Why Partnership Prisons?

Correctional partnerships bring states the highest quality at the best value, with flexibility, strict guidelines, strong accountability and constant government oversight.

Partnership prisons work with states to combine the oversight and accountability of government with the efficiency and cost effectiveness of private business. That’s why state, federal, and local governments turn to CCA to build, manage and maintain partnership correctional facilities throughout the United States.

Public-private partnerships are not a new idea. Whether we realize it or not, the efficiency and effectiveness they produce impact our lives every day. Governments count on the business world to provide important services in education, energy, health care, waste management and more. Government at all levels have joined with companies to help manage and operate toll roads, air traffic control, airport security, charter schools, parking meters and broadband Internet access. Such partnerships seek to ensure that everyone benefits – the government agency, the partnering company and, most critically, the nation’s families and communities.

Correctional partnerships have been an effective instrument in the “toolbox” of government for more than three decades. Federal, state and local agencies partnering with CCA realize the substantial cost savings, track record of professionalism, quality rehabilitation and ongoing innovation that partnership prisons offer.

Three federal agencies, nearly half of all states and a dozen counties join with CCA in correctional partnerships for many reasons. Here are the top 10.

• Longevity. CCA is the industry’s longest-running leader in the partnership prison business. Founded in 1983, CCA has been partnering with federal, state and local government for more than a quarter century.
  
• Credibility. CCA has been consistently recognized by respected national publications. Forbes Magazine has ranked CCA as one of America’s “Best Big Companies” and named it the winner in the “Business Services and Supplies” category. Corporate Responsibility Officer Magazine has recognized CCA among the nation’s “Best Corporate Citizens.”
• High standards. CCA operates according to its own exacting standards as well as the strict guidelines, detailed requirements and ongoing oversight of government partners. Routine audits and contract monitoring reflect CCA’s “Commitment to Safety and Security.” The American Correctional Association, the highly respected international corrections organization, has accredited more than 90 percent of CCA’s correctional facilities. These facilities have achieved an average score of 99.3 percent, based on more than 500 rated standards in administrative and fiscal controls, staff training and development, physical plant, safety and emergency procedures, sanitation, food service, and rules and discipline. CCA also meets the standards of the National Commission on Correctional Healthcare, the nation’s leading organization in ensuring quality health services in prisons, jails and detention facilities.
• Utmost Professionalism. CCA hires the best and brightest correctional professionals to operate its facilities. The company provides its 16,00+ employees with full-scale training that prepares them before they begin their correctional careers and ongoing annual training that keeps these skills fresh and up to date. Employees also benefit from specialized security training, company-supported professional certifications and more. In fact, G.I. Jobs magazine for several years has ranked CCA as one of America’s “Top Military-Friendly Employers” for its commitment in recruiting and retaining military veterans.
• Speed. It typically takes states four to five years to build a new prison. CCA can design, build and begin operating a new partnership prison in 12-18 months. Long-time relationships with some of the nation’s best architectural, construction and technology firms – plus CCA’s own innovative approaches – make this accelerated time frame possible.
• Flexibility. As a partnership prison provider, CCA is a bridge to the efficiencies of the business world for government. CCA customizes contracts based on the needs of the partnering agency and the inmate population. Such flexibility may be found in the design of a building, the staffing of a facility, even the dietary menu offered to the inmate population. In times of crisis, such as a natural disaster, like hurricanes and tropical storms, or as a relief valve to solve issues like overcrowding, CCA can quickly accommodate inmate populations.
• Cost savings. Partnership prisons provide high quality, safe and secure prisons at a savings of 5-20 percent to taxpayers. This savings means governments have more money to support fundamental public needs like schools, hospitals, roads, libraries and parks.
• Humane Treatment and Rehabilitation. CCA’s partnership prisons help relieve overcrowding, a common yet dangerous issue facing many correctional systems today. With full staffing and sufficient space, CCA prisons help maintain security for inmates, staff and the community in a safer setting. CCA believes that inmates should be provided effective rehabilitation opportunities that will prepare them to be productive citizens when they’re released from prison. Academic education in literary, GRE preparation and college courses help inmates become well-rounded and more knowledgeable. Vocational training in carpentry, masonry, painting, construction and other trades prepare inmates to earn a living. Life skills training in parenting, budgeting and communication help inmates successfully navigate life beyond the walls. Substance abuse programs help inmates overcome addictions and get on a path toward long-term sobriety.
• Security. Safety and security are CCA’s primary goals. Communities and families deserve to be safe. Inmates and employees must be safe in a secure correctional facility. The latest technology, highly trained corrections staff, integrated crisis response plans with emergency authorities
• Accountability. CCA understands that the call for accountability is high because, in corrections, the stakes are high. CCA is held to the same strict standards and ongoing oversight of government agencies. CCA objectively and consistently evaluates compliance with its own exacting requirements. Unannounced operational audits by company and contract monitors, accreditation reviews by the ACA, annual drills with fire, law enforcement and other agencies, and other assessments ensure constant compliance and high quality operations.