Montana State Prison

Deer Lodge, United States

1 Locations

Montana State Prison is a facility located in Deer Lodge, Montana, where inmates serve sentences for various offenses. The prison operates under the Montana Department of Corrections and offers various rehabilitation programs as well as vocational training to help prepare inmates for reintegration into society. It aims to ensure public safety while providing a secure environment for its residents.

CCI Score

-18.05

0.01% April 18

Latest Event

Legislative Expansion of Montana State Prison Capacity

Montana lawmakers are considering a $150 million expansion to Montana State Prison in Deer Lodge, adding 512 beds to the all‐male facility. The proposal emerges amid ongoing challenges with overcrowded prisons and out-of-state inmate placements, highlighting a shift toward punitive policies that risk deepening systemic injustices and reinforcing authoritarian practices.

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Montana State Prison is currently rated as an Enabler.

-10 to -19 CCI Score

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Latest Events

MAR

31

2025

Legislative Expansion of Montana State Prison Capacity
-65.66

Montana lawmakers are considering a $150 million expansion to Montana State Prison in Deer Lodge, adding 512 beds to the all‐male facility. The proposal emerges amid ongoing challenges with overcrowded prisons and out-of-state inmate placements, highlighting a shift toward punitive policies that risk deepening systemic injustices and reinforcing authoritarian practices.
-70

Public and Political Behavior

April 8

The legislative proposal to expand prison capacity demonstrates a political stance that prioritizes punitive measures over rehabilitative or community-focused reforms. This push amplifies mass incarceration, disproportionately impacting marginalized communities and aligning with authoritarian methods that sideline humane criminal justice approaches.

Montana lawmakers consider prison capacity, funding for out-of-state placements
-60

Economic and Structural Influence

April 8

The planned expansion, supported by significant funding, would further entrench the reliance on incarceration as a solution, exacerbating overcrowding and extending a structurally punitive system. This strengthens economic and structural factors that underpin authoritarian control, with long-term negative impacts on community welfare.

Montana lawmakers consider prison capacity, funding for out-of-state placements
NOV

13

2023

Montana State Prison Inmate Transfer to Private Facility
-57.20

Montana State Prison, facing chronic overcrowding, has transferred up to 120 male inmates to CoreCivic’s Saguaro Correctional Center in Arizona under an $8 million, two-year state contract. The decision, executed on November 13, 2023, has sparked political debate and criticism for outsourcing inmate custody to a for‐profit private prison, sending taxpayer dollars out-of-state while raising concerns over ethical accountability.
-60

Public and Political Behavior

April 8

The transfer decision was deeply embedded in a politically charged process, influenced by lobbying from private prison companies. This reflects a troubling public and political behavior where corporate interests override community accountability and safety.

Montana prisoners heading to Arizona private prison - Montana Free Press
-70

Business Practices and Ethical Responsibility

April 8

Engaging in a fixed-rate contract with CoreCivic to outsource part of inmate housing compromises ethical responsibility. This business practice prioritizes profit over the welfare of the local community by directing funds to an out-of-state, for‐profit prison, thereby undermining accountability.

Montana prisoners heading to Arizona private prison - Montana Free Press
-70

Economic and Structural Influence

April 8

The contractual decision funnels taxpayer money to an out-of-state private company, exacerbating economic structural issues. This move undermines local community reinvestment and highlights a reliance on privatized incarceration that feeds into broader systems of financial and social disenfranchisement.

Montana prisoners heading to Arizona private prison - Montana Free Press
AUG

10

2023

Legislative Grant Fuels Safety & Technology Upgrades at Montana State Prison
27.44

Montana State Prison received $211 million from the Montana State Legislature under HB 817 to renovate infrastructure and modernize technology. The funding will enable the construction of a new low-side housing unit with integrated security features, updated electronic locking systems, and improved surveillance, while also enhancing working conditions for staff and addressing overcrowding issues.
+35

Business Practices and Ethical Responsibility

April 8

The legislative funding is being used to improve infrastructure and adopt humane practices by renovating outdated facilities. Upgrades such as improved housing conditions for inmates and enhanced staff amenities signal a commitment to ethical responsibility and worker wellbeing in a traditionally challenging institutional setting.

Montana State Prison to use legislation funds to make safety improvements
+30

Technology and Services Impact

April 8

The planned upgrades include modern security technology improvements such as electronic locking systems, upgraded surveillance cameras, and improved security check-in systems. These changes not only enhance operational efficiency but also reduce manual processes that have previously endangered staff, reflecting a progressive move towards the adoption of safer, more reliable technology.

Montana State Prison to use legislation funds to make safety improvements
AUG

09

2023

Montana State Prison Infrastructure and Technology Upgrade
23.21

Legislative funds from House Bill 817 totaling $211 million are being used to modernize Montana State Prison's infrastructure and technology. The upgrades include new low-side housing construction, updated security systems with electronic locks and video surveillance, and improved staff facilities, which are aimed at enhancing safety, reducing overcrowding, and improving working conditions.
+30

Technology and Services Impact

April 8

The planned technology upgrades—including modernized security systems, updated camera installations, and integration of electronic locking mechanisms—are expected to significantly improve operational efficiency and safety. These improvements align with efforts to reduce reliance on outdated manual processes and promote modernization, which supports anti-authoritarian practices by reducing risks of human error and abuse in surveillance operations.

Montana State Prison to use legislation funds to make safety improvements
+25

Labor Relations and Human Rights Practices

April 8

The investment in upgrading staff facilities—including a new staff services building, improved break areas, and better work scheduling—promotes improved labor conditions. Enhanced work environments and reduced overtime support worker rights and wellbeing, which is key in resisting authoritarian management practices and fostering a more humane correctional system.

Montana State Prison to use legislation funds to make safety improvements