ATLANTA - The Georgia Bureau of Investigation is looking into allegations of abuse at several Georgia prisons.

GBI spokesman John Bankhead said Thursday that the Georgia Department of Corrections has asked the GBI to investigate.

The Georgia Department of Corrections was forced to lock down four prisons last month after authorities discovered that inmates were launching the protest seeking better work and living conditions.

The Concerned Coalition to Respect Prisoners' Rights sent a letter to state officials Thursday claiming that three inmates were beaten by guards during the protest. The state Department of Corrections denies the allegations.

Bankhead said there's no timeline for when the investigation will be completed.