Behind The Lens episode 218: ‘They need stability … this does not bode well for that’

This week on Behind The Lens, a $9.5 million private security contract for Louisiana youth prisons raises eyebrows.

This summer, the Louisiana Office of Juvenile Justice quietly entered into a year-long contract with Coleman Consulting Group, LLC, a private company, to provide security at two Louisiana youth prisons. Its security guards don’t need expertise in youth. 

The agency pays $75 per hour to staffing company for guards. Critics say that contractor seems to be “enriching themselves on the backs of Louisiana’s teenagers and taxpayers.”

Our guest this week is Lens reporter Nick Chrastil. 

Theme music by Podington Bear. Additional music Sunset and Thimble of Sun by Podington Bear soundofpicture.com. 

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Carolyne Heldman

Carolyne Heldman Rovira has been in media for 35 years, and is currently the podcast host and producer for Behind The Lens. Heldman served as executive director at Aspen Public Radio, an NPR affiliate, where she launched four weekly news, public affairs, and cultural affairs programs. She has been a guest lecturer at Tulane University, is a frequent guest and moderator for the Aspen Institute, Rocky Mountain Institute, and the American Enterprise Institute.