As a correctional officer for 22 years, I can confidently say that Gov. Mike Dunleavy’s decision to send Alaskans to out-of-state private prisons undermines public safety in Alaska. It will break up families, increase recidivism, and result in more crime and more Alaska victims. Here are some reasons why Palmer Correctional Center and Alaska Police Standards-certified professional correctional officers should be utilized instead of the state sending millions of dollars Outside to incarcerate Alaskans in out-of-state private prisons:
• Three of Alaska’s worst gangs were brought back to Alaska’s jails when inmates warehoused in out-of-state private prisons returned: the Low Lifes, Native Brotherhood and 1488s.
• Many states have ended their contracts with private prisons. Iowa, Illinois, California and New York, and the local governments of Pima County, King County, Tucson, Denver and the country of Israel have all banned the use of private prisons.
• In 2018, President Donald Trump signed a bipartisan criminal justice bill that requires federal prisoners be incarcerated no more than 500 miles from their primary residence.
• A Florida study found that prisoners receiving visitors were 31% less likely to commit another crime than those who did not.
• Alaskans have a long history of voting against the use of private prisons.
• A Minnesota Department of Corrections study found that prisoners incarcerated in private prisons were 22% more likely to be convicted again. An Oklahoma study found that imprisonment in a private prison increased the likelihood a person would commit another crime after release by up to 16.7%.
• Alaska’s current programming efforts have a positive impact on recidivism and are saving the state money. In 2017, the Alaska Justice Information Center conducted a cost analysis which found, “Overall, Alaska offers adult criminal justice programs with impressive recidivism reduction effects.”
• Private prisons cut corners and shift costs to the state to increase their profits.
• Alaska has previously fallen victim to private prison corruption that resulted in a federal investigation, multiple convictions and one Alaska legislator going to prison.
The administration’s failure over the past months to hire correctional officers and their decision to utilize private prisons runs counter to public safety. The problems with private prisons in Alaska and in the Lower 48 are well documented. The Legislature has already designated funds for Palmer Correctional Center. Gov. Dunleavy should honor the Legislature’s decision to reopen Palmer Correctional Center instead of prioritizing private prisons over public safety.
— Randy McLellan
President, Alaska Correctional Officers Association
Wasilla
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