Five private prison operators are interested in taking over the Kingman facility. They are vying for the rest of the contract after Arizona Governor Doug Ducey removed Management and Training Corporation.
A report by the Arizona Department of Corrections on the prison found MTC was in violation of several policies and procedures. The investigation into the complex was triggered by riots in early July that damaged large parts of the prison.
Corrections Corporation of America, The GEO Group Inc. and Emerald Companies already operate facilities in Arizona. Community Education Centers and LaSalle Corrections see this contract as a way to expand into the state.
LaSalle Managing Director Billy McConnell said his company can turn the prison around.
“It takes a lifetime to build your reputation and it takes one bad accident or incident to lose your reputation," he said. "We can handle the facility. We feel like we can come in and make a difference.”
McConnell said LaSalle Corrections has tried unsuccessfully to expand into Arizona in the past. The company operates 17 facilities in Louisiana, Texas and Georgia. Representatives from these five companies are scheduled to tour the Kingman prison Wednesday.
