1970s
In 1973, the County prison was known as the Public Works Camp, or more popularly, the PWC. The facility had two dormitories that housed 112 inmates. The type of work performed by the inmates was primarily patching pot holes in paved roads, building and repairing wooden bridges, and cutting right-of-ways. The department also operated a farm, slaughterhouse, cannery, and smokehouse that provided food for the inmate population.

1980s
In 1984, the prison became known as the Correctional Institution. The building was expanded, adding 120 beds in two additional dormitories. The expansion included a day room, inside isolation cells, and additional office space. The expansion was jointly funded by the Georgia Department of Corrections to help relieve overcrowding in the state system.

In 1985, because of increasing pressure from the federal courts to reduce overcrowding at the County jail, the Correctional Institution began housing pre-trial detainees in two modular housing units. Detainees were housed here until 1991 when the new Detention Center was opened. Fines imposed by the courts were returned to the County and used to purchase the modular units. The additional housing was used to expand the Work Release Program.

1990s
Abandoned by the Sheriff’s Department with the opening of the new Detention Center, the Department of Corrections assumed control of the old County jail and converted it into a Diversion Center. After several months of renovation, it opened in March 1992 with 170 beds and a staff of 18 personnel. With the removal of the Work Release Program participants from the Correctional Institution, the capacity for inmates was increased to 262.

Due to increasing need for bed space at the Diversion Center, 60 additional beds were added in 1995 using two mobile housing units.

In 1996, James L. Kraus, a 22-year veteran with the Gwinnett County Police Department, was named the sixth warden to lead the Department of Corrections.

In 1998, plans for a new state-of-the-art facility had begun. Land belonging to both the State of Georgia and Gwinnett County was identified directly across from the existing institution and deemed to be satisfactory for the new facility.

History of Wardens

Clyde N. Phillips            1939 – 1971
Fred Banks                   1971 – 1981
Gary Lancaster              1981 – 1987
Michael Barkhurst          1987 – 1992
Sandra Blount                1993 – 1996
James L. Kraus             1996 – 2008
David W. Peek               2008 – 2013
Darrell Johnson              2013 – Present