The Real Cost of Prisons Weblog

The contract with Corrections Corp. of America would provide up to 720 beds at a private prison in Oklahoma, at a cost of $54 per inmate per day.

The rate is higher than the $51.91 per inmate per day that Colorado pays for housing inmates at in-state private prisons, three of which are also run by CCA.

Last month, officials with the DOC said they would likely start sending 200 to 300 Colorado inmates to Oklahoma this month, since all the available beds in the state will be filled.

The announcement was news to the JBC, which had been assured by the department earlier this year that it would increase the number of in-state prison beds by double-bunking inmates.

Thursday, committee members had concerns about the cost of monitoring and transporting prisoners out of state, as well as the apparent lack of planning on the part of the DOC.

However, all but one of the committee members decided to grant the request since the state would need additional beds next year, and there were fears that the cost of contracting would go up if other states, such as California, are bidding on the same beds.

In granting the request Thursday, the JBC also said it plans to send a letter to the DOC stating the committee wants to revisit the department's bed plan.

Another letter would also be sent suggesting that the DOC should refrain from spending $3.5 million that had been appropriated for the double-bunking plan.

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/drmn/local/article/0,1299,DRMN_15_5046692,0
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