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State PrisonGeorgia• Facility Guide

Georgia Diagnostic and Classification Prison

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State PrisonType
Butts CountyCounty
MaximumSecurity
Facility Type
State Facility
Security Level
Maximum
Inmate Capacity
1,600 approx.
Established
1939
Operated By
Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC)

Georgia Diagnostic and Classification Prison Inmate Communication Overview

Georgia Diagnostic and Classification Prison is a maximum-security state correctional facility operated by the Georgia Department of Corrections, located in Butts County near the town of Jackson, approximately 60 miles south of Atlanta. It serves as the primary intake and classification facility for new Georgia state prison commitments — most newly sentenced male inmates in the Georgia system pass through GDCP before being assigned to a permanent facility. The prison also houses Georgia's death row. Because of its classification function, the population at GDCP is constantly changing as inmates are processed and transferred, which is an important consideration for families in terms of communication setup timing.

Communication at GDCP operates through Georgia DOC provider contracts. JPay handles electronic messaging, photo sharing, and money transfers. Families create a JPay account and add the inmate using their Georgia DOC number. GTL manages phone calls and video visitation. Because many inmates at GDCP are in the initial classification process, it is worth noting that newly admitted inmates may take several weeks to fully enter the system before all communication access is active. Families are often advised to wait until an inmate has been classified and assigned a permanent facility before investing heavily in account setup, though setting up accounts early can help avoid delays.

Once an inmate is classified and transferred out of GDCP to a permanent Georgia DOC facility, communication continues through JPay and GTL since both serve the entire state system. Georgia DOC accounts do not need to be recreated after transfer. If your loved one has been at GDCP for more than a few weeks without communication, it may indicate the classification process is still underway or that they have recently been transferred and the new facility information has not yet been updated. The Georgia DOC offender search tool at gdc.ga.gov allows families to look up current housing location.

Facility Information

Contact details and location information for this correctional facility.

Address

100 GA-36, Jackson, GA 30233

Main Phone

(770) 504-2000

Administrative line — not for inmate calls

Official Website

Visit official site

Communication Options

Available communication services at Georgia Diagnostic and Classification Prison.

Messaging

Available

Electronic messages to and from the inmate.

Provider: JPay

Available once intake classification is complete. May take a few weeks for new arrivals.

Video Calls

Available

Remote or in-person video visitation.

Provider: GTL

Remote video visits available for eligible inmates. Schedule in advance.

Photo Sharing

Available

Send approved digital or physical photos.

Provider: JPay

Digital photos via JPay. Subject to GDC content guidelines.

Phone Calls

Available

Inmate-initiated phone calls to approved numbers.

Provider: GTL

Inmate-initiated calls via GTL. Fund AdvancePay account to receive calls.

Money Transfer

Available

Send funds to commissary or phone accounts.

Provider: JPay

Trust account deposits via JPay. Available system-wide.

Communication Providers at Georgia Diagnostic and Classification Prison

These providers operate communication services at this facility. Each may cover different services.

JPay

MessagingVideoPhotosPhoneMoney Transfer

Messaging, photos, and trust account deposits. Uses Georgia DOC number. System-wide across GDC.

Learn More About JPay

GTL

MessagingVideoPhotosPhoneMoney Transfer

Phone calls and video visitation under the Georgia DOC contract.

Learn More About GTL

Communication Rules at Georgia Diagnostic and Classification Prison

  • Newly admitted inmates may take several weeks to complete classification before full communication access is active.
  • JPay and GTL are separate platforms. Messaging and phone funds do not transfer between them.
  • Messages are reviewed by GDC staff before delivery.
  • GDC-wide accounts transfer to new facility if inmate is classified and moved out of GDCP.
  • Death row communication access may differ from standard classification population access.

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Frequently Asked Questions — Georgia Diagnostic and Classification Prison

Common questions from families about communication at this facility.

Why is communication not going through for someone newly arrived at GDCP?
Newly sentenced inmates typically go through a classification process that can take several weeks. During this period, full communication access may not yet be active. Set up JPay and GTL accounts early, but expect some delay before messages and calls begin moving normally. Check gdc.ga.gov for current housing information.
How do I message someone at Georgia Diagnostic?
Create a JPay account at jpay.com and add the inmate using their Georgia DOC number. Purchase stamps and send messages. Once the inmate has completed initial classification, messages are reviewed by staff and delivered within 24 to 48 hours.
How do phone calls work at GDCP?
Phone calls use GTL. Create a GTL account at telmate.com or through the GTL Connect app. Set up a prepaid AdvancePay account linked to your phone number and add funds. The inmate calls you from facility phones once phone access is active for their housing unit.
Will accounts work at the next facility after transfer from GDCP?
Yes. JPay and GTL both serve all Georgia DOC facilities statewide. Your accounts, contact list, and history carry over. Use the GDC offender search to confirm the new facility, then update the facility name when scheduling GTL video visits.
How do I send money to a GDCP inmate?
Trust account deposits go through JPay. Log in, go to Send Money, and select Georgia Diagnostic and Classification Prison. Add funds via debit or credit card. Processing takes one to two business days.

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