The Georgia Department of Corrections (GDOC) has placed 26 correctional facilities across the state on lockdown following reports of increased activity involving security threat groups. The lockdowns began Wednesday, October 28, and remained in effect Thursday morning as officials continued assessing security concerns.
According to GDOC spokesperson Lori Benoit, the restrictions are precautionary and will remain in place while investigations and security assessments continue.
Several facilities in Southeast Georgia are among those affected, including:
- Coffee Correctional Facility in Nicholls
- Wheeler Correctional Facility in Alamo
- Telfair State Prison in McRae-Helena
- Smith State Prison in Glennville
- Ware State Prison in Waycross
- Rogers State Prison in Reidsville
- Johnson State Prison in Wrightsville
- Jenkins Correctional Facility in Millen
Other facilities across Georgia, including Pulaski and Wilcox state prisons, are also affected.
GDOC has not publicly identified the groups involved or provided specific details about the activity that prompted the statewide security measures. Officials have not announced when the lockdowns will be lifted or whether visitation and other routine operations will be affected.
There have been no confirmed reports indicating an escape or a threat to the general public associated with the lockdowns. Families planning to visit an affected facility are encouraged to check with GDOC before traveling.
Hazlehurst Now will continue monitoring the situation and provide updates as additional information becomes available.
Source: Georgia Department of Corrections statements reported October 28–29, 2026.
