Locating Prisons: Open Versus Closed Approaches to Siting

Abstract

Prison populations are increasing and prison construction is struggling to catch up. The goals of new prison siting are discussed within the contexts of public safety and economic concerns. There is no evidence that correctional facilities decrease public safety, negatively affect land values, or harm the local economy; available evidence is to the contrary. Methods for improving prison siting are provided. More study is suggested in order to determine which communities can best absorb correctional facilities and other types of potentially undesirable land uses.