Correctional Services Corporation

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Correctional Services Corporation (CSC), originally Esmor Correctional Corporation, was a correctional firm founded by James F. Slattery in 1987. It was located in Sarasota, Florida, US, and traded on the NASDAQ (NASDAQ NMS:CSCQ). It had been a corporation specializing in the privatization of correctional facilities for federal, state, and local agencies housing adults, juveniles, and Department Of Homeland Security prisoners.

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Much of the CSC's profits were allegedly based on high crime rates, as hinted in a 2002 statement by James F. Slattery: "Increases in parole rates combined with economic slowdowns traditionally lead to an increased need for correctional services," he said. "We believe this historical pattern will be repeated, and its effect felt in 2002 and beyond." [1]

The New York State Lobbying Commission fined Correctional Services Corp. $300,000 for purchasing votes in the state legislature. [2]

In 2005, CSC was sold to GEO Group for $62.1 million. [3] GEO then divested the youth portion of the enterprise, Youth Services International (YSI), back to its principals. According to a 2013 HuffPost investigation, inmates held in facilities run by YSI "have frequently faced beatings, neglect, sexual abuse and unsanitary food over the past two decades." [4]

Due to audits findings of overcharges and reports of continuing abuse, the State of Florida cancelled its existing contracts with YSI, the remaining functional operation of CSC. The corporation was required to reimburse the state for $2,000,000 in overcharges. [5] [6]

Principals

See also

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References

  1. Jenson, Mark (February 15, 2004). "BACKGROUND: On the new Homeland Security prison on the Tacoma Tideflats". United for Peace of Piece County. Retrieved October 29, 2013.
  2. McKinley Jr., James C. (February 27, 2003). "Company Gets Record Fine For Its Giving To Lawmakers". The New York Times . New York City . Retrieved October 29, 2013.
  3. Staff writer (November 7, 2005). "Juvenile correctional services business acquired". Tampa Bay Business Journal . Tampa Bay, Florida: American City Business Journals . Retrieved October 29, 2013.
  4. Kirkham, Chris (October 22, 2013). "Prisoners of Profit: Private Prison Empire Rises Despite Startling Record Of Juvenile Abuse". The Huffington Post . New York City . Retrieved October 29, 2013.
  5. Is Youth Services International Finally Out of Business, Chronicle of Social Change, John Kelly, March 21, 2016. Retrieved 8 June 2019.
  6. State juvenile department ends relationship with Sarasota firm, Tampa Bay Business Journal , Mar 21, 2016, Retrieved 4 July 2016.