NCJ Number
113793
Journal
Corrections Today Volume: 50 Issue: 6 Dated: (October 1988) Pages: 74,76,87
Date Published
1988
Length
3 pages
Annotation
After much study, observation, and travel, National Corrections Management, Inc., and National Corrections Construction, Inc., believes that private corporations can help Government deal with the severe problem of overcrowding and projected future growth of inmate populations.
Abstract
The private sector has many advantages not always available to the public sector. Where the Government process for making changes that can reduce costs or improve services is deliberative and time consuming, the private sector has the ability to act rapidly to take advantage of favorable opportunities. The private sector usually has a clear advantage in its ability to reward employees for improvements in economy and efficiency. Bureaucracy and the cumbersome public-sector appropriations process also result in inefficiencies and outmoded facilities and equipment. Private industries also can make programmatic decisions quickly; because of the profit factor, they can quickly decide to expand, continue, or discontinue programs. Private industry also has advantages in the areas of facility design and construction, being less hampered by political influences or procurement procedures. It also can make more effective use of staff, equipment, and resources and rapidly incorporate new technologies. While some have voiced concerns of legal and economic issues in correctional privatization, a private-public partnership might help to solve some very difficult problems.