Executive Order 14006 · 2021-01-29

Reforming Our Incarceration System To Eliminate the Use of Privately Operated Criminal Detention Facilities

Orders Justice Department Not to Renew Private Prison Contracts

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Signed by Joseph R. Biden Jr.
Published 2021-01-29

What it does

The order directs the Attorney General not to renew Justice Department contracts with privately operated criminal detention facilities.

Real-world impact

  • Ends renewal of Justice Department contracts with private detention companies.
  • Begins phasing out federal reliance on privately run detention facilities.
  • Affects incarcerated people and correctional staff by addressing safety and conditions.

Topics

criminal justice reformprison safetyfederal contractingreentry and rehabilitation

Summary

This order directs the Justice Department not to renew contracts with privately operated criminal detention facilities and begins phasing out federal reliance on private prisons.

It affects the Department of Justice, private prison companies, people held in federal detention, and correctional staff. The order states that privately run facilities underperform federal ones and requires the government to prioritize rehabilitation, safe and humane treatment, and helping people rejoin their communities.

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