CCA Announces Closure of Prairie Correctional Facility
On Friday, December 4, CCA announced its intention to cease operations at the company-owned Prairie Correctional Facility, located in Appleton, Minn. The facility is expected to close on or about February 1, 2010.
“As your new CEO, I do not like taking this action, especially during this season,” said Damon Hininger, CCA president and chief executive officer. “Many on our team have deeply struggled with this decision, so I assure you we do not take this lightly, because we know that employees, families and the Appleton community will be affected.”
The 1,600-bed prison has served inmates from the states of Washington and Minnesota this year. Due to newly available capacity in the states’ systems, both of the respective Departments of Corrections have been gradually reducing the populations held at the Prairie correctional facility. Remaining inmates will be leaving the prison by the end of January 2010.
CCA management has been actively pursuing opportunities with other state partners to use available bed space, but has been unsuccessful in finding a government agency that has an immediate need.
“It is our hope and desire that this action is only temporary and that we will be able to bring the facility back into full operations,” Hininger said. “Our company is committed to finding another government partner for this prison. This action is in no way related to the current operational management of the facility.”
“In addition to consistently protecting the community, CCA has also provided important rehabilitation programs for inmates, and we have been a good steward of the taxpayers’ dollars,” said Tim Wengler, warden of Prairie Correctional Facility.
CCA has been a fixture in the Appleton, Minn., community for more than 13 years; the facility first opened in 1996.
“In our years of partnership with the community of Appleton, we have been honored to have hired and worked with some of the finest professionals in the corrections industry,” said Brian Collins, CCA executive vice president and chief human resources officer. “We are proud to have provided careers to hundreds of hardworking people who represent the best of who we are as a company. The professionalism and dedication of employees is a source of tremendous pride and accomplishment for all of us, including our partners.”
As a national company, CCA is offering lateral transfers and promotional opportunities to employees who seek to remain with the company. CCA operates 64 other correctional facilities across the country in 19 states and plans to host a career fair at the Prairie facility this month to help employees learn more about opportunities within the company and at other employers in the local area.
“I know that this news comes at a very unfortunate time, with the holidays,” Wengler said. “It will be difficult on employees and their families, and we all understand this. We are grateful to the local community of Appleton, which has been an active and welcoming community partner to CCA. We value the volunteers who have provided rehabilitation services to our inmates, the Community Relations Committee members who have been advocates for our prison, and the neighbors, elected officials, business owners and community activists who have helped us play an important role in this city.”
Do you have words of support for your fellow CCA employees at Prairie? Want to share thoughts of encouragement? If so, please leave a comment.
Sound Out
Louise Grant at FSC:
To the employees at Prairie, I've had my thoughts and prayers on you and your families. I've read the countless positive articles about your strong work, both in the facility and in the community over the years. The Communications dept. is here to assist in any way.
Gerald Holcomb at Bent County Correctional Facility:
My thoughts are with all those at PCF and the immediate community which is soon to be affected by this tragic loss of a fellow facility. I know that the facility will not be out for very long. It takes loosing something before you notice how important it really was. And I hope our government partners will see this. Everyone at Prairie is family to CCA, and family will always stand up for eachother. God Bless you all!
Justin Ruff at Central Arizona Detention Center:
Thank you for your loyal service to the company and community. As these challenging times come to you and your family, remember that there is always light at the end of the tunnel. Everyone here at CADC wishes you well and will strive to display the OUTSTANDING service that you all have displayed for so long. Thank you.