Reforming Our Incarceration System To Eliminate Private Prisons

Jan 29, 2021

Summary

Stops the government from using private companies to run prisons to reduce the number of people in jail and improve safety and rehabilitation.

What problem does this solve?

Too many people are in jail, especially people of color, and private prisons are often less safe and provide fewer helpful programs than government-run ones. This order tells the government to stop renewing its contracts with private prisons, aiming to improve conditions and focus on helping people re-enter society.

What does this order do?

Ends federal contracts with private prisons

Directs the Attorney General to not renew Department of Justice contracts with privately operated criminal detention facilities.

Reduces profit-based incentives to incarcerate

States a policy to decrease incarceration levels by phasing out the federal government's reliance on privately operated criminal detention facilities.

Improves safety and rehabilitation

Highlights that private prisons underperform in safety, security, and rehabilitation programs compared to federal facilities, and aims to fix this.

Who does this affect?

Federally incarcerated individuals
Private prison companies
Correctional staff

What is the real world impact?

•

Reduces the profit motive in the justice system

Aims to decrease the number of people in jail by removing the financial incentive for private companies to keep prisons full. This shifts the focus to rehabilitation instead of profit.

When does this start?

This order takes effect immediately on January 26, 2021, with the non-renewal of contracts happening as they expire.