NCJ Number
114864
Date Published
1986
Length
173 pages
Annotation
Hearings on privatization of corrections before the U.S. House Subcommittee on Courts, Civil Liberties, and the Administration of Justice review recent developments on the subject; examine the advantages and disadvantages of privatization and related legal, financial, administrative, and public policy issues; and explore the Federal Government's role in this area.
Abstract
A staff attorney with the American Civil Liberties Union's National Prison Project presents a statement of reservation about a rush into corrections privatization without a mechanism that makes private authorities of their agents responsible for their actions in the same manner that government authorities can be held accountable under current law. Statements by representatives of various correctional employee associations oppose privatization on the ground that the interest in cutting costs to increase profits will undermine correctional workers' pay and working conditions. Representatives of the National Sheriffs' Association oppose privatization in the belief that the emphasis on cost savings combined with private profits can only undermine the quality of professional personnel and training. A representative of the Corrections Corporation of America testifies on the advantages of privatization as embodied in his corporation's record with privatization. The director of the Federal Bureau of Prisons reviews the bureau's experience with privatization in two projects, noting that there have been few problems with these endeavors. A law professor reviews the legal issues associated with corrections privatization. Statements, letters.