Idaho Governor C.L. Otter announced on Friday that the state will take over control of their largest privately-operated prison due to multiple issues, The Idaho Statesman reported.
Gov. Otter discussed the decision at a preview of the upcoming legislative session held by the Associated Press, citing understaffing, several lawsuits, and a criminal investigation into contract fraud.
Idaho contracted Corrections Corporation of America (CCA) to run the prison since it was built in 1997. The 2,080-bed prison, located south of Boise, costs taxpayers $29 million per year.
The prison has been hit with several lawsuits due to excessive violence, understaffing, gang activity, and contract fraud -- some of which led to federal court orders to improve their conditions.
Last year, CCA admitted to lying on staffing reports that were handed to the state, falsifying hours completed by staff members that were actually vacant positions. In addition, an investigation by the AP showed records of guards working shifts that were also vacant.
"In recognition of what's happened, what's happening, it's necessary. It's the right thing to do," Otter said.
Following reports of falsifying documents, the Idaho Department of Correction and the Idaho State Police launched an investigation into contract fraud.
The CCA adminstration has promised to cooperate with officials and acknowledged that a total of 4,800 hours of guard posts were left unstaffed. They announced in the fall they would not bid on the next contract to run the prison after their contract expires in June.
According to the Statesman, Otter previously advocated for the privatization of prisons.
"It's disappointing because I am a champion of privatization," Otter said. "But you will see ... I'm asking the Board (of Correction) to also engage in listing those non-custodial duties at the prison that could be privatized, such as food, education and outreach.
"The priority, however, is to engage in a management plan where we will be able to take over by June 30," he said.
