NCJ Number
116425
Journal
New England Journal on Criminal and Civil Confinement Volume: 14 Issue: 2 Dated: (Summer 1988) Pages: 175-244
Date Published
1988
Length
70 pages
Annotation
Data from the Silverdale Detention Center in Chattanooga, Tenn. formed the basis of an analysis of the operation and workability of private prison management.
Abstract
This institution provides minimum-to-heavy medium security for 350 inmates and has been under private management since the fall of 1984. Study data came from detailed interviews with prison inmates and staff, observation of institutional conditions and procedures, and document reviews. The analysis compared operations before and after the private takeover and the Silverdale situation compared to that in similar facilities elsewhere. Findings showed that inmates are unconcerned with the source of management but have a paramount interest in decent conditions and decent treatment. However, overwhelming evidence indicates that the private takeover of Silverdale has resulted in substantial improvements in the institution's physical conditions and upkeep as well as in several critical areas of inmates service and institutional procedure. These results were produced at no extra cost and at possibly significant savings to the county government. Management has made changes in structure and operations and has been particularly responsive in dealing with problems that arise. The extent to which this unique responsiveness is a function of privatization cannot be determined conclusively at this point nor is it impossible to use the Silverdale experience as the basis for generalizations about privatization of corrections. 83 footnotes.