NCJ Number
160711
Date Published
1994
Length
3 pages
Annotation
Major issues and future directions related to privatization in corrections and private police in Australia and New Zealand are examined, with emphasis on the need for governments to address these issues before introducing or expanding privatization.
Abstract
The three major issues are the lack of accountability of private companies and their consequent failure to provide adequate information about their involvement in policing and prisons, the legal ambiguity in which regulatory agencies and the companies themselves operate, and the lack of consultation with the community. The government should acknowledge the complexity of the issues. Further research in private policing and prisons is also necessary. Strong regulatory agencies are needed with the technical, legal, and policy expertise to identify and implement a consistent framework. Much more work is needed to achieve sustained correctional reform within constitutionally acceptable limits. 2 references