NCJ Number
104561
Date Published
1988
Length
4 pages
Annotation
After reviewing recent developments in the privatization of prison facilities and services, this guide reviews major issues and controversies and provides background information for the debate.
Abstract
By the beginning of 1987, three States had enacted laws authorizing privately operated State correctional facilities. More than 36 States now contract with private firms for at least one correctional service or program. Major issues are whether private corrections firms can outperform public corrections agencies, whether the authority to administer criminal justice programs and facilities should be delegated to private firms, and whether privatization presents a single set of 'either-or' policy alternatives or poses multiple choices. Proponents of privatization claim it can cut corrections costs and promote technical and managerial corrections innovations. Opponents argue that cost cutting will be at the expense of humane treatment, that regulatory costs will more than offset any savings, and that the government must maintain the legal responsibility for the criminal justice system. Background information includes a bleak history of private-sector involvement in corrections, the potential of corrupting relationships between public officials and private executives, and sparse evidence of the savings and innovations of private corrections. This guide accompanies a video of the same title in the 'Crime File' television series. 3 references, discussion questions. See NCJ 104209 for videotape.