Henry County Jail
Inmate Handbook
Date: 9/02/2015
Electronic Edition
Mission ............................................................................................................................................................. 0
Purpose ............................................................................................................................................................ 1
Inmate Responsibility ....................................................................................................................................... 1
Standards of Inmate Conduct .......................................................................................................................... 2
Constructive possession ......................................................................................................................... 2
Inmate Discipline .............................................................................................................................................. 3
RULE VIOLATIONS ..................................................................................................................................... 3
Class 1 Rule Violations ........................................................................................................................... 3
Class 2 Rule Violations ........................................................................................................................... 4
Class 3 Rule Violations ........................................................................................................................... 5
DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURES ................................................................................................................. 7
ADMINISTRATIVE and DISCIPLINARY SEGREGATION .......................................................................... 8
Grievance Procedure ....................................................................................................................................... 9
Inmate Requests .......................................................................................................................................... 9
Grievance Procedures ................................................................................................................................. 9
Grievance Appeal .................................................................................................................................. 10
Authorized Items ............................................................................................................................................ 11
Inmate Rules .................................................................................................................................................. 12
Cleanliness ................................................................................................................................................ 12
Communication between inmates.............................................................................................................. 12
Contraband ................................................................................................................................................ 13
County Property ......................................................................................................................................... 13
Emergency Procedures ............................................................................................................................. 13
Headcounts ................................................................................................................................................ 14
Identification Bracelets ............................................................................................................................... 14
Inmate Uniform .......................................................................................................................................... 14
Intercom Usage.......................................................................................................................................... 15
Lights Out................................................................................................................................................... 15
Lockdown ................................................................................................................................................... 15
Safety ......................................................................................................................................................... 15
Searches .................................................................................................................................................... 16
Unauthorized areas ................................................................................................................................... 16
Inmate Services ............................................................................................................................................. 17
Classification .............................................................................................................................................. 17
Community Service .................................................................................................................................... 17
Copy Machine ............................................................................................................................................ 17
Food Services ............................................................................................................................................ 17
Good time .................................................................................................................................................. 17
Inmate Accounts ........................................................................................................................................ 18
Inmate Work Force .................................................................................................................................... 18
Mail ............................................................................................................................................................ 18
Mail - Publications ................................................................................................................................. 20
Medical Services ........................................................................................................................................ 21
Notary Service ........................................................................................................................................... 22
Laundry ...................................................................................................................................................... 18
Legal Resources ........................................................................................................................................ 19
Recreation - Revise ................................................................................................................................... 22
Religious Activities ..................................................................................................................................... 22
Store .......................................................................................................................................................... 22
Telephones ................................................................................................................................................ 23
Visitation .................................................................................................................................................... 24
Commonly requested phone numbers and addresses .................................................................................. 26
Henry County Jail
Inmate Handbook
Mission
The Henry County Jail exists to hold people while awaiting court or while serving a sentence as authorized by valid court order in a clean, quiet, and secure facility consistent
with the laws of the United States and the State of Georgia.
Purpose
The Inmate Handbook provides information that will help an inmate during their stay including the rules of the facility.
The most important thing that an inmate needs to understand is that good behavior will be
rewarded with privileges. These privileges may include access to television, telephones,
visitation, recreation yard, the opportunity for work details (This includes the opportunity to
work off community service).
Inmates who violate the rules will be punished by the restriction of privileges, extra work
details, lockdown, disciplinary segregation, and taking away some or all good time. Inmates may also be charged with violations of Georgia law or McDonough City Ordinances.
To a great extent, inmates determine the status of their confinement by their behavior.
Inmate Responsibility
Inmates are responsible for the information that is in this handbook. Inmates who have
questions about the handbook should direct those questions to a Jail Officer.
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Henry County Jail
Inmate Handbook
Standards of Inmate Conduct
Inmates shall:
 Show respect to all staff members, contractors, visitors, and other inmates
 Instantly comply with the commands of any jail officer, staff member, or contractor
working on behalf of the jail
 Obey the rules of the facility
 Never go in an unauthorized area including any other inmate’s cell or an upper tier
unless your cell is on the tier.
 Failure to secure your cell door will result in loss of store and visits, no exceptions.
Subsequent violations will result in lockdown time in A-1.
 Wear issued identification at all times
 Maintain acceptable level of personal appearance and hygiene by
o Taking a shower every day
o Washing clothes and linen when scheduled
o Wearing your complete uniform, which must be buttoned up whenever you
are outside your cell or sleeping area
o Not wearing anything on your head whenever you are outside your cell or
sleeping area.
 Help maintain a clean and healthy jail by
o Keeping your housing area in a neat, clean, and orderly manner
o Participating in common area cleanup details when directed
o Not allowing contraband in your cell or bunk area – If you discover contraband, notify a jail officer immediately
o Drawing on or attaching anything to any surface of the jail
o Not hoarding authorized items
o Not retaining any food provided at mealtimes or any open commissary food
items
o Immediately notifying a jail officer if you see any bugs
o Not retaining excessive paperwork (In excess of one inch of thickness)
 Whenever inmates are in the hallways of the facility, inmates shall,
o Walk with their hands behind their backs
o Not speak with anyone without permission from the escorting Officer
Inmates shall not possess any contraband including but not limited to:
o Tobacco, lighters, or any smoking related item
o Money
o Weapons
o Gang related material
o Tattooing materials
Constructive possession: There shall be a rebuttal presumption that any inmate in an
area with 4 or fewer inmates when contraband is present is in joint possession of the contraband.
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Inmate Handbook
Inmate Discipline
In order to maintain a facility that is safe and secure for the inmates, staff, and visitors, the
Henry County Sheriff’s Office shall institute an inmate discipline system. The rules of the
facility shall be published in an Inmate Handbook that is available to the inmates and staff
so that no one can plead ignorance of the rules. The rules shall be promptly enforced in a
fair and unbiased manner.
Inmates of the Henry County Jail are expected to comply with the rules of the jail for the
duration of their time here. These rules apply to any inmate of the Henry County Jail regardless of your actual location. These rules apply to inmates while they are at court, at
medical appointments, on work release, on furlough, at funerals, on outside work detail,
etc.
Any violation of the rules committed by an inmate may be reported to a deputy sheriff or
jail Officer of the Henry County Sheriff’s Office, who shall complete an investigation and
complete Rule Violation Report as appropriate.
RULE VIOLATIONS
Inmates who violate the rules of the facility shall be disciplined. Additionally, inmates who
violate the laws of the State of Georgia or Ordinances of the City of McDonough may be
charged with crimes or ordinances in addition to any sanction imposed by the facility.
Class 1 Rule Violations
Any behavior that threatens life, limb, constitutes a felony or misdemeanor, seriously
breaches institutional security, or repeated violations of Class 2 Violations.
Rule Violations
1-1
Commission of a felony or a misdemeanor
1-2
Escape
1-3
Assault (including throwing anything) at any person
1-4
Fighting, including horseplay, with a staff member
1-5
Sexual assault
1-6
Riot or mutiny
1-7
Arson
1-8
Hostage taking
1-9
Possession of any weapon
1-10 Extortion
1-11 Tampering with locks, security device, or fire safety equipment
1-12 Destruction or defacing county property or the property of another
1-13 Tattooing another
1-14 Possession of any gang-related material
1-15 Trafficking, distribution or manufacture of any contraband
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Inmate Handbook
1-16 Attempting, conspiring, or aiding another to commit a Class 1 Violation
1-17 Repeated Class 2 Violation (Within 30 days or while under sanction for a
prior Class 2 Violation)
Sanctions
 Revocation of some or all of the inmate’s good time;
 Disciplinary segregation for a specific period of time, not to exceed
o Thirty (30) days for any one violation; OR
o Sixty (60) days for multiple violations from any one incident.
 Change in classification and reassignment of housing unit.
 Any Class Two or Class Three Sanctions
Class 2 Rule Violations
Behaviors that tend to disrupt the normal operations of the institution, which interfere with
institutional systems of control, present a serious risk to the health of any inmate or staff
member, or repeated violations of Class 3 Violations.
Rule Violations
2-1
Insubordination –
a. Failure to follow the commands of a staff member
b. Using indecent, profane, or vulgar language or gestures toward a staff
member in response to an order, instruction, or assignment given
c. Refusal to lockdown or leave an area – Any inmate who refuses to
lockdown or leave an area shall, at a minimum, be punished by 5
days of disciplinary segregation and the loss of 5 days of good
time.
2-2
Sexual harassment of any nature
2-3
Demonstration - Organizing or participating in a group demonstration,
protest, or sit-down strike
2-4
Flooding – Placing any object in a toilet or drain to cause flooding
2-5
Threats - Threatening any person, whether staff member, inmate or any
other person, with violence, malice or revenge by word, written correspondence or deed
2-6
Unauthorized Area - Leaving a place of assignment without permission
from the person in charge
2-7
Absence - Being absent from work without authorization.
2-8
Missing or Confusing Count - Missing count or taking any action that
creates confusion or error during the count of inmates.
2-9
Fighting (Including Horseplay) with any other inmate.
2-10 Sexual Acts - Engaging or attempting to engage in any consensual sexual act including kissing or fondling, with any other person or themselves.
2-11 Self-mutilation
a. Deliberately causing injury to oneself,
b. Giving oneself a tattoo, or
c. Permitting others to cause injury or to give or receive a tattoo.
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Inmate Handbook
2-12 Possession of Tattoo Related Materials
2-13 Possession of Contraband (Any article that is not specifically permitted
or authorized items that have been altered, changed, or misused.)
2-14 Possession of Money: (Inmates are not allowed to possess any money.
Any money found in an inmate’s possession shall be confiscated and
deposited in the Commissary Fund for the use of the general inmate
population.)
2-15 Gambling
2-16 Theft/ Damaging of Property (Value not to exceed $50.00) – Thefts or
damage in excess of $50 shall be considered a violation of Rule 1-1
Commission of a Misdemeanor or a Felony
2-17 Possession of drugs, intoxicants, alcohol, or tobacco
NOTE: This rule shall not apply to inmates who are authorized by medical to have their prescribed medication in the cell block with them as
long as they have written authorization from medical in their immediate
possession.
2-18 Being under the influence of drugs, intoxicants, or alcohol
2-19 Providing false information
2-20 Attempting, conspiring, or aiding another to commit a Class 2 Violation
2-21 Repeated Class 3 Violation (Within 30 days or while under sanction for a
prior Class 3 Violation)
Sanctions
 Revocation of not more than one-half of all good time;
 Disciplinary segregation for a specific period of time, not to exceed:
o Fifteen (15) days for any one violation; OR,
o Thirty (30) days for multiple violations from any one incident;
 Loss of privileges (store, yard call, visitation, etc) for a specific period of
time, not to exceed:
o Fourteen (14) days for any one violation; OR,
o Thirty (30) days for multiple violations from any one incident;
 Change in classification and reassignment of housing unit.
 Reimbursement from the inmate’s account for damage to the facility.
 Any Class 3 Sanction
Class 3 Rule Violations
Behaviors that disrupt the normal operation and routines of the institution or which may
manifest a personal problem of adjustment.
Rule Violations
3-1
Failure to abide by any posted rule or rule in this handbook
3-2
Being in a Restricted Area Without Authorization
3-3
Littering
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Inmate Handbook
3-4
3-5
a.
b.
c.
3-6
a.
b.
c.
3-7
3-8
a.
b.
3-9
3-10
3-11
a.
b.
3-12
Lack of Sanitation – Failure to maintain living and sleeping areas in
clean and orderly fashion
Lack of Personal Hygiene
Failing to shower once a day;
Failing to maintain personal cleanliness and grooming; or
Failing to wear clean and appropriate clothing.
Creating a Disturbance:
Engaging in minor horseplay;
Using loud, profane, vulgar, obscene or insulting language or gestures;
Creating unnecessary loud noise of any form.
Improper use or hoarding of food
Unauthorized communication
Conversing, passing notes, or making or attempting to make contact in
any way with inmates who are housed in another housing unit;
Contacting or attempting to contact persons outside the institution
through doors, windows, knocking on windows, shouting at or attempting
to attract the attention of persons passing by the jail. This applies any
time during recreation/exercise time or while inmate is in his/her cell.
Passing or Receiving Items from one living area or housing unit to another.
Bartering or trading
Wear of Uniform
Not wearing a uniform when outside of a cell
Wearing any article on head when outside of cell
Not wearing issued identification
Sanctions
 Verbal counseling;
 Up to twenty-four (24) hours cell confinement;
 Loss of privileges (store, yard call, visitation, etc) for a specific period of
time, not to exceed:
o Seven (7) days for any one violation; OR,
o Fifteen (15) days for multiple violations from any one incident(not to
exceed three incidents);
 Change in classification and reassignment of housing unit.
 Payment of $5 to replace an armband.
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Henry County Jail
Inmate Handbook
DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURES
When a rule violation is noticed by or reported to a jail Officer, the Officer shall prepare a
Rule Violation Report.
For Class 3 violations, the shift supervisor may offer/approve counseling or informal sanctions as outlined. If the inmate does not dispute the rule violation and agrees with the informal sanction, that sanction will be imposed and the report forwarded to the I.R. unit for
documentation purposes. If the inmate disagrees with the informal resolution then the
shift supervisor will forward the report to I.R. unit for assignment to an investigating / hearing Officer.
For Class 1 or 2 violations the inmate will be served with the Rule Violation Report, and
be offered an opportunity to agree with the report or disagree. If the inmate wishes to rebut the Rule Violation Report, the investigating officer shall provide the inmate with a Rule
Violation-Rebuttal form. The Rebuttal must be submitted within 24 hours of being served
with the Rule Violation Report.
The inmate is responsible for obtaining statements from any inmate that he or she feels is
a witness to the incident. If there are witnesses who are not housed with the inmate and
who have relevant information, the inmate shall note the names of those witnesses on the
Rule Violation-Rebuttal form and the investigating Officer will attempt to obtain their
statement, if a statement is not obtained a notation will be added by the Officer as to why.
After all documentation is obtained the O.I.C. of I.R. will conduct a hearing on the charges
listed by the charging Officer. The Inmate will receive at least a 24 hour notice prior to the
hearing and the hearing is to be held within 7 days of the incident unless an extension is
given by the O.I.C. of I.R. or the seventh day falls on the charging Officers off day then
the hearing will be held the following work day for the Officer. Hearings will be conducted
with both parties present unless the presents of the inmate becomes or is determined to
be a safety or security risk then proper arrangements are to be attempted for the hearing
to take place. However if this is not possible then the hearing may be held without the
presents of the inmate and proper notation made as to why. The Hearing Officer shall
conduct a hearing to determine the innocents or guilty of the inmate and document their
findings and if necessary impose sanctions.
A copy of the findings along with the sanctions imposed shall be served on the inmate. If
the inmate wishes to appeal, the Inmate shall be provided with a Rule Violation Rebuttal.
The Rebuttal must be submitted within 2 days of receipt of the imposed sanctions. Once
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Inmate Handbook
the inmate submits the Rule Violation Rebuttal for appeal, it shall be forwarded to the Jail
Division Commander or his designee who will review the facts and procedure of the case.
The Jail Division Commander or his designee may sustain the Findings, remand the case
to the Hearing Officer, dismiss the Findings based on insufficient evidence, or dismiss the
Findings for failure to comply with the Inmate Discipline Policy.
Whenever a case is appealed, and the Findings are upheld, the appealed authority may
impose any sanction authorized for the Rule Violation. Punishment will not be suspended
while a Rule Violation is being appealed except in the discretion of the Jail Division Commander or his or her designee.
ADMINISTRATIVE and DISCIPLINARY SEGREGATION
1.
Administrative Segregation
Inmates requiring increased supervision due to health, safety or security concerns may be placed in Administrative Segregation. Immediate removal will
occur when the presence of that inmate among the general population is so disruptive that it threatens the security and order of the facility or health reasons
for that inmate or others. This action may be taken immediately only with the
approval of a Supervisor of the jail.
2.
Disciplinary Segregation
Placement of any inmate in disciplinary segregation should be based on infractions of facility rules and imposed only after access to a disciplinary hearing has
occurred.
The conditions of confinement for segregation shall include the same approximate
level of essential services for space, sanitation, hygiene, health, medical care and diet.
An inmate may not be deprived of clothing or bedding except where threatened misuse or
continued abuse of these items has been documented.
Inmates in violation of Class 1 or 2 rules will have appropriate sanctions placed
against them as determined by a hearing Officer if requested, inmates may waive their
right to a disciplinary hearing. Sanctions that may be imposed has been described however further explanation / description of how the sanctions are imposed are as follows:
1. Outside cell activity is restricted to 1 hour daily and is to be used to take showers,
use the inmate phone, place commissary order for personal hygiene items only
when sanctions includes restrictions of commissary privileges;
2. No visitation with family members or friends for the number of days specified according to the inmate’s visitation schedule however visits with lawyers, probation
officer, or clergy are not restricted;
3. Opportunities for “OUT SIDE” recreation are restricted to 1 additional hour once a
week on a rotation basic to avoid multiple inmates out together at any one time.
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Inmate Handbook
Grievance Procedure
Inmate Requests
When an inmate has a question about his or her confinement, the inmate shall complete
an Inmate Request Form. The form can be accessed, completed and submitted through
the Kiosk machine located in each Pod and dormitory.
Inmate Request Forms should be returned promptly within 2 business days. Inmate Request Forms should not be addressed to supervisory personnel until after a jail Officer or
Deputy has attempted to address the issue. Inmate Request Forms concerning a complaint on a staff member, allege violations of civil rights, report a criminal act committed by
a staff member, or problems with medical may be address to a shift supervisor.
If the inmate is not satisfied with the response, the inmate may address the Inmate Request Form to a higher level of authority. Inmate Request Forms will not be forwarded to
a Supervisor unless an Officer or Deputy has already answered an Inmate Request Form
on the same issue. Inmate Request Forms that are directed to Supervisors should be returned within 3 business days.
Grievance Procedures
The grievance procedure exists to allow inmates to address issues related to their confinement that has not been satisfactorily addressed through informal means such as Inmate Request Forms or discussions with staff members. A Grievance form will only be
issued after 2 Inmate Request forms have been submitted 24 hours apart and a satisfactory resolution has not been reached.
The grievance process may also be used to complain about improper conduct, violations
of civil rights, and criminal conduct by staff members. The Henry County Sheriff’s Office
will only investigate grievances over which the Sheriff’s Office has control. Grievances for
the following problems will be handled in the manner indicated:
Any matter the Henry County Sheriff’s Office has no control over (i.e. parole/probation
decisions, sentences, and loss of mail by the postal service) will be forwarded to the
appropriate authority.
Grievances relating to medical treatment or the lack thereof will be referred to the
medical staff. The Sheriff’s Office will ensure that inmates receive medical attention,
but does not give or make medical decisions.
Disciplinary actions - Appeals of disciplinary actions are to be filed in accordance with
the Inmate Discipline Procedures.
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Henry County Jail
Inmate Handbook
Routine administrative transfers of inmates from different areas, without any loss of
rights or privileges, to facilitate ease of facility operations are not subject to grievances.
Group grievances are not accepted. Each inmate who wishes to grieve an issue must
submit a Grievance Form in accordance with these procedures. If the inmate is unable to
complete the grievance form, he or she may obtain assistance from staff. The staff member may allow the inmate to dictate the grievance to another inmate. If anyone besides
the inmate who is filing the grievance writes the grievance, that person name shall be indicated on the form.
If an inmate wishes to receive a Grievance Form, he or she should inform his or her dorm
Officer or an Inmate Relations Deputy.
An I.R. Officer should ensure that the inmate has

Exhausted the Inmate Request Form process; or

If the issue relates to a complaint against a staff member, an allegation of a violation of civil rights, an allegation of a criminal act committed by a staff member, or a
medical condition the receiving I.R. Officer must immediately notify a shift Supervisor that is not the subject of the complaint.
Grievances are serious and there are legal implications, so Grievance Forms are only
handled by Inmate Relations staff or Supervisors. When a Grievance Form is properly
requested, then a Supervisor or an Inmate Relations Officer will bring the inmate a Grievance Form. The inmate will fill it out and return it to that Inmate Relations Officer or Supervisor by the end of the shift. That Supervisor will hand it to the Grievance Coordinator
on the next day that the Grievance Coordinator is working.
The Grievances Coordinator will assign grievance to an appropriate person to investigate,
hereinafter referred to as the Investigator. The Investigator has 5 days to investigate the
Grievance. However, the deadline may be extended to 15 days with the permission of
the Jail Division Commander. The inmate shall be notified every 5 days if the deadline
has been extended.
Once complete, the Investigator will prepare a memo for the Grievance Coordinator stating his or her findings and proposed solution, if any. The Grievance Coordinator will provide the inmate with a written response to the Grievance.
Grievance Appeal
After the inmate receives the written response or 15 business days has elapsed since the
original Grievance Form was turned in, the inmate has 5 business days to file an appeal.
The Grievance Appeal must:
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Inmate Handbook
1. Be in writing
2. State why the inmate disagrees with the written response
3. Reference the serial number of the grievance.
 If the inmate does not have the Grievance Form, it must state the date and
name of the Inmate Relations Officer or Supervisor who received the original
Grievance Form.
4. Be filed on a grievance form
5. Be turned into a Supervisor or an Inmate Relations Officer
The Appeal Authority will have 10 business days to respond to the Grievance Appeal.
Authorized Items
Inmates may mark their personal property for identification. Any authorized items that are
altered are contraband and will be seized and thrown away.
Clothing:
White undershirts with shirtsleeve and no markings or pockets
White underwear (briefs or boxers)
White socks
White bras (no under wire)
White or ivory thermal pants
White or ivory thermal shirts
Approved footwear (from store, medical approval, or trusty use)
Personal Items:
Prescription or reading glasses with soft case
Wedding band (when worn during intake)
Religious necklace/pendant no more than 1 inch in size on a
thin metal chain (when worn during intake)
Personal papers (when stacked, not to exceed 1”)
Personal pictures (Included with personal papers
unless in the photo album that is available for
purchase from the store. Polaroid style instant
photographs are prohibited.
Soft covered books or periodicals (Including puzzle books)
Soft covered religious prayer book (Bible, Koran, other) and/with
a formal study guide. (Approximate max size 6”x8”
for a prayer book and 8.5”x11” for a study guide.
Legal mail
4 each
4 pair
4 pair
4 each
4 each
4 each
1 pair
1 pair
1 each
1 each
1” stack
3 each
1 each max
No limit
Anything that is not listed on this page, available for purchase from the store,or issued by
the Henry County Jail is excess material and it is contraband.
All personal property that is taken into a cell block by an inmate is taken at the inmate’s
own risk. The Henry County Sheriff’s Office is not responsible for loss.
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Henry County Jail
Inmate Handbook
Inmate Rules
Cleanliness
It is to your benefit to keep your cell area clean. Cleanliness will help prevent the spread
of disease and reduce injuries.
Inmates shall keep their housing area in a neat, clean, and orderly manner. Officers will
inspect the areas under their control at the beginning of every shift. The phones, televisions, or other privileges will not be extended until the Officer is satisfied with the cleanliness of the areas under his or her control.
By 7:00 a,m. all inmates will:
o Clean cells, sinks, toilets, desks, and tables
o Participate in common area cleanup details when directed
Trash will be disposed of immediately.
o Inmates are not allowed to keep any food or condiment issued by the kitchen.
o Inmates are not allowed to retain open food containers that were purchased from
the store unless the original food item comes in a container that is designed to be
resealed.
o No trash will be retained in an individual cell.
General cleanliness:
o No inmate shall draw or post anything on any surface of the jail including any wall,
light or vent. If an inmate discovers anything on his or her wall, he or she shall report it immediately. If an Officer discovers graffiti or something attached to a cell
wall, all inmates assigned to that area will be disciplined.
o Inmates are not allowed to store anything in or underneath their mattresses.
o No personal property will be left unattended in any common area. Any property left
unattended in a common area will be seized and/or disposed of.
o Inmates will immediately notify a jail Officer if any insects are observed.
o Inmates will not retain excessive paperwork (In excess of one inch of thickness,
excluding legal paperwork).
o Inmates will not hang towels or clothing on handrails.
Communication between inmates
Inmates in the Henry County Jail are not allowed to communicate by any means with any
inmates of the Henry County Jail who are housed in other blocks or dorms unless they
are explicitly authorized by the Jail Administration. Additionally, inmates may not speak
with or communicate through hand signs with any other person that they may encounter
(At court or while assigned to an outside detail) with the following exceptions:
o Visitors during visitation
o Clergy during an authorized visit
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o Legal counsel or their staff
o Probation and law enforcement officers
o Staff members and contractors working on behalf of the Henry County Jail
Any inmate who attempts or does communicate with another inmate from another housing assignment or a person that they may encounter will be disciplined.
Contraband
It is a crime and a violation of the rules of the jail for an inmate to possess contraband.
Any inmate who discovers contraband in an area where he or she is assigned area
should immediately report it to an Officer.
There shall be a rebuttal presumption that any inmate in an area with 4 or fewer inmates
when contraband is present is in joint possession of the contraband.
County Property
The jail and everything that is issued to inmates belongs to Henry County. Inmates who
damage the property of Henry County will be disciplined, and they shall be required to reimburse the county. Funds will be removed from the inmate’s account. If the inmate
doesn’t have funds at the time, the inmate will carry a negative balance until there are
funds available. Negative balances will be carried forward if the inmate returns to the facility.
For extensive damages, the Sheriff’s Office may ask the County Attorney to sue the inmate to recoup losses.
Intentional damage of county property may be prosecuted as Interference with Government Property:
§ 16-7-24. Interference with government property
(a) A person commits the offense of interference with government property when
he destroys, damages, or defaces government property and, upon conviction
thereof, shall be punished by imprisonment for not less than one nor more than five
years.
Emergency Procedures
In the event of an emergency you may be given instructions by the detention staff for the
orderly evacuation of the facility or any portion thereof. For your protection and safety,
staff members have been trained in emergency procedures, emergency zones and evacuation routes. Your complete cooperation is essential. Familiarize yourself with your exact housing location and the available evacuation routes.
Staff members will escort you to a safe location.
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Inmate Handbook
DO NOT PANIC. Follow the instructions and directions of staff members exactly. Any
deviations from prescribed routes without specific and direct instructions of a staff member may constitute an attempted escape and subject you to disciplinary sanctions and
criminal prosecution.
EMERGENCY SITUTATIONS
In the event of any sudden or disruptive situation within the facility a general security
lockdown and inmate count will be initiated. During any disruptive period you are instructed to remain calm within your assigned housing area and comply with the instructions or directions of staff members exactly.
If you are not a participant, do not become involved.
If you are a participant, you are ordered to cease immediately, all overt, subversive and
aggressive activities and comply exactly with the orders of staff members. Failure to
comply with his directive during disruptive situations will result in disciplinary sanctions
and criminal prosecution of all participants.
Headcounts
Head counts are generally conducted at each shift change. Additional counts will be conducted as the situation arises. All inmates will be expected to cooperate fully during this
time. Inmates will be expected to stand in front of their cell/at doorway or along the wall
until the Officers have accounted for all inmates and leave the cell block. There is to be
NO MOVING ABOUT WITHIN THE CELL/CELL BLOCK BY INMATES DURING HEAD
COUNTS.
Identification
You will be issued identification which must be worn at all times. You are prohibited from
tampering or in any way altering the identification assigned to you. If you are in violation
of this you will not be allowed to participate in any activity (such as, but not limited to: outdoor recreation, store call, religious services and visitation), or services such as receipt of
property that requires inmates identification. A $5.00 fee will be charged to your inmate
account for replacement. During the time without a valid identification you will be under
restriction with loss of privileges.
Inmate Uniform
Whenever an inmate is outside of his or her cell, bunk, shower, or bathroom, the inmate
shall be dressed in his or her uniform.
o Inmates shall have their uniform buttoned up all of the way.
o Inmates shall not wear anything on their head.
o Inmates shall display their identification.
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Henry County Jail
Inmate Handbook
Intercom Usage
Intercoms are available for inmates to contact Officers to report emergencies and make
legitimate requests that are time sensitive. They are not a toy and should not be used as
such. An inmate who is harassing an Officer via the intercom may be directed to stop using the intercom unless there is an emergency. Abuse of the intercom may result in disciplinary action.
Lights Out
Lights out will be called at 11:00 p.m. every night. During lights out, inmates are not allowed to be disruptive to others to be out of their bunk except to go to the bathroom. Supervisors have the authority to extend lights out for special occasions.
Lockdown
Lockdowns are done periodically for administrative purposes, security, or for emergencies. Lockdown drills will be done from time to time to familiarize inmates with the procedure.
Inmates shall lockdown immediately when instructed. Inmates in open dorms will go to
their bunks when instructed to lockdown. Inmates in lockdown blocks shall go to their assigned cell. The only exception is when there is a disturbance in the inmate’s cell or bunk
area, then the inmate will lockdown wherever possible. If an inmate is unable to make it
to a cell area, the inmate shall lay face down with his or her hands behind his back.
Routine lockdowns will be announced prior to the lockdown so that inmates may secure
their personal items, go to the bathroom, etc. Once the order to lockdown has been given, inmates lingering to pick things up is prohibited.
Individual inmates may be ordered to lockdown for insubordination or causing a disturbance.
Refusing to lockdown shall be punished by a minimum of 5 days of disciplinary
segregation and the loss of 5 good days.
Safety
Inmates shall not sit or lean on anything that is not designed for that purpose. In particular, inmates shall not sit on handrails.
If you are threatened, assaulted, or feel intimidated, notify a staff member immediately.
You may also notify the Classification Office by using an Inmate Request Form which is
available by request. False reports will result in discipline procedures as described elsewhere in this handbook.
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Henry County Jail
Inmate Handbook
Searches
Inmates and their property are subject to search at any time. Cell searches will be conducted regularly. Any inmate who attempts to interfere with an Officer conducting a
search will be disciplined.
Unauthorized areas
Inmates are not allowed to go behind or touch an Officer’s desk without permission.
Inmates shall not cross red lines.
Inmates are not allowed in another inmate’s cell without the explicit permission of an
Officer. Inmates shall not loiter outside of another inmate’s cell.
Inmates assigned to a cell on a lower tier are not allowed to go on an upper tier unless
they are meeting with a visitor.
Any inmate who goes through the door of his housing unit without permission and an escort will be charged with Escape.
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Henry County Jail
Inmate Handbook
Inmate Services
Classification
Inmates will be classified based on sex, current charges, behavior, and criminal history,
and institutional disciplinary history.
Housing assignments will be based on the needs of the facility to ensure the security of
the facility and safety of staff and inmate population.
Community Service
Community service hours are available to some inmates based on classification and the
needs of the facility. Normal cleaning of common areas inside a housing unit will not be
counted as community service hours.
Copy Machine
Inmates may have copies made by the jail staff at a cost of twenty-five cents ($.25) per
sheet. This will be charged to the inmate’s commissary account.
Food Services
Three meals are served daily, two hot meals and one cold. Each meal is prepared under
conditions approved by the county Health Department. Menus are certified to contain
minimum daily adult requirements.
Special diets require prior approval. Requests for special diets must be submitted on a
Medical Request form. Medical diets will be approved by the licensed facility physician.
Religious diets will be approved by the Jail Division Commander or a designee upon confirmation of a bona fide belief and practice.
Refusal of meals by any inmate will be documented. Continued refusal will place that inmate on the next available medical request roster.
Good time
The Henry County Jail uses good time to reward good behavior. Good time is generally
given at the following rates.
o Inmates convicted of misdemeanors of a high and aggravated nature can receive a
maximum of 4 good days per month.
o Inmates serving a sentence of over 30 days for a misdemeanor are given 2 for 1.
o Inmate workers serving a sentence of over 30 days for a misdemeanor are given
4 for 1.
Good time, including previously earned good time, can be taken away through a disciplinary hearing.
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Henry County Jail
Inmate Handbook
Inmate Accounts
Any money that you had with you when you were booked into the jail will be put on your
inmate account. Money may be deposited in an inmate account by:



Cash may be deposited or the use of credit or debit cards issued by Visa, Master card, or Discover in the kiosk in the jail lobby
On the internet through www.jailatm.com
By phone at 404-902-5681
Money will not be transferred to another inmates account or released to any other person
without a court order.
Inmate Work Force
A variety of jobs within the jail are performed by inmates of the facility. Some inmates,
whose classification is acceptable, are given the opportunity to participate in this program
in return for limited privileges. This is a voluntary program as well as a privilege. Inmate
workers are expected to perform their assigned jobs to the best of their ability and not to
abuse any responsibility or privileges that arise from their designation as inmate worker.
Inmate workers are selected carefully following a review of their inmate file, charges,
criminal history, and medical screening, etc. by the Inmate Relations.
You may request assignment to the inmate workforce by submitting an Inmate Request
Form. Once submitted your name will be placed on a list and you will be advised of that
status. Should a second request be submitted it will delete your name from the list for 30
days.
Laundry
Inmates shall use the laundry services whenever provided.
o Personal clothing, such as underwear, will be washed as per the laundry schedule.
County issued laundry
o Jail uniforms will be washed as per the laundry schedule.
o Sheets, towels, and washcloths will be washed as per the laundry schedule.
o Blankets will be washed twice monthly.
An Officer will supervise the collection of county laundry. The inmate will show the Officer
that the laundry is intact and is free of graffiti or markings, and place the laundry into the
bin. Then the Officer will issue the inmate clean laundry.
If the inmate notices that there are markings or that the buttons don’t snap or are missing,
the inmate shall notify the Officer before he or she leaves the block.
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Henry County Jail
Inmate Handbook
Any inmate who marks, alters, or defaces any county issued laundry will be disciplined,
and funds to replace the property will be deducted from his or her account.
A laundry schedule will be posted in each dorm.
Legal Resources
Inmates should direct legal questions to their lawyers. Court appointed attorneys can be
appointed for those who cannot afford legal representation for defendants facing criminal
prosecution.
Inmates may request to obtain legal information from the Law Library. Inmates will need
to submit a request form through the kiosk machine. The Inmate Relations Staff will
schedule the Inmate for an appointment to go to the Law Library. Access to the computer
is limited to once per week for a maximum of thirty minutes per visit. Inmates will need to
provide their own paper and writing instruments because a printer is not available. Only
one Inmate will be allowed to go to the Law Library at a time.
Mail
Mail correspondence of a general nature will be opened and inspected by staff members
for contraband and randomly read for information that may constitute a threat to the safety or security of the facility. An inmate will be notified of any censorship or seizure of mail
correspondence citing specific reason(s) for such action. Incoming mail may be returned
to sender, held in your personal property, or turned over to the District Attorney for criminal prosecution if:
o It violates legal or postal regulations;
o It contains information of escape plots, riots or other disorder or plans to violate
laws or rules;
o It contains threats, extortion or obscenity;
o It contains code (gang signs etc);
o It contains contraband;
o It contains information that advocates or describes the killing of law enforcement
personnel;
o It contains plans for the production of any explosive, incendiary or pyrotechnic device;
o It contains writings that would inflame or contribute to tension between ethnic
groups and threaten the safety, security, or order of the facility.
During normal weekdays all incoming mail will be promptly processed within 1 business
day. Mail that is not in English will be delayed until it can be translated. Please have your
friends and family members put your housing assignments on your mail.
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Henry County Jail
Inmate Handbook
You may correspond by U.S. Mail with all persons and agencies with the following exception: You do not have the right to correspond with another inmate in this jail. Exceptions
may be granted by the Jail Division Commander if:
o The other party is your spouse or a member of your immediate family
o Is not a co-defendant
If you wish to request this privilege, submit an Inmate Request Form.
Photographs may be received and retained by inmates under the following rules:
o The photograph may not be sexual in nature;
o The photograph shall be unframed and shall not exceed 4x6 inches in size;
o The photograph may not be from an instant camera;
o Photographs which are deemed capable of compromising the safety, security or
orderly running of the facility may be prohibited (i.e. gang stacking or gang signs);
o Photographs are not to be posted on walls, ceilings, or any fixtures of the facility;
they shall be kept in your personal belongings.
All outgoing mail must have a return address of the Henry County Jail or Henry County
Jail Annex which states the name of the inmate who is sending the mail.
Privileged mail correspondence with legal counsel, the courts, government agencies and
elected officials will be sealed by the inmate (out-going) and opened only in the inmate’s
presence and inspected for contraband (incoming). Privileged mail correspondence will
not be read or censored by staff members.
Writing supplies are available from the commissary. Supplies will be furnished free of
charge to any inmate upon request if the inmate is declared indigent and will be issued
once every fourteen (14) working days. (NOTE: To be considered “indigent” your personal inmate account must show a balance of $0.00 for a period of two weeks prior to requesting postage and supplies. Furthermore any funds received by you in the future
would be deducted from any assistance provided while you were indigent.)
Receiving packages and other acceptable items is done during the inmate’s normal mail
distribution hours by an Inmate Relations Officer. Acceptable packages may contain soft
covered books from a publisher or book store. All packages will be thoroughly inspected
for contraband and any attempts to receive or cause to have delivered any contraband
items will result in the banding of the person delivering the contraband and possible criminal prosecution of all parties involved.
Mail - Periodicals
Periodicals are not normally permitted for receipt by inmates due to the uncertainty of the
amount of time you may be at our facility. Periodicals cannot be forwarded by this agency
to a different location. If an inmate wishes to receive a periodical, he or she must submit
an Inmate Request Form stating which periodical the inmate wishes to receive and obtain
approval prior to an order being placed. Subscriptions must be paid for by the inmate’s
family or friends.
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Henry County Jail
Inmate Handbook
Since each issue of a periodical must be reviewed and all staples must be removed prior
to being given to an inmate, the processing times for periodicals may be extended.
Mail - Publications
Soft covered books may be purchased and sent direct from a publisher or bookstore. A
limit of three (3) books, including puzzle books (purchased from our inmate commissary),
may be in an inmate’s possession at one time. Should more books be received, they will
be placed with the inmate’s property and may be swapped out. Books that have been
read may be turned-in to family members and additional books received.
All publications received will be opened and inspected for contraband to ensure the safe
and secure operation of the facility.
Medical Services
Health and medical services will be provided by medically trained personnel under the authority and direction of a licensed physician.
An opportunity for medical care (sick call) will be conducted by medical personnel and the
licensed physician. Inmates requiring medical care should submit a written request on
the medical request form through the Kiosk machine which is located within each
Pod/Block. If you have a health Problem that needs medical attention it is your responsibility to complete a “sick call request.” The requests will be evaluated by the medical staff
in most cases within the next 24 hours.
Regular dental and psychological care will be provided through the sick call process unless it is deemed an emergency by the medical staff.
In case of emergencies, inmates shall notify jail staff, and the staff member will notify
medical to obtain emergency medical treatment.
Inmate accounts will make deductions from the inmate’s account to help pay for medical
services requested by an inmate. Medical services include visits to the nurse, physician,
dentist, or psychiatrist. $5.00 will be deducted from the inmate’s accounts for each
written request initiated by the inmate to visit with medical staff. Any inmate that is
considered indigent will be provided medical care. On follow-up appointments, you may
incur additional charges. It will be subject to the approval of the Medical Provider or
Health Service Administrator.
A consent for medical treatment form must be initiated by each inmate prior to examination or treatment by the licensed physician or medical personnel. Each inmate shall indicate consent or refusal for available medical treatment. Inmates are expected to cooperate with medical providers.
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Henry County Jail
Inmate Handbook
All medications that will be prescribed are approved by the licensed facility physician.
Medical personnel will ensure that medications are administered and taken as directed.
Medications will be dispensed by medical personnel according to the facility physician’s
instructions. Please be aware that medications are passed twice a day unless it is prescribed more frequently by the medical provider. It is your responsibility to be present to
obtain your medications. Medical providers will check inmate identification to dispense
medication.
Non-prescription medication may be purchased from the commissary in limited amounts
or if an inmate is declared indigent it may be provided by the medical staff upon submitting a written request and review by the medical staff.
Notary Service
Notary service is available upon written request, provided a notary is on duty. There will
be a $3.00 fee for notary service. This fee will be deducted from your inmate account.
Recreation
Inmates may participate in scheduled yard calls Monday through Friday except for holidays. Recreation may be restricted due to weather conditions, scheduling, or security issues.
Anytime inmates are outside their cell block they must be fully dressed in their issued uniform including their identification bracelet. All inmates will conduct themselves in an orderly manner, demonstrate self-control, and comply with the instructions and orders from
staff members during activities. Inmates creating a disturbance or hindering staff members from resolving disturbances will be subject to disciplinary sanctions.
The day room will not be utilized for workouts, with the exception of walking at a slow
pace.
Religious Activities
Inmates shall have an opportunity to express religious affiliations and beliefs and attend
voluntary worship services conducted within the facility. Inmates are expected to recognize and respect the religious preference of others.
Requests for conference with ministers for pastoral counseling, confessional, or the observance of religious rites must be approved and schedule conferences upon determination of a bona fide belief and practice.
Store
Since no packages are allowed from the outside, inmates may purchase items from the
inmate store. The commissary and their agents are solely responsible for any and all
products sold and are in no way affiliated with Henry County Sheriff’s Office, Henry County Jail, or any employees of Henry County.
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Henry County Jail
Inmate Handbook
Inmates may purchase available beverages, snacks, personal hygiene and clothing items
weekly from the commissary. You will be limited to a maximum commissary order of
$50.00 twice a week.
Commissary items will come in a clear plastic bag, inmates are to inspect without opening
to ensure that all items ordered are present. If an inmate believes all items are not present you must present the unopened bag to an officer so that they may assist you in making sure all items are present. Should a shortage occur annotate the white copy of the
store delivery sheet, and have the officer assisting sign it. The officer will forward it to Inmate Accounts. Credit or replacement should be accomplished within a week.
Inmates will have access to the commissary computer within each pod/block to place orders. Writing supplies, personal care, medicines, and clothing should never be restricted.
Snacks, beverages, condiments, and games may be restricted as the result of failure to
comply with rules or directions. Inmates on a restricted diet will not be allowed to purchase food or beverages that violate the diet. No exchanges or trades of commissary
items will be permitted after you have accepted them from the commissary.
Inmates placed in A-1/Isolation commissary items will be held for three (3) business days.
Within those three business days the inmate may contact a friend or family member to
pick up the commissary. If the inmate is housed in A-1/Isolation after the third business
day the commissary will be destroyed. No exceptions.
Inmates that go on loan to another facility commissary items will be held for 30 days. If
the inmate has not returned after the 30 days all food items will be destroyed with the exception of hygiene and stationery these items will be kept until the inmate returns. Once
the inmate returns it is the inmates responsibility to request any remaining items.
Upon release, the inmate will have ten (10) business days to pick-up commissary items if
the items are not picked up they will be destroyed after the 10th business day. No exceptions.
Money must be left for deposit prior to 6:00 am on Monday to make Monday’s store, and
prior to 6:00 am on Thursday to make Thursday’s store (your assigned day is based upon
your location pod/block and is posted over each store computer).
Telephones
Telephone calls from the Henry County Jail are recorded. By using the telephones, you
are consenting to have your calls monitored. In order to use the phone each inmate will
be issued a personal passcode (phone pin number) to access the phone system. It is the
responsibility of each inmate to keep the personal passcode (phone pin number) secure.
The Henry County Sheriff’s Office will not be held responsible or liable for
lost/stolen/borrowed passcode theft. We will also not investigate any missing phone time.
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Henry County Jail
Inmate Handbook
Telephone access for communications with family and friends is a privilege and can be
restricted. Phone service will not be turned on until cell cleanup activities are completed
to the satisfaction of the jail staff.
Personal telephone calls may be made from the collect phones available in each cell
block and will be limited to 25 minutes per person. If the person you are calling does not
accept the call you are making the call will not be completed. Your friends and family
may set up an account with Correctional Billing Services that will allow your calls to be
accepted. Their customer service center number is 1-800-844-6591 and at
www.CorrectionalBillingServices.com. The use of the telephones will be turned on after
the Officers are satisfied with daily cleaning.
Televisions
The use of televisions is a privilege. They will be turned on when the jail Officer in control
of an area is satisfied with the condition of the area. They will be turned off at 11:00 p.m.
every night. For special occasions, Supervisors may allow based on inmate behavior, the
televisions to stay on later for special occasions. The use of the televisions will be turned
on after the Officers are satisfied with daily cleaning.
Visitation
Inmates may have visitors according to an established schedule as long as the inmate
and his or her visitor comply with the following rules.
1. Visitors should report to the upstairs lobby to register for visitation.
2. Visitors must present a valid passport or government (US or state) issued picture
identification.
3. Juveniles must be accompanied by a parent, guardian, or custodian.
4. Juveniles will never be left unattended in visitation or the lobby.
5. Only one adult visitor is allowed at a time.
6. All visitors are required to turn over any authorized items for an inmate to the Inmate Relations Officer assigned to visitation before being allowed to visit.
7. All money being left for an inmate must be done by means of the kiosk machine in
the jail lobby.
8. No food, beverages, purses, bags, cell phones, cameras, drugs, or weapons are
permitted in the visitation area.
9. Proper attire is required for all visitors.
10. Visitors are subject to search.
11. It is a crime to come to the jail
a. While in possession of a weapon, drug, or alcohol
b. While under the influence of alcohol or drugs
c. To deliver to an inmate any weapon, drug, alcohol, or any contraband, including tobacco.
12. Inmates only receive 30 minutes for each visitation. Visitors should leave promptly
at the conclusion of the visit. They should exit through the jail lobby.
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Inmate Handbook
13. Any visitor who does not cooperate will not be allowed to visit.
14. Visits are subject to the good behavior of inmates. Any inmate who violates the
rules may have the privilege of visitation revoked. Visitors should remember
that if they cannot visit with an inmate because of a rule violation, it is the
inmate’s fault.
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Henry County Jail
Inmate Handbook
Commonly requested phone numbers and addresses
Bond companies
Jam Bonding Inc. 770-946-9134
Freedom Bail Bonding Co. Inc. 770-954-1791
Eagle Bonding, Co. 678-432-9538
Inmate Phones
Correctional Billing Service
1-800-844-6591 or
www.CorrectionalBillingServices.com
Money Deposits for Inmates
Jailatm.com or 404-902-5681
Henry County Sheriff’s Office
120 Henry Parkway
McDonough, GA 30253
770-288-7100 (Main)
770-288-7065/7083 (Inmate
Relations)
Lister & Holt
(Court Appointed Lawyers for
State Court)
115 Atlanta Street
McDonough, GA 30253
770-288-2558
Board of Pardons and Parole
Griffin Parole Office
1435 North Expressway
Suite 301
Griffin, GA 30223
770-229-3120
Henry County Superior Court
1 Courthouse Square
McDonough, GA 30253
770-288-8022
McDonough Municipal Court
369 Macon Street
McDonough, GA 30253
770-954-2872
State Probation (Felony)
165 McDonough Parkway
McDonough, GA 30253
770-954-2004
Henry County State Court
One Judicial Center
Suite 111
McDonough, GA 30253
770-288-7800
Locust Grove City Court
3644 Hwy 42
Locust Grove, GA 30248
770-957-7055
Sentinel Offender Services
(For probation from Henry
County State Court)
35 Atlanta Street
Suites 4A & 5A
McDonough, GA 30253
770-914-6961
Henry County Magistrate
One Judicial Center
Suite 260
McDonough, GA 30253
770-288-7700
Henry County District Attorney
One Courthouse Square
Second Floor, West Tower
McDonough, GA 30253
770-288-6400
Henry County Solicitor General’s Office
44 John Frank Ward Blvd.
Suite 350
McDonough, GA 30253
770-288-7178
Henry County Public Defender’s Office (Felonies)
30 Atlanta Street
McDonough, GA 30253
770-288-7460
Stockbridge City Court
4602 North Henry Boulevard
Stockbridge, GA 30281
770-389-7906
Henry County Police Department
108 S. Zack Hinton Parkway
McDonough, GA 30253
770-288-8200
McDonough Police Department
88 Keys Ferry Street
McDonough, GA 30253
770-957-1218
Hampton Police Department
4 McDonough Street
POB 400
Hampton, GA 30228
770-946-4513
Locust Grove Police Department
79 Frances Ward Drive
Locust Grove, GA 30248
770-957-7055
McDonough Probation (For
probation from McDonough
Municipal Court)
369 Macon Street
McDonough, GA 30253
770-954-2872
ZSI Probation Services, Inc
(For probation from Locust
Grove City Court& Stockbridge Municipal Court)
POB 34
760B – East Third Street
Jackson, GA 30233
770-504-0340
ZSI Probation Services, Inc
(For probation from Hampton
City Court)
235 East Slaton
Griffin, GA 30223
678-688-2888
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