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Letter to Representatives supporting cosponsorship of H.R. 2305, the Public Safety Act

June 13, 2005

Dear Representative:

On behalf of the 1.4 million members of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) and over 60,000 state and local corrections personnel that we represent, I am writing to urge you to become a cosponsor of H.R. 2305, the Public Safety Act. This legislation ensures that core correctional services related to the operation of correctional facilities and the incarceration of inmates are not provided by non-governmental private entities.

Incarcerating criminals is one of the most fundamental government responsibilities. Allowing private entities the authority to use force, especially deadly force, raises a host of troubling constitutional and civil rights questions. Furthermore, a private entity paid on a per diem basis should not be in a position to make recommendations to parole boards or make decisions that would lengthen the prisoner's sentence that would increase their profits.

The persistent problems with inadequate training of guards, abusive treatment of prisoners and careless security that led to the introduction of the legislation still exist today. Documented escapes of rapists and murderers and rioting in private prisons jeopardize the safety of those inside the facility as well as neighboring communities.

The claim that the private prison industry provides the same quality services for a less money is simply wrong. The corporate giants in the corrections field increase the costs per inmate once they secure the contract and the state loses the ability to perform the work. To stay in business, private prisons continue to put profit over prison and community safety by hiring fewer staff and cutting back on services. These dangerous practices endanger the local communities. Unfortunately, states lack the ability to provide adequate oversight of these facilities.

Please add your support for safe, humane and cost-effective incarceration of inmates by signing on to H.R. 2305, the Public Safety Act. For additional information, or to become a cosponsor, please contact Janetta King with Representative Strickland at 5-5705 or contact Jayne Clancy, AFSCME Legislative Affairs Representative. Thank you in advance for your support.

Sincerely,


Charles M. Loveless
Director of Legislation

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