Good, the Bad, and the Ugly: Private Prisons in the 1980's (Private Prisons and the Public Interest, P 19-41, 1990, Douglas C McDonald, ed. -- See NCJ-127372)

• NCJ Number: 127373
• Author(s): A Press
• Date Published: 1990
• Length: 23 pages
• Sale Source: Rutgers University Press; NCJRS Photocopy Services
• Publication Type: Legislation/Policy Analysis
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

The development of private prisons during the 1980's is discussed with emphasis on the arguments for and against the privatization of corrections and on the experiences of some of the first private prisons.

Abstract

Although the idea of private prisons has long existed in the United States, interest in privatization increased sharply only in the mid-1980's. The significant increases in inmate populations, changes in tax laws, and changing political attitudes all helped to stimulate interest in private corrections. However, the debate about the advantages and disadvantages of private corrections is likely to continue until the results of private systems are known. The arguments focus on efficiency, accountability, liability, and other issues. Initiatives for private prisons began in 1979 with Federal efforts and have spread to State systems. The Corrections Corporation of America and other private companies have become involved in operating private prisons. Early results are promising, but whether private companies can operate profitably is not yet clear.