Benefits of OOSIM | Maintaining Family Ties | Cultural Connections | Inmate Transfers

Out-of-State Transfers: A Manageable Situation

Proven, customized operations in action

CCA is the industry leader in providing privately managed out-of-state inmate services, including transport, programs, and emergency and long-term housing. As such, the company has earned a sound reputation for its seamless and safe execution of this specialized process.

The coordinated, safe and reliable transfer of inmates from one placement to another is among the out-of-state processes CCA has refined through experience and best practices. Expertise in this facet – and others – of operational management provides customers with a level of quality and assurance that fosters confidence in their partnership with CCA – and potentially attracts other states dealing with a growing inmate population that is increasingly unmanageable with internal resources.

With perhaps the nation’s largest mixed population of offenders residing together in correctional facilities, a consistent, streamlined approach is fundamental to the transfer process. A time-tested set of best practices developed over the past decade ensures a level of consistency that is threefold – for inmates, government customers and CCA employees.

CCA has developed practices that help ensure smooth operations during the out-of-state inmate transfer process:

First, CCA staff members are educated before, during and after transfers about the culture of the inmate population being moved. This step includes learning about the policies and procedures of their respective correctional system of origin, as well as any cultural nuances largely associated with the population that will enhance sensitivity and communication. Second, CCA moves at a deliberate, systematic pace during the transfer process, maintaining security at each step. Finally, communication is maintained at all levels, from company to state client to CCA employee to inmate.

These checks and balances level the playing field for inmates from different geographic areas, which alleviate misinterpretations and misunderstandings of policies and procedures. Communication, ultimately, is an operational security function.

Assimilating offenders into CCA correctional centers

Assimilating inmates to facilities beyond state lines demands correctional skill. This is especially critical when inmates are joining others from different jurisdictions or correctional systems.

CCA’s assimilation plan is comprehensive, including every considerable aspect of an inmate transferring and beginning his or her sentence in a CCA prison. 

This begins with a delegation of CCA staff visiting in-state prisons operated by the public customer, in order to fully understand the environment, security and privileges familiar to the inmate. CCA also develops programmatic and service offerings that parallel, as closely as possible, the correctional setting of the home facility. CCA staff inform inmates of procedural expectations upon arrival to the out-of-state facility, programs and services available, and opportunities to visit and stay in touch with their families.  CCA also works to get information in advance on inmates’ security classifications and medical needs, so any special needs can be planned for and addressed.

Moreover, CCA customer relations managers and the contract negotiations team work diligently before finalizing out-of-state contracts to recognize disparities between contracts that will be in place at a single facility. Inmates receive communication during their transport and initial arrival at the facility explaining any contract disparities, to ensure they have a greater understanding and comfort level with any operational differences.