GDC-Columbus Transitional Center (TC)

State Prison

Last Updated: February 23, 2024
Address
3900 Schatugla Rd, Columbus, GA 31907
Beds
182
County
Muscogee
Phone
706-568-2167
Fax
706-569-3115

Columbus TC is for State Prison offenders sentenced anywhere from one year to life by the State Court in the county where the charges were filed

All prisons and jails have Security or Custody levels depending on the inmate’s classification, sentence, and criminal history. Please review the rules and regulations for State - minimum facility.

The phone carrier is Securus Tech®, to see their rates and best-calling plans for your inmate to call you.

If you are unsure of your inmate's location, you can search and locate your inmate by typing in their last name, first name or first initial, and/or the offender ID number to get their accurate information immediately Registered Offenders

Satellite View of GDC-Columbus Transitional Center (TC)

You can support your loved ones at Columbus TC on InmateAid, if you have any immediate questions contact the facility directly at 706-568-2167.

Located at 3900 Schatugla Rd in Columbus, GA, Columbus TC carefully assigns inmates based on their custody level, considering factors like criminal history. Columbus TC offers diverse educational and vocational programs aimed at equipping offenders for successful reintegration into society and reducing recidivism. Through these initiatives, inmates gain skills and confidence, fostering personal growth and resilience.

When someone you care about ends up in a state prison, it can be tough to navigate the ins and outs of the system. From figuring out how to stay in touch to understanding what you can do to make their time easier, it can feel overwhelming. That's where this webpage comes in handy. It's here to help you get the lowdown on GDC-Columbus Transitional Center (TC) so you can stay connected and support your loved one during their time inside.

Communication is important, the prison offers a phone program for outbound calls only, with inmates unable to receive incoming calls. Accepting collect calls can be expensive, sometimes exceeding $10 per call. Click here for discounts on inmate calls, especially if the communication with your inmate is frequent. It's important to remember that all phone calls are recorded, and discussing sensitive legal matters over these lines is discouraged.

While incarcerated, reading is often the best use of time. Please note that books and magazines, puzzles, and word searches ordered for inmates must come directly from the publisher. This policy ensures that the items are new, untampered, and comply with the facility's regulations. Prisons and jails enforce this rule to prevent the introduction of contraband or prohibited materials. By restricting orders to publishers, the facility can better maintain security and control over the content entering the institution. Any books or magazines not received directly from the publisher will be rejected and not delivered to the inmate. You may, however, send letters and selfies to inmates with this easy-to-use app, packages starting at only $8.00.

The Columbus TC, with a capacity of 182 residents, was opened in 2005 and operates under a minimum security level. It was renovated in 2006. The center's mission is to protect society by providing community residential services to residents before their discharge from incarceration. Hosted by Rutledge State Prison, its primary goals are to foster self-discipline and promote the skills necessary for a positive re-entry into the community.

Housing at the Columbus Transitional Center comprises two units. One unit consists of open bays for new arrivals, while the other includes two and four-man rooms for work release residents.

All residents at the Columbus Transitional Center are assigned to work details following an orientation phase.

The center offers various programs to its residents, including academic support such as a General Education Diploma and Workforce Readiness. Counseling services include individual and group counseling, re-entry programs, Moral Recognition Therapy, and Matrix Model Early Recovery. Recreation activities are also provided for general well-being. Religious activities encompass worship services, Bible study, and spiritual counseling. Additionally, vocational and on-the-job training programs are available, including re-entry programs, job readiness, World Of Works, Vocational Rehabilitation Services, and support from organizations like the Veterans Administration and Department of Labor. These programs aim to equip residents with the necessary skills and support for a successful transition back into the community.

Inmate Locator

Columbus TC maintains a database of current inmates and their locations within the system. To locate an inmate, begin by using the DOC locator tool, which requires entering the first three letters of the inmate's first and last name, allowing for variations in spelling.

If unable to locate the desired information through free resources, users may opt to use the Arrest Record Search, which requires payment. While this option incurs a small fee, it provides access to the most up-to-date data available.

Get an Arrest Record immediately.

Visitation Information

Time of Visits

  • 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
  • Saturday, Sunday & State Holidays

The first step in the visitation process is to become an approved visitor. To do so, you must first fill out the Visitation Request Form and submit a completed form to the facility where your loved one is incarcerated. Please include a copy of supporting documentation (photo id, marriage license, and birth certificate) along with the application. Consent forms must be notarized before they can be processed. All visitors must apply regardless of age. They must also be mailed to the facility where the offender is currently housed (email forms will not be accepted).

Visitation Resources

Dress Code - For adults: No tank tops, no mesh or see-through clothing, t-shirts cannot be sleeveless. No chest, shoulders, or stomach exposed. A skirt may not be more than 2 inches above the knee. No stretch pants or shorts may be worn. Only children are permitted to wear shorts. No Contraband is Permitted

Top 3 Reasons for Visitor Arrests: Cell phones, Drugs, and Tobacco

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I stay connected with an inmate at GDC-Columbus Transitional Center (TC)?
Staying connected is vital for an inmate’s morale and rehabilitation. You can write letters, send photos, and postcards through approved services, such as InmateAid’s mailing app. Inmates can also make outgoing phone calls via a pre-paid account, allowing regular communication. Additionally, you can deposit funds into their commissary account to enable them to purchase essentials like snacks, toiletries, and phone credits.


What are the visitation policies for the detention center?
Visitation is offered on specific days based on housing assignments and must be scheduled in advance. Visitors must bring valid photo identification and adhere to strict dress codes. For added convenience, remote video visitation is available, allowing loved ones to connect without needing to travel to the facility. Contact visits are generally restricted unless authorized by the administration.


How do I deposit money into an inmate’s commissary account?
Depositing funds can be done online, via facility kiosks, or by mailing a money order. Platforms like ConnectNetwork simplify the process, ensuring funds are quickly added to the inmate’s account. These deposits allow inmates to purchase commissary items or services like phone calls and video chats.


What items can I send to my inmate?
Approved items include books, magazines, and personal letters. Books and magazines must be shipped directly from the publisher or an approved vendor. Ensure that personal letters do not contain inappropriate content, as this will result in rejection. Always check the facility’s guidelines for prohibited materials before sending mail.


Can inmates receive care packages?
Yes, inmates can receive care packages, but they must be sent through authorized third-party vendors approved by Madison County Detention Center. These packages typically include items like snacks, hygiene products, and other essentials that comply with facility regulations.


What programs and services are available to inmates?
The detention center provides various programs to support inmate rehabilitation, including GED preparation, life skills courses, and religious services. Access to legal resources, medical care, and commissary services is also available, helping inmates address immediate needs while preparing for reintegration into the community.


How can I set up phone communication with an inmate?
Inmates can place outgoing calls through the facility’s pre-paid phone service. Family and friends are encouraged to establish an account with the service provider to manage communication costs. All calls are monitored for security purposes, and discussing sensitive legal matters over these lines is discouraged.


What happens during the booking process?
During booking, arrestees are fingerprinted, photographed, and medically screened. Their personal property is inventoried and securely stored until release. Housing assignments are determined based on classification, ensuring the safety and well-being of all individuals in custody.

Ask The Inmate

Connect directly with former inmates and get your questions answered for free. Gain valuable insights from individuals with firsthand experience in the federal prison system, state and county jails, and GEO and CoreCivic-run private prisons. Whether you're seeking advice, clarification, or just curious about life behind bars, this unique opportunity allows you to ask questions or explore answers to previous inquiries from the InmateAid community. Engage in meaningful discussions and get informed perspectives from those who truly understand the system.