Legal Commentary

1,000 Inmates Riot at Texas Private Federal Prison

By Jeralyn

For the second time in a month, there's a riot underway at a private Texas prison.

This time it's the Reeves County Detention Center in West Texas. More than 1,000 prisoners are involved. The prison is run by The GEO Group, based in Boca Raton, Fla. Here's a list of the prisons they operate in the U.S.

The Reeves County Detention Center, according to GEO, is low security and houses 2,400 inmates. Check out its description of programs -- almost sounds like a cross between rehab, summer camp and a hotel:

Programs offered at the facility include classes in electrical repair, typing, basic computer skills, basic home wiring, GED classes, and “English as a second language” classes.

There are also vocational programs such as auto mechanics and horticulture. These programs help keep the inmates busy and productive, and provide skills that play an important role in reducing recidivism upon release. Our Substance Abuse Counselors are highly qualified and experienced, and provide high quality drug and alcohol counseling. Recreational activities available to inmates include leather and hobby crafts, the opportunity to play in one of several inmate bands, and the opportunity to participate in sporting tournaments.

Things can't be that good if 1,000 of the residents are rioting.

Update: Yesterday, at a GEO run private prison in Indiana, a guard was arrested for helping a prisoner escape. The company was also named in that strange indictment out of Texas charging Dick Cheney and Alberto Gonzales.

Here's a "rap sheet" on GEO, formerly known as Wackenhut. (The immigrant detention center in Denver/Aurora used to be run by Wackenhut. It's now owned by GEO which will be adding 1,100 beds in 2009. You can read all about how well GEO is doing despite the terrible economy in this transcript of their 3rd quarter earnings call.

Full post as published by TalkLeft on February 01, 2009 (boomark / email).