Specters of the Lease System
![Private prison contracts [2015]](/images/137/full/!800,800/0/default.jpg)
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Detailed bed capacity and contract term chart for Georgia’s four private prisons. Georgia Department of Audits and Accounts Performance Audit Division, Georgia Department of Corrections, Exhibit 5, p. 5, December 2018.
Courtesy of University of Georgia. Map and Government Information Library, Georgia Government Publications.
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Inmate statistical profile for juveniles in Georgia's adult prison system in April 2020, pp. 4-5.
Courtesy of University of Georgia. Map and Government Information Library, Georgia Government Publications.
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Segment of statistics of sexual abuse in Georgia's prisons and jails for 2017. From the annual report of the Prison Rape Elimination Act.
Courtesy of University of Georgia. Map and Government Information Library, Georgia Government Publications.
Despite the practice's tragic history, the state of Georgia is once again hiring prisoners to private interests. In the twenty-first century, the Georgia Department of Corrections has entered into contracts with multiple private prison companies, placing thousands of inmates in their care. People of color compose a disproportionate share of the state’s prison population, much as was the case under the convict lease system. Inmates remain vulnerable to mistreatment as well, and sexual misconduct is still a significant concern.