NCJ Number
100177
Date Published
1985
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This paper reviews the status of privately operated juvenile and adult jail facilities throughout the Nation and presents arguments for and against such privatization.
Abstract
As of March 1985, there were just over 1,800 privately operated juvenile residential programs in the United States. Federal agencies privately contract for the confinement of illegal aliens, and the Corrections Corporation of America, a private firm, operates a medium-security penal farm in Tennessee. An interstate private facility is being planned in Pennsylvania, pending the passage of enabling legislation. New Mexico and Texas have enacted laws that permit the operation of private jails, and other interested States include Arizona, California, Kentucky, Connecticut, Indiana, Maryland, New Jersey, and New York. Proponents of privately operated jails argue that they will be less costly than government-operated jails without compromising the quality of care, since private firms will have incentives both to maximize profit and maintain the contract. Opponents of privately operated jails maintain that profitmaking is not appropriate for criminal justice operations and that public officials could be liable for the actions of private prison guards and managers. Opponents also argue that the profit incentive is likely to produce cost-cutting that will lower the quality of service. 14 notes.