Winslow optimistic about benefits from new prison
WINSLOW, Ariz. - LaSalle Corrections based out of Louisiana, has submitted a proposal to the Arizona Department of Corrections to build a correctional facility in south Winslow. The prison would initially have 1,000 beds located on a 68-acre site, which is zoned for a prison. A Conditional Use Permit for correctional facilities has been acquired and Winslow has adequate infrastructure, including water, wastewater and sewer services to support the project.
One of Winslow's advantages for establishing a prison are the excellent transportation options here. There is Interstate 40 and rail, for surface transport and an airport providing the facility for non-surface transport.
Winslow City Manager Jim Ferguson, is very excited about the proposal. He stated, "The city of Winslow is delighted to be teamed with LaSalle Corrections in seeking this new facility from the state. LaSalle has excellent recommendations from the other jurisdictions in which they operate and has a unique management philosophy focusing on the transition of inmates back into society. One of their facilities in Louisiana was the first to graduate inmates from Celebrate Recovery Inside, a 10-month program. Since then, they have had several graduations at their facilities and nearly 1,000 inmates are either participating in or have graduated from CRI which has been very effective in reducing recidivism rates.
LaSalle has even hired mental health counselors and chaplains at their own expense without reimbursements from the jurisdictions where they operate. On their medical staff is Dr. Pamela Hearn who since 2006 has served as the Health Services Commissioner of Accreditation for the American Correctional Association. Also on staff is Dr. Kenneth Mauterer who in 2004 was named Country Doctor of the year in the United States. LaSalle's senior staff and wardens consists of persons with 20 to 30 years of experience within the corrections industry, several of whom are former directors and deputy directors of Departments of Corrections and former wardens. LaSalle received very high recommendations from the former Directors of Department of Corrections in the states in which they have operated.
The state will have an option to purchase the facility from LaSalle Corrections or LaSalle can operate the correctional facility with its staff. LaSalle's description of their capabilities is as follows: LaSalle Corrections provides minimum to medium security correctional services for local, state and federal law enforcement agencies. Managing a detention center requires a dynamic mix of special skills and experience. Our operations integrate qualified personnel and the critical resources necessary to provide the services our partners and the public expect. From facilities management, office administration, food service, commissary, laundry, transportation and logistical support, to inmate security and healthcare, we ensure professional and proper stewardship of our responsibilities.
The proposed prison would provide 200 non-entry level jobs for the Winslow area. The wages would be largely spent in the Winslow area, providing a multiplier effect on the economy. An added benefit from the facility would be the availability of inmate labor for city and private use, at the rate or $0.50 per hour. The inmates would naturally be supplied with a supervisor.
LaSalle Corrections currently operates 11 jails and correctional centers in the U.S.
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