The Private Prison Project
The private correctional industry as we now see it grew out of eighties privatization fervor. Like so many corporate promises, the prospect of a quick fix has gotten many a government “partner” to sign on.
Over two-thirds of immigrant detention facilities are privately-managed. A steady number of state and local facilities are also under contract with for-profit operators. And, though the privatization of prisons has been controversial for decades, the current administration is poised to expand the industry.
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LEARN MORE
Delve into the dirty details of corporate corrections.
Browse through our archive of stories and public records requests to learn more about the history of private prisons, new developments, and other facts about one of the most secretive industries in operation today.
Five myths of the private prison industry
Five concerns about private prisons from the ‘80s that are still valid today
Five ways private prisons break the rules - and get away with it
HOW CAN YOU HELP?
Whether you want to donate dollars, thoughts, or feedback, we’re happy to have you here and interested.
Five ways to contribute to the private prison project.
THE PRIVATE PRISON PRIMER
Learn more about the growth and maintenance of private interests sustained by bodies under lock and key.
How is this even legal? - Part One and Part Two
Who regulates this? - Part One and Part Two
Stolen shoes and the Kingman riots - Part One and Part Two
A tale of two prison towns - Part One and Part Two
At what cost? - Part One and Part Two
What are we really signing on for? - Part One, Part Two, Part Three, and Part Four
99 Articles
![Homeland Security IG can’t compel safer immigration detention facilities fast enough](https://cdn.muckrock.com/news_images/2019/07/31/DHScov.jpg.900x300_q85_crop.jpg)
Homeland Security IG can’t compel safer immigration detention facilities fast enough
MuckRock wants to learn more about the operations of these immigration detention facilities, private and public. If you’re a group local to a facility and want to help our effort, let us know.
![Private prisons face new challenges as states move to limit ICE operations](https://cdn.muckrock.com/news_images/2019/06/25/ICEcov.jpg.900x300_q85_crop.jpg)
Private prisons face new challenges as states move to limit ICE operations
Last Friday, lawmakers made two major moves in challenging the use of privately-owned detention centers and prisons in the United States.
![Bureau of Prisons announces over $1 billion in contracts for Texas private prison](https://cdn.muckrock.com/news_images/2019/05/08/RCDC.jpg.900x300_q85_crop.jpg)
Bureau of Prisons announces over $1 billion in contracts for Texas private prison
The Bureau of Prisons has announced four awards related to its operations at the Reeves County Detention Complex in Texas. In total, the agreements are worth more than $1.3 billion over the life of the contracts, which could remain active for up to ten years.
76 Requests
Completed
2000 - Present DCRP forms submitted by CCA Montana facilities
Beryl Lipton sent this request to the Department of Corrections of Montana
Completed
2000 - Present DCRP forms submitted by CCA Ohio facilities
Beryl Lipton sent this request to the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction of Ohio
Completed
2013 - 2015 GSA, ICE, BOP, USMS City Building Permits
Beryl Lipton sent this request to the City of McFarland of Mcfarland, CA
Completed
2014 General Services Administration City Building Permits
Beryl Lipton sent this request to the City of McAllen of McAllen, TX
Completed
Agreements and supplemental materials re: sale of Adelanto Detention Facility
Beryl Lipton sent this request to the City of Adelanto of Adelanto, CA
Completed
All communications between ACA's Caitlin Mann and UDC representatives
Beryl Lipton sent this request to the Department of Corrections of Utah