NCJ Number
107154
Date Published
1987
Length
36 pages
Annotation
This report of the Pennsylvania Private Prison Task Force examines the pros and cons of private prisons and recommends a State policy for addressing this concept.
Abstract
The task force's deliberations -- after reviewing public testimony, other Pennsylvania studies, the experiences of other States, and data presented by task force staff -- considered both the advantages and disadvantages of private prisons. Views expressed to the task force ranged from total opposition to private adult correctional facilities, through suggestions for alternative approaches for reducing prison overcrowding, to cautious support for private facilities to house certain types of offenders. Those opposing private adult facilities in Pennsylvania contend that such facilities may be unconstitutional as an improper delegation of the State's exclusive responsibility of incarcerating offenders. The task force, however, could find no Federal or Pennsylvania constitutional prohibition of private corrections facilities. The 1986 Pennsylvania Private Prison Moratorium and Study Act imposed a moratorium on the operation of private prisons in the State until June 30, 1987. The majority of the task force recommended legislation to prohibit private prisons in Pennsylvania under a moratorium of indefinite length. 5 tables and appended report draft.