Georgia's Fast Track Facilities

Georgia has funded new facility designs - termed "Fast Track" - in order to deal with the prison population increase. From the Valdosta Daily:

Designed to house 256 inmates, the Fast Tracks were funded by the General Assembly four years ago to address the growth in the prison population and optimize current prison infrastructure, according to a press release from the Department of Corrections. The facilities, which are much larger than typical prison facilities, are expected to increase bed capacity for Georgia prisons by 1,800 by the end of the fiscal year.

The Fast Track design features an elevated control center located in the center of four dormitories, which allow clear visual observation of the entire facility. Restrooms and recreation areas are also brought forward to improve observation by security staff. Doors to each dormitory recreation area can be opened automatically from the control center as well.

Because of the improved infrastructure design, the department is able to open each of the Fast Tracks with fewer than 25 correctional officers compared to previous designs that require a security personnel staff of more than 40. There is also no requirement for additional food service, maintenance, administration or medical operations since the existing infrastructure will be leveraged.

I wish they had some pictures attached. I'm always interested in innovative prison architectural designs that allow for reduced staff.