Another problem was that in an effort to reduce healthcare costs, DOC began furloughing as many prisoners as possible.  Furlough used to be a privilege for prisoners who demonstrated an ability to be responsible and wanted to work etc.  Now it’s an entitlement with no strings attached. Its abused. 

We used to hold prisoners accountable for their actions at halfway houses and if you messed up you were returned to prison. Now you get caught smoking, you get sent back to the halfway house in three days. Similar outcomes for other rule violations. Honestly the rules have changed so much over the years I don't even know them anymore.  And for Geo Groups part, I don't think they care, they just want beds filled to keep the money rolling in.... 

These are just a couple of the many changes that Schmidt, Gutierrez, and Brandenburg are responsible for. Unfortunately many of the decisions made during their 8 year tenure still have a negative impact on the department today.