Private Industry and the Future of Corrections (From Constructing Correctional Facilities: Is There a Role for the Private Sector?, P 49-56, 1987, James Sevick and Warren Cikins, eds. -- See NCJ-111104)

• NCJ Number: 111110
• Author(s): E C Thomas
• Date Published: 1987
• Length: 8 pages
• Sale Source: Brookings Institution
• Publication Type: Legislation/Policy Analysis
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

A policy of privatization in corrections requires a careful consideration of the effects of this policy.

Abstract

Both contracting agencies and private sector contractors must be aware of the need to proceed deliberately in establishing contracts, enabling legislation, and other documentation. Other issues revolve around the need for privatization to offer incentives for private investment, cost-overuns for contracted services, the State's delegation of its authority, the maintenance of correctional standards, and the public safety. In addition to facing these issues, corrections must work at upgrading its jail facilities and consolidating existing facilities in the interests of greater efficiency and effectiveness. Constitutional test cases will be needed to resolve State prohibitions against privatization. The issue of tax incentives and burdens associated with privatization will need to be addressed, and mechanisms will have to be developed that remove the unequal treatment often accorded to private versus public financing and construction. Finally, correctional philosophy regarding incarceration will have to change to permit a greater emphasis on and use of probation and parole.