Costly Prisons - Should the Public Monopoly be Ended? (From Crime and Punishment in Modern America, P 365-387, 1986, Patrick B McGuigan and Jon S Pascale, eds. - See NCJ-103913)

• NCJ Number: 103933
• Author(s): J K Stewart
• Date Published: 1986
• Length: 23 pages
• Sale Source: Free Congress Research and Education Foundation
• Publication Type: Legislation/Policy Analysis
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

Because today's prison system is in a crisis characterized by rising costs, overcrowding, and reduced fiscal resources, policymakers and prison administrators are searching for new ways to ensure the wisest use of public resources while meeting corrections needs. For many, the search has led to privatization.

Abstract

There are four major ways in which the private sector has or might increasingly become involved in corrections. The first is operation or management of prison industries by private enterprise. Such programs provide training and productive work for inmates, enabling them to defray prison costs, provide some support to their families, and make restitution to victims. In addition, the private sector has provided contract services for medical treatment, food preparation, and treatment of special offenders (e.g., substance abusers). Private financing of correctional construction, including lease/purchase arrangements, is yet another policy option. Finally, private-sector provision and operation of correctional facilities is another, although more controversial, option. While a number of issues relating to quality, accountability, flexibility, and legal liability still need resolution, privatization warrants further experimentation. 19 notes and references.