Providing Relief for Prison Overcrowding – Managing Inmates Beyond State Lines, with In-State Oversight

When it comes to prisons, nothing is more important than the safety and security of America’s families and communities. Unfortunately, many prisons in America are outdated and overcrowded – presenting a clear, serious threat to safety. And experts predict the inmate population will rise for years to come.

As budgets tighten and states and local governments try to do more with less, the overcrowding in our nation’s prison system grows more serious every day. When too many inmates are crammed in too little space, the safety and security of prison personnel and inmates are threatened. Overcrowding makes the environment tenser and more stressful, creating a “powder keg” effect that significantly increases the odds inmates will act out in dangerous ways.

Overcrowded prisons also mean overextended resources. Inmates may lack opportunities to participate in critical rehabilitation programs that will help them become productive citizens when they’re released from prison. Overcrowding can lead to the reduction or elimination of substance abuse treatment programs, GED classes and job skills training for inmates.

One solution could be to construct new prisons. But building new prisons takes lots of capital and time many governments don’t have. They need a sensible solution now.

Prison partnerships offer that solution right away. No long approval processes, no costly, extended construction phases and no delays. Providing a relief value to overcrowded facilities enables states to move inmates to correctional facilities in other locations – prisons with enough space to house inmates safely and humanely.

These CCA facilities are fully staffed with well-trained professionals who are equipped to provide care and maintain security, have strong oversight from the government and can do all of this for much less than it costs to build a new prison.

Benefits of Managing Inmates Out of State

For more than 20 years, CCA has provided out-of-state solutions for a number of our partners. Today, several states partner with CCA to manage inmates in this way.

Managing inmates out of state is a smart, safe and efficient solution to overcrowding. The benefits are many and include:

• Safe and secure transportation of inmates to and from out-of-state correctional facilities.

• Strict oversight, ongoing reporting and public accountability that combine the high standards of government with the efficiency and innovation of business.

• Cost savings that leave more money for states to build new schools, better hospitals, adequate roads, improved parks and modern libraries.

• Effective rehabilitation programs and high quality inmate services designed and delivered according to government partners’ needs, requirements and expectations.

• Technology, like video visitation, that promotes communication and relationship-building between inmates and their families; this capability also reduces the expenses and potential security risks of off-site court appearances and medical assessments since such services can be provided virtually.

• Extended visitation hours for inmates’ families.

• Recreation programs and outlets that seek to preserve inmates’ unique culture, where applicable.