The Georgia Department of Corrections announced a new private prison is slated to open in Baldwin County, Georgia in 2012 that will provide 300 new jobs.

The 1,500-bed prison will house medium security inmates and will be built in partnership with The GEO Group, Inc., which manages and/or owns 63 correctional and residential treatment facilities worldwide. The facility will cost $80 million.

“This partnership is great news for the Department and the Milledgeville and Baldwin County communities,” said Commissioner Brian Owens.  “Our mission of protecting the public will only gain strength by entering into this agreement with The GEO Group.  We look forward to working with their team and fulfilling our commitment of managing offenders, while providing a safe and secure environment for Georgians.”

The Georgia Department of Corrections is the fifth largest prison system in the United States and is responsible for supervising nearly 60,000 state prisoners and over 150,000 probationers. It is the largest law enforcement agency in the state with approximately 13,000 employees.

Of the 300 permanent positions at the new prison, 176 will be correctional officer positions. Those hired will not be state employees.