Barriers to Entry of Private-sector Industry Into a Prison Environment (From Privatizing the United States Justice System: Police, Adjudication, and Corrections Services From the Private Sector, P 325-329, 1992, Gary W Bowman, Simon Hakim, et al., eds. - See NCJ-137785)

• NCJ Number: 137804
• Author(s): G D Bronson; C S Bronson; M J Wynne; R F Olson
• Date Published: 1992
• Length: 5 pages
• Sale Source: McFarland & Company, Inc.
• Publication Type: Survey
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

Many subtle barriers exist that block the entry of private industry into prisons and require resolution before such a concept can become a reality.

Abstract

The privatization of inmate labor may address issues such as inmate idleness, employment, training, decreased costs, community partnership, victim compensation, and dignity of the inmate. Privatization benefits the public through offenders' payments of victim restitution and room and board. The business community benefits from access to an unlimited labor supply of offenders. In addition, the type of work space may be attractive to business and may be free of charge except for reimbursement for utilities. Moreover, inmates learn work skills, earn income, and receive an opportunity to take financial responsibility for their actions. Nevertheless, the issues of exploitation of inmates, liability for losses or damage, equipment storage, the control of contraband, searches, training, on-site supervision, and the impact of inmate classification must all be addressed. With sound negotiations and the willingness of both the public and private sectors to compromise, these issues can be addressed and a privatization experience can be a useful partnership between public and private resources. 3 references