NCJ Number
132745
Journal
Corrections Compendium Volume: 14 Issue: 1 Dated: (January-February 1989) Pages: 1,6-8
Date Published
1989
Length
4 pages
Annotation
Turning surplus military bases into new Federal and State prisons may become a widespread solution to prison overcrowding.
Abstract
Although the total conversion of any military base from military to corrections may take a long time, some space on military bases is already being used to house prisoners. Prison camps operate at some Air Force bases, housing low-risk prisoners who provide labor for grounds maintenance and other work. The conversion of military bases was one of Bush's campaign positions, although no specific plans have yet been released. However, the need for additional space is clear. Both Federal and State prisons are experiencing rapid inmate population increases, and most States are currently under court orders or consent decrees to relieve overcrowding and conditions that violate prisoners' rights. In addition, correctional spending has risen 20.2 percent since 1987, compared to 15.6 percent for school budgets. However, partial or total conversion of military bases will require both Congressional legislation and strategies to overcome the objections of the National Federation of Federal Employees; they argue that inexpensive inmate labor has resulted in civilian job losses at military bases.