NCJ Number
179459
Date Published
1999
Length
46 pages
Annotation
This study surveys data on what private prisons have to offer and how they have performed, with emphasis on the extent of privatization in corrections, the cost savings, and the service quality.
Abstract
The discussion notes that Federal, State, and local governments are turning to the private sector for correctional services due to the needs to increase prison capacity and reduce government spending. More than 120 private correctional facilities are operating in 27 States and are housing around 120,000 inmates. Private companies operate several maximum-security facilities and dozens of medium-security facilities. Private prisons achieve an average savings of 10-15 percent on operating costs, based on 14 independent cost-comparison studies. Cost savings result from innovation and efficient management practices. Private prisons also provide at least the same quality of services as provided by government prisons, based on six independent quality comparison studies, the rates of accreditation by the American Correctional Association, recidivism comparison studies, contract terminations, and inmate and correctional officer lawsuits. Thus, the private sector delivers quality correctional services at lower cost to the benefit of taxpayers. Moreover, public officials' experiences with contracting for correctional services have resolved many difficult issues related to privatization in corrections. Findings indicate that although private prisons may not be a panacea for growing prison needs, they are certainly part of the answer. Tables, figures, photographs, footnotes, appended list of resources, and 10 references