Memorandum on Use of Private Prisons Rescinded

Attorney General Sessions rescinds former Deputy Attorney General Yates decision

Memorandum on Use of Private Prisons Rescinded

(BOP) - On February 21, 2017, U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions rescinded the August 18, 2016 memorandum from former Deputy Attorney General Sally Yates directing the Bureau of Prisons to reduce and ultimately eliminate the use of privately operated prisons. In a memorandum to Acting Director Thomas Kane, AG Sessions indicated that the August 18 memorandum "changed long-standing policy and practice, and impaired the Bureau's ability to meet the future needs of the federal correctional system." He further directed the Bureau to return "to its previous approach."

The memorandum can be read here.