Bev and Jerry, as you imply, imo that is a major problem with privatizing prisons. It creates constant pressure to keep those prisons filled. When legislation to change laws or to consider other options certain crimes is presented, private, for-profit prisons have a loud voice. Currently, Alaska sends many of its prisoners to a private prison in Arizona.

Azizi, I don't know the figures but in Alaska I understand that there is a prison popluation disparity between whites and Alaska Natives. (Generally, Tlingit, Haida, Athabascan, Gwich'in, Inupiat, Inuit, Aleut and others that don't come to mind as readily)   There are many explanations given.