Pallone Statement on Justice Department Ending Use of Private Prisons

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 19, 2016


Washington, DC - Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) released the following statement after the Justice Department announced it will end contracts with private prisons.

“The Justice Department’s decision is an important step towards correcting the nation’s issues with mass incarceration. Last week’s Inspector General Report yet again demonstrated that private prisons suffer from a myriad of issues that run contrary to the mission of promoting public safety and rehabilitation. Profit motive has no place in our justice system.

“To build on these reforms, Congress must also enact comprehensive criminal justice reform to address the many other factors that have made the nation’s incarceration rate the highest in the world. I am thankful that President Obama and the Department of Justice have taken this necessary step and look forward to working with them as we move forward.”