Transformation of Correctional Privatization From a Novel Experiment Into a Proven Alternative

• NCJ Number: 149966
• Author(s): C W Thomas
• Date Published: 1994
• Length: 27 pages
• Sale Source: University of Florida
• Publication Type: Research (Applied/Empirical)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: Revised version of presentation at the national convention of the American Legislative Exchange Council, 1994, Tampa, Florida

Annotation

Various studies have been conducted to determine if privatization in corrections produces significant cost savings or affects the quality of correctional services.

Abstract

Both original and prior research are used to evaluate hypotheses related to privatization in corrections. A primary concern in these studies is that the operation of correctional facilities by private management firms will pose an insurmountable conflict of interest; that is, the profit motive will prevent private management firms from balancing corporate interests and the broader public good. On the other hand, the absence of a profit motive does not guarantee efficiency, effectiveness, and professionalism in corrections. Contracting for correctional services is a competitive process that presents a single service purchaser with multiple potential service providers. The competitive process may serve to eliminate expensive and/or substandard services. Further, contracting is an essential component of both government and private sector operations. In general, available evidence indicates that privatization in corrections can yield significant cost savings with no corresponding reduction in the caliber of correctional services. As a matter of public policy, the decision to contract should involve a fair comparison of available public and private correctional alternatives; whether the service provider is a public agency or a private firm appears to be irrelevant. 2 tables and 1 figure