NCJ Number
100189
Journal
Prison Journal Volume: 65 Issue: 2 Dated: (Autumn-Winter 1985) Pages: 48-52
Date Published
1985
Length
5 pages
Annotation
An official of the American Civil Liberties Union presents the view of an ACLU committee that privatization of corrections should not occur unless and until adequate measures are in place to protect the rights of the inmate population.
Abstract
The profit motive may be inappropriate and unethical in a correctional setting. Promises to reduce costs may in fact reduce staffing ratios and due process for inmates. Prisoners confined in private facilities must retain all the rights and protections of those in public facilities. State legislatures should therefore enact appropriate legislation. A further issue is the potential for serious abuse in the delegation of the control and custody of prisoners. The government, not the private contractor, must make all decisions affecting the duration of confinement, because contractors would be paid per prisoner. A final issue is the reduction in public scrutiny of the inmate population if new financing methods that do not need voter approval are used. Only an informed public can put pressure on elected officials to change. Prison officials have the absolute responsibility to protect those in their custody from harm. This responsibility must not be diluted. 6 references.