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The Private Prison Project is an effort to use public records laws around the country to draw attention to the gaps and blocks in accountability around the for-profit detention industry. By contributing, you’ll be helping us fund fees and release records to policy makers, journalists, lawyers, and curious individuals nationwide.

The private correctional industry as we now see it grew out of eighties privatization fervor. Like so many corporate promises, the prospect of a quick fix has gotten many a government “partner” to sign on.

Over two-thirds of immigrant detention facilities are privately-managed. A steady number of state and local facilities are also under contract with for-profit operators. And, though the privatization of prisons has been controversial for decades, the current administration is poised to expand the industry.

Want to learn more about how we got here? Want to stay on top of where it’s going? Check out our previous articles and sign up for our mailing list.

LEARN MORE

Delve into the dirty details of corporate corrections.

Browse through our archive of stories and public records requests to learn more about the history of private prisons, new developments, and other facts about one of the most secretive industries in operation today.

Five myths of the private prison industry

Five concerns about private prisons from the ‘80s that are still valid today

Five ways private prisons break the rules - and get away with it

HOW CAN YOU HELP?

Whether you want to donate dollars, thoughts, or feedback, we’re happy to have you here and interested.

Five ways to contribute to the private prison project.

THE PRIVATE PRISON PRIMER

Learn more about the growth and maintenance of private interests sustained by bodies under lock and key.

How is this even legal? - Part One and Part Two

Who regulates this? - Part One and Part Two

Stolen shoes and the Kingman riots - Part One and Part Two

A tale of two prison towns - Part One and Part Two

At what cost? - Part One and Part Two

What are we really signing on for? - Part One, Part Two, Part Three, and Part Four

All prisons are private prisons.