Dear editor,

The authors of the Dec. 11 op-ed “Private prisons’ time has come and gone” demonstrate basic ignorance about America’s criminal justice system and instead spread baseless myths to advance their mission, as stated in their organization’s name: “Abolish Private Prisons.”

First, according to the U.S. Department of Justice, just 7.4% of incarcerated people are cared for in contractor-operated facilities. Governments first began utilizing contractors to help address unsafe, unconstitutional conditions in the public correctional system — including severe overcrowding that was endangering lives. Since then, contractors have partnered with Democratic and Republican-led governments and are proud to be a part of the solution to these public policy challenges.

Second, it is judges, juries, parole boards, and elected officials who determine the length and conditions of an individual’s incarceration, not contractors. Our members have long-standing, zero-tolerance policies against lobbying on policies, regulations or legislation that impact the basis for or duration of an individual’s incarceration or detention.

Finally, contractors invest millions into innovative programs that prepare incarcerated men and women to successfully re-enter their communities upon release. Every day, contractors serve tens of thousands of inmates with rehabilitation, education, faith-based and other re-entry programming – totaling millions of hours annually.

One would be hard-pressed to know any of these important facts from listening to critics.

There are important criminal justice issues to address in America today, but this critical discussion must be based on reality and facts, not inaccurate and inflammatory rhetoric.