Policies/Interview Guidelines
FACILITY TOURS
CCA accommodates supervised tours of its facilities that do not adversely interfere with security or daily operations. In addition to safety and security issues, tour request considerations are subject to any guidelines our customers may have as well as the context of the visit. The company will consider every request but reserves the right to deny access for any of the reasons mentioned above as well as those that might arise as a result of our customers' wishes or new information that arises.
Contact Information
All requests must be received in writing at least 24 hours prior to the requested tour date. Keep in mind also that CCA may have to forward the request to our customers for approval as well and may delay a response.
Local media requests to tour a CCA facility should be made in writing to the Public Information Officer/facility administrator. Click here for a list of CCA facilities.
National or international media requests should be made in writing to Director of Marketing Steve Owen at the corporate office in Nashville, Tenn. In the event that he is unavailable, the request can be made to Vice President of Marketing and Communications Louise Grant.
Tour Guidelines
Once a tour has been approved, you will be referred to the facility warden/administrator or spokesperson to review appropriate rules and regulations at the facility (i.e. appropriate attire, required identification information, restricted items in the facility, etc). The following guidelines are general overviews.
All tour members will be required to provide appropriate picture identification. While at the facility, all members of the tour group are required to wear appropriate professional attire and are subject to all policies and procedures at the facility.
Generally speaking, cell phones and similar electronic devices are not permitted in the facility. These items and other personal items should be left secured in your vehicle prior to entering the facility. Under no circumstances are drugs, alcohol or weapons of any kind permitted on the premises. In some states, tobacco products may also be prohibited inside the facility.
Facility tours will be supervised and accompanied by the warden/administrator or designee. All of the facility will be accessible with the exception of those areas determined by the warden/administrator to be inappropriate for security or confidentiality reasons.
STAFF INTERVIEW
CCA strives to be responsive with the media. In addition to CCA's approval, requests for interviews may also be subject to the approval of our customers. In some instances, especially where numerous and detailed information is requested, you may be asked to submit questions in writing.
Facility Staff Interview
Questions regarding facility-specific operations and activities can be directed to that facility's warden/administrator. Requests to interview other staff at the facility may be granted at the warden/administrator's discretion. Keep in mind that facility staff (including the warden/administrator) are only authorized to respond to questions regarding their facility and specific area of employment. They are not permitted to respond to questions regarding corporate activities, other CCA facilities or CCA's customers and their operations. Click here for a list of CCA facilities.
Corporate Staff Interview
Questions regarding company-wide operations and activities can be directed to Vice President of Marketing and Communications, Louise Grant, or Director of Marketing, Steve Owen, at the corporate office in Nashville, Tenn. Questions regarding CCA's financial or stock performance should be directed to Investor Relations Coordinator Karen Demler.
INMATE INTERVIEW
Requests to interview an inmate should be sent, in writing, to the government agency of jurisdiction (i.e. state department of corrections, etc) along with a copy to the facility warden/administrator. Approval to conduct an interview is subject to both the agencies of jurisdiction, as well as CCA. Any inmate to be interviewed must first grant his/her written authorization.
Telephone Interview
A telephone interview with an inmate will require the presence of a staff member to monitor all conversations.
On-Site Interview
Facility staff will be present during the interview. Any use of audio/video equipment must be approved in advance of the interview by the facility warden/administrator as well as the inmate to be interviewed. Again, approval from CCA's customers may also apply. Additionally, specific visitation rules may apply and must be adhered to at all times during the interview (i.e. contact vs. non-contact, location, duration, etc.).
Correspondence Interview
Conducting an interview with an inmate by mail is not prohibited, but it is at the inmate's discretion whether or not he/she wishes to respond or cooperate. For obvious security reasons, mail is monitored and reviewed by staff. Any introduction of contraband or materials that present a potential threat to the safety or security of the institution is strictly prohibited. Inmate mail leaving the institution is subject to the same scrutiny.
PHOTOGRAPHY
Any requests to take photographs or video footage of CCA's facilities should be submitted in writing to the attention of Vice President of Marketing and Communications Louise Grant or Director of Marketing Steve Owen at the corporate office. In addition to safety and security issues, photography request considerations are subject to any guidelines our customers may have as well as the context of the photography.
PRESS KIT/PRINTED MATERIALS
CCA has a number of printed and on-line materials available to provide useful information about the company, the private corrections industry and corrections in general. Additionally, CCA maintains an updated links page with useful links to web sites for privatization research, public agencies and other corrections related sites. Click here for CCA's list of industry links.
To request materials not posted on this web site or for other questions regarding media contacts, please contact the Marketing and Communications Department at 1-800-624-2931 ext. 3104. Click here to email your request.