Glass houses

The nation's largest private operator of prisons and jails last week announced plans to launch faith-based programs in each of the 60 facilities it runs over the next three years. Corrections Corporation of America (CCA) said it will partner with Dallas-based Bill Glass Champions for Life to provide the programs. Mr. Glass, a former pro football star, has been involved in prison outreach for three decades. His organization is known as one of the largest and most successful evangelical prison ministries in the country.

CCA officials say they based their decision in part on the track record of prison ministries: lower recidivism rates, improved inmate and staff morale and safety, and better-quality rehabilitation. They say it all adds up to lower costs. Nashville-based CCA oversees 55,000 inmates under contracts with federal, state, and local jurisdictions in 21 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico.