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For Rent: 2,000 Cells, Meals Included

NCJ Number
166163
Journal
Corrections Compendium Volume: 21 Issue: 3 Dated: (March 1996) Pages: 1-3
Author(s)
D Bryan
Date Published
1996
Length
3 pages
Annotation
This article examines issues surrounding the trend of relieving jail overcrowding in one State by transferring inmates to another State with jail space available.
Abstract
In 1994-95, Texas initiated a $1.5-billion-dollar prison expansion project, completing 43 new construction projects that resulted in more than 70,000 new prison beds. State inmates that were being housed in jails due to lack of State prison space were then placed in the new prisons, leaving the Texas jails with the problem of finding new tenants to make up lost revenue. To make up for this potential revenue loss, Texas jails searched the United States for new tenants. Some jails launched massive advertising campaigns that targeted States with overcrowding problems. Apparently the advertising campaigns have been successful, since States all over the country are sending their inmates to Texas. States that have responded to the Texas offer argue that placing inmates in out-of-State prisons is cheaper than building, operating, and maintaining new maximum-security prisons. Opponents of this policy argue that inmates are isolated from family and friends, which undermines their rehabilitation and successful reintegration upon release. They also advise that conditions and programs in the out-of-State facilities cannot be monitored nor controlled by the home States. On January 31, 1996, U.S. District Judge John Conway granted a temporary restraining order to New Mexico inmates, blocking the New Mexico Corrections Department from sending more inmates to Texas. In addition, Conway ordered a court-appointed special master to visit the Texas jails and report on whether conditions there meet requirements outlined in a consent decree that governs prison conditions in New Mexico. Thus, the issues surrounding out-of- State inmate transfers are far from resolved. Another issue that must eventually be addressed is what will happen when the renter States no longer have available space for rent. 18 notes