Privatization of Prisons (From Are Prisons Any Better? Twenty Years of Correctional Reform, P 111-127, 1990, John W Murphy and Jack E Dison, eds. -- See NCJ-124361)

• NCJ Number: 124368
• Author(s): T D Hutto
• Date Published: 1990
• Length: 17 pages
• Sale Source: Sage Publications, Inc
• Publication Type: Legislation/Policy Analysis
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: *This document is currently unavailable from NCJRS.

Annotation

This paper examines the definition of privatization in corrections, the debate surrounding it, and its current status and future prospects.

Abstract

Thomas is helpful in providing definitions of two forms of corrections privatization: partial and full privatization. Partial privatization has been widespread in corrections through the provision of medical care, psychological treatment, vocational training, and academic education. The current debate associated with privatization involves full privatization with a profit motive. The most important legal issues in the debate pertain to civil rights and tort liability, as opponents of privatization argue that it will erode inmates' civil rights and the accountability of corrections management. The private sector, however, has a powerful economic incentive to maintain high quality services that protect civil rights and avoid tort liability. Other issues in the debate pertain to the morality of corrections privatization and its cost-effectiveness. Full privatization of corrections operations has not been adopted on a large scale. Although increased interest in privatization is being shown by State and Federal governments, the more rapid expansion of facility management will likely occur at the local level, but extensive privatization will not occur in the near future. 13 references.