with what appeared to be a news blackout of sorts regarding inmate and guard injuries. Schofield and staff, along with Warden William Danforth and staff, gave a presentation concerning the prison population and staffing followed by a tour.
All questions posed were answered, including information about gang, or security threat groups, inside the prison walls. The tour went through two general population dormitories and two mental health dormitories, and no one was restricted or restrained in any area. The guards have no weapons on them, as one stated that officer presence is enough of a deterrence to keep the peace.
Tours of cells, speaking to and questioning the inmates and prison personnel was encouraged. The dorms were very clean, as were the cells. The inmates were well-behaved, polite, and happy to speak to someone from the outside. From all indications, the prison is well-managed. Times staff have visited the prison on other occasions under former wardens and saw no discernible difference in the way things are being run.
The only disappointment was finding that the greenhouse, which had been flourishing and providing inmates another outlet for their time, has been closed due to the state mandated budget cuts and lack of personnel to oversee it. On a previous visit, the grounds of the prison were alive with colorful greenery and flowers giving it a far less stark look than it had this week.
The state’s across-the-board budget cuts have taken their toll, and although no one in an official capacity voiced this opinion, it’s clear to the Times that Gov. Sonny Perdue’s budget decisions have caused much of the issues heard about in the prison system. Overcrowding, downsizing of staffs, and downsizing of programs is a frustration, but one that the DOC is working to overcome through management of resources and “right sizing.” The warden indicated that he has been able to recruit more personnel and that turnover has decreased dramatically, largely due to the economy.
The main reason for the visit was to establish a line of communication between the legislative delegation, the media and prison personnel to ensure that questions don’t go unanswered in the future. The Times is satisfied that incidents will be treated consistently by staff and the public will be informed when issues arise.
