Brian Owens, Commissioner

Georgia Department of Corrections

2 Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive, SE
Twin Towers-East, Room 854
Atlanta, Georgia 30334

October 14, 2010

Dear Commissioner Owens:

I come to you today with grave concerns about the current conditions at Georgia
Diagnostic and Classification Prison in Jackson.

As of January 1, 2010, the prison has eliminated all contact visits between death row
inmates and their families and clergy. In addition, the men on Death Row are under
twenty-three hour lock down, allowing only one hour for phone calls, showers, and time
in the yard. Furthermore, the men are subjected to strip searches, including cavity
searches after coming off the block. Some men have been stripped naked and forced to
remain in their cells without adequate bedding or heat. I understand that prisoner deaths
led to the Department’s implementation of such measures, but these actions are harmful
now and in the future. The families and friends of those who have visitation privileges
should not be at the receiving end of any internal problems within the prison.

Abolishing contact visits compromises privileged conversations with clergy and pastors.
As a result of the implementation of non-contact visits and the uncomfortable conditions
for visitors, some men have asked their family members not to visit. Visitation and
nurturing relationships with family, friends, clergy and other support people are essential
to the prisoners’ humanity and prison safety.

Georgia Diagnostic and Classification Prison in Jackson should restore contact visits
immediately and eliminate the use of inhumane and degrading practices.

Thank you for your kind consideration.

Sincerely,