Contracting for the Operation of Prisons and Jails

• NCJ Number: 104917
• Author(s): J C Hackett; H P Hatry; R B Levinson; J Allen; K Chi; E D Feigenbaum
• Date Published: 1987
• Length: 8 pages
• Sponsoring Agency: US Dept of Justice NIJ Pub
• Corporate Author: National Institute of Justice (NIJ)
• Sale Source: National Institute of Justice/; NCJRS Photocopy Services
• Publication Type: Legislation/Policy Analysis
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: National Institute of Justice Research in Brief

Annotation

This report presents an analysis of prison contract services in the United States and discusses major issues to be considered in contracting.

Abstract

For-profit contractors are running a minimum security facility in Kentucky, a nonsupervised work release program and a jail in Florida, and a detention workhouse in Tennessee. A female detention center is being run by a not-for-profit contractor in Minnesota. In addition, many States contract extensively for work release, prelease, and nonsecure space. Private organizations operate juvenile facilities in 12 States. In considering contracting, jurisdictions must consider legal issues related to labor relations, liability, and inmates rights. Policy issues to be considered center on public relations, inmate selection and discipline, and what type of facility is appropriate. Contract issues include appraisal criteria, pricing, performance standards and interruptions in service, and contract duration and renewal. Finally, provisions must be made for monitoring procedures and for evaluation.