PRIVATE CORRECTIONS INDUSTRY NEWS BULLETIN

Vol. 1 - No.7 Reportil1g 011 PriSOI1 Privatizatiol1 and Related Issues December 1998

Cover-Up Uncovered at CCA Prison

Last July the Wisconsin cor­ had used inappropriate force. "Our Despite the abuse and cover­ rections department began sending folks uncovered the cover-up," said up, Sullivan stated he still intends state prisoners to a CCA facility in DOC spokesman Bill Clausius. to send more Wisconsin inmates Whiteville, Tennessee. On August 5 On Nov. 10 Sullivan acknow­ to the Whiteville facility and to a a rookie officer at the privately-run ledged that inmates at the Whiteville CCA prison in Oklahoma. Wisconsin prison, Jerry Reeves, was attacked facility had been abused. He said his has been transferring prisoners out and seriously injured by Wisconsin previous denial was based on the of state for the past several years inmates (see PCINB, Sept. 1998, "apparent forthrightness" of CCA due to overcrowding in its corrections pg.7). Four prisoners subsequently staff, and accused the company of system; 2,400 inmates are presently claimed that they had been beaten, withholding information. According housed in other jurisdictions. maced and shocked with stun guns to Sullivan 15 to 20 inmates were The Wisconsin corrections de­ by CCA staff members who inter­ mistreated by CCA officers - the partment is in the process of hiring rogated them about the attack. prisoners were slammed against a four full-time monitors for out-of­ Two days after the allegations wall, one was struck in the groin and state contract prisons. "Certainly be­ of abuse were made public, the at least two were shocked with stun cause of this activity [at Whiteville] warden at the Whiteville prison guns or stun shields. we will have a large presence there traveled to Wisconsin to assure state Sullivan announced that his in both announced and unannounced officials that the complaints were staff had submitted their fmdings to visits," said Sullivan. groundless. At that time, in October, law enforcement authorities, whom A delegation of five Wisconsin Wisconsin Corrections Secretary he expects will "fully investigate the legislators visited the CCA facility Michael Sullivan denied that in­ cover-up of these incidents" at the after the abuse and cover-up were mates at the privately-run facility CCA facility. The FBI has launched disclosed. Although it was supposed had been abused. an investigation which is expected to to be a surprise inspection CCA had However, Sullivan sent a team conclude in December. The prison's learned they were coming, and the of corrections officials to Tennessee security chief and seven other em­ lawmakers were greeted by prison to conduct their own investigation. ployees were frred; according to CCA and corporate officials. Following After questioning more than fifty spokeswoman Susan Hart the com­ the visit four of the five delegation inmates and prison staff members pany has a "zero tolerance policy" for members, all Republicans, said they they concluded that CCA employees inappropriate use of force. saw no reason to [continued¢]

co 1998 - P.C.I. News Bulletin, 3 I 93-A Parthenon Avenue, Nashville, TN 37203 p.e.I. News Bulletin 2 December 1998

stop sending inmates to the private Georgia Inmates Praise ADMI NISTRI VIA prison. Rep. Spencer Coggs, a Dem­ Private Prison ocrat, argued the transfers should be The P.C.I. News Blllletin (PCINB) is discontinued until state and federal At least some Georgia pri­ a monthly publication that reports on investigations are complete. soners are pleased with the state's prison privatization and related issues. On December 2 a Wisconsin first privately-operated prison, a $38 primarily within the United States. legislative committee authorized al­ million 750-bed facility in Charlton most $2 million to send 477 more County. Inmates at the D. Ray James Copyright prisoners to out-of-state facilities; State Prison, run by Houston-based PCINB is copyright © 1998. Non-profit according to Corrections SecretaI)' Cornell Corrections, laud conditions organizations and individuals acting on Michael Sullivan the transfers are at the facility in comparison with the their behalf arc granted permission to likely to continue for at least a dec­ state corrections system They cite reprint or copy any materials included ade. Sen. Brian Burke objected to amenities such as salt and pepper in PCINB provided that source credit is doing further business with CCA. "If shakers and napkins on the tables in given and that such copies are for non­ the world of privatized prisons were the cafeteria. commercial pwposes only - all other truly free market, we would not be Cornell officials say privileges persons are required to obtain written have made inmates happier, which permission from PCINB before any re­ rewarding the Corrections Corp. of prints or copies legally can be made. America for bad behavior," he said. reduces security problems and thus Wisconsin Governor Tommy cuts costs. "In most state prisons PCINB will happily and enthusiastically Thompson reportedly viewed the the wardens do not talk to the in­ pursue legal action against copyright abuse of prisoners at the Whiteville mates," said Cornell warden Lovell violators, and will provide a reward to facility as a serious but isolated in­ Hudson, who walks unaccompanied persons who report copyright violations cident. Chief of staff John Matthews about the facility and engages in that result in successful litigation or said the governor "recognizes that conversations with prisoners. "But if settlements, as determincd by PCINB. these things can happen anywhere in you don't want to talk to them, you any institution, public or private. ,. don't know what's going on." Address Gov. Thompson received a $2,500 "I'd much rather stay here," remarked inmate Arthaniel Johnson, P.C.I. News Bulletin. 3193-A Parthenon campaign contribution from CCA noting that there are fewer rules and Avenue, Nashville, Tenncssee 37203. C.E.O. Doctor R. Crants on Sept. 2, regulations at the private prison. after the abuse at Whiteville had There may be another reason why Legal Stuff occurred and before the cover-up was prisoners prefer conditions at the The information presented in this pub­ revealed and reported. Cornell facility: less brutality. lication is not intended to supplant the Jerry Reeves, the correctional In April 1998 the Georgia services I advice of legal or corrections­ officer whose beating led to the Dept. of Corrections agreed to pay related professionals. The editors of and interrogation and abuse of inmates $283,500 to settle a lawsuit stem­ contributors to PCINB disclaim any lia­ by CCA staff members, remains in bility.loss or risk, personal or otherwise. ming from widespread shakedowns critical but stable condition. Nine conducted by tactical squads at state incurred as a direct or indirect consequ­ Wisconsin prisoners are expected ence of the use and application of any of prisons in which inmates were beat­ the contents of this newsletter. So there. to be indicted on felony charges by en and injured. T ennessec authorities in connection State officials have conducted with the attack that left Reeves hos­ two audits of the Cornell facility pitalized. 0 since it opened in October, citing WANTED lax security procedures among other Sources: The Tennessean, Nov. II, Articles, clippings and news reports problems. 0 1998; Milwaukee Journal Senttnel. regarding the private corrections in­ Nov. 11, 12, Dec. 3, 1998; Knoxville Sources: U.S.A. Today, December 31, dustry - please include the source News-Sentinel, November 12, 1998; 1998; The Jackson Sun, Nov. 22, and date of all materials submitted. US.A. Today, Nov. II, Dec. 3,1998. 1998; Prison Legal News, Oct. 1998. p.e.!. News Bulletin 3 December 1998

Department of Justice Sues Louisiana Other Private Corrections Industry Resources On Nov. 5 the U.S. Dept. of company on behalf of up to fifty Justice filed suit against Louisiana juveniles at Tallulah, secking dam­ Corrections and Criminal Justice due to conditions in the state's faci­ ages for injuries caused by guards. Coalition (CCJC), Route 2, Box lities for juvenile offenders, citing According to federal officials 1 144, Harpers Feny, WV 25425 excessive levels of violence and in­ the Dept. of Justice sued Louisiana (888) 315-8784; www.ccjc.com. adequate medical and mental health following unsuccessful negotiations A consortiwn of anti-privatization care. The civil rights lawsuit further in which the state failed or refused correctional employees' unions. alleges that youths are held in isola­ to take corrective action. Points of tion cells and are not provided with contention include lowering guard­ Corrections USA (CUSA), P.O. sufficient educational services. to-inmate ratios, addressing use-of­ Box 394, Newton, NH 03858 The suit follows two damning force concerns, and hiring more (603) 382-9707; www.cusa.org. reports by federal investigators who special education teachers. State A non-profit association affiliated found deficiencies in Louisiana's officials claim that problems at the with correctional officers' unions; four juvenile prisons. "At the mom­ juvenile facilities have been ex­ opposes prison privatization. ent it is clear that federal court action aggerated. TransAmeriean Develop­ is the only way to protect juveniles ment has complained that the cost Prison Refonn Trust, 15 North­ in Louisiana's secure correctional of complying with improvements burgh Street, 2nd Floor, London, facilities from unlawful conditions," demanded by the Justice Depart­ EC I V OJR England; phone: 011- said Bill Lann Lee, acting Assistant ment would put the company out of 44-171-251-5070; e-mail: prt@ Attorney General for Civil Rights in business. prisonrefonn.demon.co.uk. Publishes Baton Rouge. The state of Louisiana also the Prison Privatisation Report Int '/ Singled out for criticism in the faces a lawsuit filed by the Juvenile (PPRl), which covers news about investigative reports and subsequent Justice Project, which represents 12 the private corrections industry in juveniles at Tallulah who seek im­ the U.S. and abroad. lawsuit was the Tallulah Correc­ tional Center for Youth, a privately­ proved conditions. A trial is set for run juvenile facility that has been February 22, 1999. As of December Private Corrections Project, Center 14, management of the Tallulah for Studies in Criminology and troubled by violence and brutality facility is being contracted to the Law, Univ. of Florida, Gainesville, (see PCINB, Aug. 1998, pg.2). The Florida-based Correctional Services FL 32611 (352) 392-1025; web state took over operations at Tallulah Corporation. 0 site: web.crim.uf1.cdlpcp. Conducts last July after a disturbance by juv­ research into prison privatization. enile offenders and the resignation Sources: The New York Times, Nov. Note that the Project receives fund­ of the prison's warden. There since 6, 1998; The Dallas Morning News, ing from the private corrections in­ have been complaints that some of Nov. 6, 15, 1998; U.S.A. Today, Dec. dustry; Prof. Charles W. Thomas, the state guards are more abusive 11, 1998. director of the Project, is a board than the privately-employed guards member of Prison Realty Trust. they replaced. Tallulah initially was operat­ Reason Foundation, 3415 S. Sep­ ed by TransAmerican Development PROTEST PLANNED ulveda Blvd. #400, Los Angeles, Associates, a politically-connected CA 90034 (310) 391-2245; www. firm that opened the facility with Corrections USA will hold its next reason.org. A libertarian think­ a no-bid contract in 1994. Trans­ annual conference in Miami and will tank that favors prison privatiz­ American Development is namcd as be demonstrating at the corporate ation. Note that the Foundation a defendant in the Justice Depart­ offices of Wackenhut Corrections receives funding from the private ment's lawsuit. Monroe attorney from Feb. 4-6, 1999. Contact CUSA corrections industry - including Scott Wolleson has announced that for details (see far left column). CCA, Wackenhut and Securicor. he also plans to file suit against the P.C.I. News Bulletin 4 December 1998

INS Detainees in TX CCA, D.C. Settle News Abroad Stage Protest Differences

A group of immigration de­ The District of Columbia has Government officials in Ontario, tainees at a privately-operated INS dropped legal action that it planned Canada announced in October that facility in Laredo, Texas, upset that to pursue against CCA after reaching a 1,600-bed "super-jail" being built they were not allowed to return to an agreement with the company. at Maplehurst will not be privately their homes in Central American CCA and District officials had dis­ operated. "There arc a whole range countries that had been ravaged by agreed as to which party should of issues around privatization that Hurricane Mitch, staged a protest pay. for responding to a class-action have not been properly addressed, on November 24. lawsuit filed by D.C. inmates at the and public safety is number one," According to INS spokesman company's Northeast Ohio Correc­ said Solicitor Gen. Bob Runciman. Tomas Zuniga some of the detainees tional Center in Youngstown. The The Ontario Public Service Employ­ refused to cat breakfast and shouted suit, which alleges failure to protect ees Union, which opposes prison obscenities at the guards; nine de­ and inadequate medical care, names privatization, had cited problems at tainees then barricaded themselves both CCA and the District's Dept. of CCA's Youngstown, Ohio facility. in a dormitory by stacking tables and Corrections as defendants. Source: PPRl, Nov.lDee. 1998. chairs against the door. D.C. officials contended that At least 75 U.S. Border Patrol CCA did not provide legal counsel to represent the District or produce A contract between Wackenhut agents responded to the disturbance to prevent violence and potential proof of insurance that protects and the Canadian province of New escapes. A special emergency squad them from liability, in violation of Brunswick to build and operate the with riot shields and batons even­ the company's contract. The District Miramichi Youth Facility has prov­ tually regained control using tear had filed a complaint with the Con­ en more expensive than if the pro­ gas and physical force. No injuries tract Appeals Board and announced ject had been publicly financed. were reported; six of the detainees plans to seek a temporary restraining Auditor-General Daryl Wilson de­ were later transferred to the Webb order from D.C. Superior Court be­ termined that the project resulted in County Jail. fore resolving the matter. additional expenses of C$404,379 The 350-bed Laredo Deten­ "We are committed to work­ instead of C$2.8 million in savings tion Center is operated by CCA and ing with CCA in the future," stated claimed by the government. Source: primarily houses illegal immigrants George Valentine, deputy corpora­ PPRl, Nov.lDec. 1998. awaiting extradition or seeking pol­ tion counsel for the District. Neither itical asylum. The detainees who par­ CCA nor D.C. officials would com­ At a special conference held Nov. ticipated in the protest reportedly ment on the specifics of the agree­ 12 the Prison Officers Association, were worried about their hurricane­ ment, although CCA spokeswoman a correctional employees' union in stricken families and angry about Susan Hart said the company had England, announced it would seek a suspension on deportations that fulfilled its contractual obligations. to recruit workers at privately-run prevented them from returning to A court conference to discuss facilities. While the union opposes their home countries. settlement of the Youngstown law­ suit is scheduled for December 23. privatization it recognized the need CCA spokeswoman Margaret Approximately 1,500 D.C. inmates to represent private prison staff as Fernandez said the detention center are incarcerated at the Youngstown part of its overall strategy. In May was operating normally by late after­ facility, which has been plagued by the British government announced noon on November 25. 0 violence and other problems since that all new correctional facilities Sourees: U.S.A. Today, November it opened in May 1997.0 will be privately operated. Source: 25, 1998; Immigration News Brief, Prison Report (U.K), Dec. 1998. Nov. 1998 (citing The San Antonio Source: The Tennessean, December Express-News, Nov. 24, 1998). 22,1998. P.C.I. News Bulletin 5 December 1998

Prison Privatization Report Released In the News In 1997 Congress instructed not offer compelling evidence of the Attorney General's office to superiority," say the authors. These A plan to build a privately-operated undertake a study of prison pri­ findings are consistent with a 1996 800-bed prison near Fort Greely, a vatization, to include a review of report by the General Accounting military base south of Fairbanks, legal issues and existing research Office which found mixed results Alaska, is undergoing public dis­ regarding cost effectiveness. The and little evidence that prison pri­ cussion. Fort Greely is being down­ study was conducted by Abt As­ vatization results in cost savings. sized and nearby Delta Junction is sociates, Inc. through a cooperative The report further addresses looking for a new source of jobs. agreement with the National Institute various legal topies relevant to the Source: US.A. Today, Dec. I, 1998. of Corrections, and the resulting re­ private prison industJy, including port, entitled "Private Prisons in liability, employee/organized labor CCA has contracted to build a $45 the United States: An Assessment issues, use-of-force policies, inmate million 1,524-bed prison in McRac, of Current Practice," was released in industJy programs, and contractual Georgia. Thc facility, which is ex­ October 1998. issues. Regulatory laws for private peeted to open Feb. 2000, will hold The report presents a com­ prison operators are discussed using minimum-security state and county prehensive overview of prison pri­ an Ohio statute enacted in March prisoners. Source: The Tennessean, vatization based on a survey of the 1998 as an example. December 8, 1998. Federal Bureau of Prisons, Puerto The report includes extensive Rico, the District of Columbia and footnotes with references and case 48 states. Only Alaska and Maine law, bibliographies, statistical data, The state of Washington plans to did not respond; the report does not and the results of the Abt Associates send 500-600 inmates to privately­ encompasslocalgovenunents. survey of state and federal correc­ operated prisons in Colorado; the Previous studies of prison tions departments. Three appendices transfers are expected to take place privatization conducted in Arizona, provide supplemental information in Janumy '99. Source: Prison Legal Louisiana, Tennessee, Florida and about legal issues involving prison News (correspondence). Texas are evaluated and critiqued. privatization and previous studies of The report notes that methodological privately-run prisons conducted in The District of Columbia Zoning problems in the studies make it New Mexico, Kentucky, California Commission's hearing on CCA's difficult to assess privately-operated and Massachusetts. request to re-zone its Ward 8 pro­ facilities vis-a-vis public prisons. The acting Assistant Attorney perty so the company can build Other factors also preclude accurate General described the Abt Associ­ a prison has been postponed until comparisons - e.g., differences in ates report as being a "careful and March 18. Source: U.S.A. Today, the security classification of inmates thorough review of prior research," December 8, 1998. in public and private prisons. "Some and praised it for presenting a "val­ of the more extravagant claims made uable framework for the additional on behalf of prison privatization can research needed on the comparative CCA has announced plans to build be traced to inappropriate handling cost and quality of private versus a $45 million, 750-bed facility in of these issues," the authors of the public prison operations." Martin Co., Indiana. The company report state. Copies of the 200+ page re­ spent a year evaluating sites and The report concludes there is port are available from the Bureau weighing public opinion, and chose insufficient data to assess the cost of Prisons, Office of Public Affairs, Martin County after facing vocal effectiveness and performance qual­ 320 1st St. N.W., Washington, DC opposition in Orange Co. Sources: ity of private prisons. "Only a few 20534, by written request. 0 U.S.A. Today, November 25, Dec. of the more than a hundred privately 10, 1998. operated facilities in existence have Sources: PPRl, Nov.lDcc. 1998; Abt been studied, and these studies do Associates report. p.e.!. News Bulletin 6 December 1998

TN Lawmakers Address Private Prison Issues A Doubtful Thomas?

A Tennessee legislator, con­ Oversight Committee, announced Much of the statistical and cerned about the Department of that "comprehensive legislation" re­ academic information concerning Correction's slow pace in pursuing garding the private corrections in­ prison privatization that is reported prison construction, has accused the dusby would be introduced next in the media - and relied upon by governor's administration of stone­ year and would affect both privately­ lawmakers - comes from Professor walling to create an opportunity for operated adult and juvenile prisons. Charles W. Thomas, director of the private prison companies to step in. Approximately 80% of the juvenile Private Corrections Project at the During a December 4 meeting of offenders in state custody are housed University of Florida, Gainesville. the Select Oversight Committee on in private facilities. In a 1996 interview with The Corrections, DOC officials acknow­ The Committee also requested National Times Thomas admitted he ledged that the projccted growth of a full report on the Oct. 12 escape of had invested in "substantially all" of the state's inmate population will four Tennessee prisoners from the the private corrections companies, exceed available prison space within CCA-run South Central Correctional though he refused to say how much. five years and that construction of a Center, noting that guards evidenily On April 25, 1997 The Wall Street new facility had been delayed. dido't notice the break-out for up to Journal reported that Thomas was State Senator Pete Springer three hours. "It sounds ... as if some­ being named a board member of the criticized DOC Commissioner Donal one was aslcep, and if that's the case CCA Prison Realty Trust - he re­ Campbell for not being farther along I want to know how much overtime ceives an annual salary of $12,000 in building a 1,676-bed prison due that person worked that week," said with options to buy 5,000 shares to open by 2001. Seven or eight Senator Bob Rochelle. of stock. The chairman of Prison counties have offered land for the An investigation into the es­ Realty, Doctor R. Crants, is also the facility but there have been only two cape is complete, but DOC Com­ chairman and C.E.O. of CCA. Prison follow-ups and no site visits. Sen. missioner Donal Campbell said he Realty and CCA plan to merge in Springer, an outspoken opponent of had not yet seen the final report. January 1999 (see pg. 7). privatization, questioned whether the Campbell also stated he dido't know According to a Prison Realty delay would force the state to con­ if his department had taken any document filed with the SEC on Oct. tract with private prison companies action against CCA as a result of the 16, 1998, "Charles W. Thomas, a to avoid an overcrowding problem. break-out, or whether the company member of the Prison Realty Board "What concerns me a great deal had made security improvements. and a director of New Prison Realty, is if the state has no specific plan on Pam Hobbins, a DOC spokes­ has performed and will continue to where we're going, that leads credence woman, later acknowledged that perform, certain consulting services for someone to step forward and say Comm. Campbell had received the in connection with the merger for a we have a better plan," remarked Sen. final investigative report; however, fee of $3 million." Springer. she said it would not be released An ethics complaint was filed A spokesman for the gover­ to the public because it was con­ against Professor Thomas for his nor's office said there is still time fidential. Senator Kyle observed that financial involvement with the pri­ to build the prison by the original this was "a perfect example of the vate corrections industry while con­ deadline. Governor Sundquist, who public's right to know about issues ducting research in that field The has business and political ties to of public safety" in relation to pri­ Florida Attorney General's office has CCA, supported a bill to privatize up vate prisons, which is an issue that referred the complaint to the Division to 70% of the state's prison systcm; he intends to address during the next of Administrative Hearings. Thomas the bill failed to pass last April and legislative session. 0 denies there is a conflict of interest. 0 the governor said he would not pur­ sue prison privatization in 1999. Sources: Commercial Appeal (TN), Sources: PPRl, Nov.lDec. 1998; The Addressing a related issue, December 5, 1998; The Jackson Sun, National Times, Sept. 1996; The Wall Senator Jim Kyle, chairman of the November 25, 1998. Street Journal, April 25, 1997. p.e.I. News Bulletin 7 December 1998

CCA-Prison Realty Merger Approved

A merger between Corrections Institutional Shareholder Ser­ Prison Realty. Sixty-two percent of Corp. of America and Prison Realty vices, a Washington, D.C.-based CCA's outstanding shares voted in Trust was approved by shareholders investment advisory service, rec­ favor of the merger; 11 % opposed in both companies on Dec. I and ommended that CCA shareholders the merger and 27% did not vote. Dec. 3, respectively. CCA had spun vote against the merger but that An overwhelming 82% of Prison off Prison Realty, a real estate in­ Prison Realty investors vote for the Realty's shares voted to approve the vestment trust, in July 1997, then merger. CCA faces several indivi­ merger. announced merger plans last April dual shareholder suits which claim The merger will convert each (seePCINB, June 1998, pg.4). the merger favors corporate ex­ share of Prison Realty Trust into one The CCA-Prison Realty mer­ ecutives - including CCA C.E.O. share of a new trust company, the ger was opposed by an organi7.e

Judge Blocks Private CCS Experiences CCA May Pay $1.3m Prison Sale Ups, Downs in "Non-Fines"

On Nov. 18 an Ohio judge Children's Comprehensive Ser­ Last April CCA was charged prevented CCA from selling the vices (CCS), a Nashville-based com­ with contract violations at the com­ company's Northeast Ohio Cor­ pany that provides education and pany's Correctional Treatment Faci­ rectional Center in Youngstown to treatment programs for at-risk youth lity, a District of Columbia prison its sister corporation, Prison Realty and secure confmement for juvenile medical center. D.C. investigators Trust. Mahoning County Common offenders, has contracted with the cited a shortage of guards and med­ Pleas Judge John Durkin issued a Ohio Dept. of Youth Services to ication at the facility and recom­ tempormy restraining order on the operate a 300-bed facility for female mended $1.3 million in fines. request of the Youngstown school adolescents. The contract will gener­ On November 14 D.C. Dept. district, which claims that CCA is ate around $3.7 million in revenue of Corrections spokesperson Danyl trying to hand otT its responsibility over the next three years. J. Madden denied claims that the for the private prison. At the beginning of December agency had forgiven the proposed Martin Hughes, the attorney CCS's stock fell by almost 50% monetmy penalties but also disputed representing the school district, said before rebounding to $9.72, down they were fines. "I wouldn't charac­ CCA deceived Youngstown officials $2.72, after the company announced terize them as fmes," he stated. CCA because the company agreed to over­ that earnings would be hurt due to board member (and former D.C. see the prison if the city provided problems at a juvenile facility in political insider) Joseph F. Johnson tax incentives. Youngstown gave Butte, Montana. agreed, saying, "They were defici­ CCA $11 million in real property C.E.O. Bill Ballard said he ex­ encies cited. They never rose to the tax breaks and sold the company pected quarterly profits to slip be­ level of being fines." 100 acres of land for $1.00. cause it had taken longer than an­ Madden said the department CCA 's sale of the facility is ticipated to restore operations at the is reviewing the contract violations unrelated to the company's merger Montana facility, where two youths and noted that CCA still may have with Prison Realty (see pg.7). 0 had committed suicide. 0 to pay the non-fmes. 0

Source: The Beacon-.!ournal (OH), Sources: The Tennessean, December Source: The Tennessean, November November 20, 1998. 4, 16, 1998. 15, 1998.

Colorado Seeks Fifth Private Prison

Discussions about building a Mayor Lucero and local business­ company to come in and build the privately-operated prison south of owner Ray Francis about the pos­ facility. The town is relying on a Antonito, Colorado have received a sibility of constructing a women's shortage of bed space in the state's "pretty positive" response according facility with up to 1,000 beds. corrections system. to Mayor Carla Lucero. The town Francis is the chairman of a town Four private prisons already board is considering whether they board-appointed economic develop­ operate in Colorado, including CCA should build a prison on property ment committee. facilities at Olney Springs, Las owned by the Bureau of Land Miller stated the BLM would Animas and Walsenburg, and a Management (BLM), which they likely sell 160 acres to the town for Correctional Services Corporation would contract to a private prison a prison, though the sale would re­ prison at Burlington. 0 operator. quire a property appraisal. "We're Bill Miller, a BLM official, making headway," said Francis, who Source: The Pueblo Chiefton (CO), said the agency was approached by noted they need a private prison November 25, 1998.