Private Prison Reform in New Mexico
Rather than rewarding rehabilitation and success, New Mexico’s guaranteed minimum occupancy payments to private prison operators incentivize cutting corners and warehousing inmates at the lowest possible cost.
It’s time to introduce accountability for private prisons through competition and contract reform.
THE SOLUTION
Performance-based contracts pay operators more if inmates recidivate less and become employed. New Mexico should rebid all contracts to be based on performance, aligning contract incentives with the success of the state correctional system.
WHY IT MATTERS
Basing contract terms on measurable outcomes would refocus criminal justice on effective rehabilitation, which would set incarcerated individuals up for success and improve community safety.
THE BOTTOM LINE:
New Mexico’s private prison operators need more competition and accountability to better serve the people of the Land of Enchantment.
Hold prisons accountable—Introduce performance-based contracts that pay prisons based on the results they achieve, aligning incentives with the goals of the state correctional system.