Letter: Privatizing prisons just doesn’t work

Friday, April 16, 2004 | 8:58 a.m.

Nevada is faced with a serious challenge at the women's prison in North Las Vegas. Corrections Corp. of America has dropped the ball just like other private "guard" companies have across the United States. More and more states are realizing the horrors of the private prison industry.

The Nevada Corrections Association has sent another privatization report to members of the Legislative Interim Finance Committee in the hope of deterring the bid process to private companies for the women's facility. Our message to the committee is clear: Let the lawmakers of Nevada send a signal to other states that Nevada has zero tolerance for prison privatization.

Nevada has the opportunity to rid itself of this serious public safety concern. Private prisons don't work. The cost seems cheaper, and the concept is appealing to some hard-line politicians. Public safety and the proper care and management of inmates, however, should never be for sale. State-run facilities and trained correctional peace officers ensure a drastic decline in the liability issue and provide the public sector with some peace of mind. Profit, private prison stocks and shortcuts will only cost in the long run.

The hopes are that the Nevada Corrections Department, with the backing of true correctional organizations and the public, will fight tooth and nail for the state to regain control of the women's facility. The next step is to approach the Legislature with a "Privatization Act" that would guarantee inmates be housed only in state facilities. This is the time to make the case loud and clear to end prison privatization in this state.

GENE COLUMBUS Carson City

Editor's note: Gene Columbus is president of the Nevada Corrections Association.