Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Corrections James Donald insists that the cut backs in the state wide budget have not affected security at Hays State Prison in Pennville.

Donald said " (Budget cutbacks) have nothing to do with what happened here."  Donald also said that Hays Prison is adequately staffed and that the correctional officers have the tools they need to keep the public safe.

Repeated questions from the media, along with questions from former prison workers and some current prison workers (that wish to remain anonymous) have lead the Department of Corrections to take a defensive position in regards to the budget cuts and the affect they have had on the prison.