NCJ Number
172120
Journal
Prison Journal Volume: 77 Issue: 1 Dated: (March 1997) Pages: 92-111
Date Published
1997
Length
20 pages
Annotation
Privatization in corrections is examined in terms of a proposed model for analyzing the politics of corrections systems that have privatized facilities and the issues that this model suggests relating to monitoring and accountability.
Abstract
The traditional corrections subgovernment includes legislators, interest groups, and the mid-level and upper-level administrative staff of corrections agencies. Involving private corporations as regular participants in the corrections subgovernment has the potential to change all aspects of that subgovernment substantially. These changes encompass who participates, the stakes and goals, the tools and techniques of influence, the access and decision points, and the dynamics of the process of corrections policymaking. Privatization has the potential to change the reward systems of the corrections subgovernment and the balance of interests among the participants. Privatization presents challenges to government managers with respect to the monitoring of program performance and the accountability of public officials for their monitoring of that performance and protecting the public's interest. Therefore, it is recommended that the National Institute of Justice convene a group of academics, practitioners, and representatives of all interested parties to consider the issues of monitoring and accountability. This approach would not be a perfect solution, but it would provide the opportunity to discuss and resolve at least some of the issues involving the future of corrections at all levels of government. Notes and 45 references (Author abstract modified)