© 2024 Michigan State University Board of Trustees
Public Media from Michigan State University
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

MI Prison Owner GEO Faced Problems in Other States

Jail
kconnors
/
morgueFile

A private company that a federal investigation found allowed "a cesspool" of conditions to exist at a Mississippi youth prison could be in line to oversee Michigan inmates.Legislation awaiting passage in the Michigan House would require the Department of Corrections to close a prison and send 1,200 inmates to a private facility if it could save at least 10 percent.
 
Florida-based GEO Group is the only company that owns a private prison in Michigan.
 
Its Baldwin facility was built in 1998 as a private lockup for youthful offenders. The state ended the contract in 2005 when it found it could house the youths for less money in state-run prisons.
 
The House bill doesn't specify that GEO get the contract.  The bill was introduced by Newaygo Rep. Jon Bumstead.

Journalism at this station is made possible by donors who value local reporting. Donate today to keep stories like this one coming. It is thanks to your generosity that we can keep this content free and accessible for everyone. Thanks!