Huntsman Wants To Establish Parole Violator Center

None by Eric Ray

(KCPW News) Utah Governor Jon Huntsman wants to provide $7.5 million ongoing dollars to fund a 300-bed privatized parole violator center. The recommendation is one of Huntsman's goals and initiatives for the 2008 fiscal year.

According to Angie Welling, spokesperson for the Utah Department of Corrections, the facility would provide treatment options to parolees that may not otherwise be available. Only parolees committing technical violations would be sent to the violator center.

Welling adds the center would also help reduce overcrowding at the state prison. According to state statistics, more parolees returned to prison for technical violations in 2005 and 2006 than during the previous four years.

If approved, Community Education Centers, Inc, a company that provides treatment and education programs to parolees, will run the facility. A location for the parole violator center has not yet been determined.

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