Gov. Doug Ducey has no intention of cancelling bids for more private prison beds no matter what an investigation into recent rioting at a private facility near Kingman shows.
Various groups are claiming the disturbance, which forced the relocation of more than 1,000 inmates, underscores their contention that private prisons are a bad idea.
But, the governor’s press aide, Daniel Scarpinato said the delay in accepting bids for new private prison beds was only to provide time to investigate the rioting, early this month. He said with state prisons full, it’s a sure bet the state will be contracting for more private prison beds,
“The decision that's been made is we're not going to risk public safety. We're going to ensure public safety. And so if there's a need for more beds, we're going to need them. We're not going to release people from prison," Scarpinato said.
Scarpinato brushed aside suggestions that some people now being sent to prison could just as easily remain in the community under intensive probation. He said the governor would want to see specifics on what types of inmates would be released before even considering any such suggestion.