Facility and Inmate Information

• Located in the southeast county of Charlton, Georgia, operations for D. Ray James Prison, a 500-bed medium-security facility for adult men, commenced in October 1998.
• The facility was expanded to 1,640 beds making it the largest private prison in the state.
• Security measures include state-of-the-art electronic controls and closed circuit television and perimeter detection systems.
• A staff-training center, which includes a firing range, is situated adjacent to the facility and outside the security fencing.

  Programs

  The following voluntary programs and services help prepare offenders to return to their local communities and provide for their well being while at the facility.

  • Educational offerings include GED, Adult Basic Education (ABE), English as a Second Language (ESL) and computer training and lab. Courses include writing, literature, science, social studies and math.
  • A partnership with the Okefenokee Technical Institute allows offenders to take courses in horticulture, computer technology and small engine repair. Offenders earn Technical Certificates, which are recognized by the Georgia Dept. of Technical and Adult Education.
  • Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA) provide substance abuse and addiction counseling.
  • Counseling Department offers GDC mandated classes such as Motivation for change, Victim Impact, Corrective Thinking and Pre-Release.
  • In partnership with Glynn Co. Children’s Advocacy Center, we provide an in-depth Family Violence Curriculum. This Class provides inmates insight on becoming good parents as well as breaking the chain of violence within the family.
  • Supervised participation in community service activities for qualified offenders. Past projects include building sidewalks and renovating a historic home.
  • Community ministers provide various religious services and counseling.
  • Employment training and assistance includes interview techniques, resume writing and completing applications.
  • Dining, laundry, dental and medical services are provided along with recreational and physical activity opportunities.

    Accreditation
    The American Correctional Association (ACA) first accredited the facility in 2000 with a 100% on the review. Re-accreditation was earned again in 2004.

    Location
    D. Ray James Prison is a few miles north of Folkston, Georgia, in southeast Charlton County.
    Hwy 252 East v Folkston, Georgia 31537
    912-496-6242 v 912-496-6147 fax

    Service Capacity:
    1,640

    Custody Level:
    Medium-security adult male offenders

    Contracting Agency:
    Georgia Department of Corrections

    ACA Accreditation:
    2000, 2004

    Year Cornell Commenced Operations:
    1998