Special Management Unit

The Special Management Unit (SMU) at Georgia Diagnostic and Classification State Prison is a facility designed to house some of the most aggressive and dangerous prisoners in the correctional system. It serves as the state’s most restrictive solitary confinement facility, with a focus on rehabilitating close security offenders back into general population prisons through specialized programs and management.

The history of the SMU is marked by controversy and efforts to improve conditions for inmates. Legal actions and settlements related to the conditions within the unit have highlighted the challenges and scrutiny it has faced over the years. In recent years, there have been ongoing discussions and efforts to address the issues surrounding the SMU, aiming to ensure that the rights and well-being of the inmates are upheld while maintaining safety and security within the facility.

The visitation schedule for the Special Management Unit (SMU) at Georgia Diagnostic and Classification State Prison varies based on the classification of the inmates.

• For Tier III – STEP Program offenders, visitation days are on Wednesdays.
• Visitation is not permitted for diagnostic inmates until they have been at the GDCP for 60 days.
• The cutoff time to request visitation for the week is Wednesday at 5:00 PM.
• Settlement agreements have stipulated that inmates in the SMU must have a minimum of four hours of out-of-cell time per day, Monday through Friday.

It’s important to note that the visitation schedule and conditions are subject to change.

The SMU at Georgia Diagnostic and Classification State Prison plays a critical role in managing high-risk offenders and implementing measures aimed at their rehabilitation. While the facility has been under scrutiny, efforts continue to address the challenges and improve the conditions within the unit, reflecting the ongoing commitment to balancing security with the well-being of the inmates.

For further information about the Special Management Unit, including inmate records search and visitation details, individuals can refer to the official website of the Georgia Department of Corrections or utilize online inmate search platforms specific to the state of Georgia.