NCJ Number
73005
Date Published
1980
Length
15 pages
Annotation
The involvement of the private sector in administering the Community Service Order Program is a key development in corrections in Ontario.
Abstract
Formally introduced in November 1977 as pilot projects in six locations, Community Service Orders (CSO's) were designed to provide an alternative to incarceration and to involve the private sector in program administration. By April 1980, 35 projects were contracted. Economic rather than ideological considerations have fueled the move towards community programs for minor offenders in Ontario. Privatization was encouraged because of evident private sector interest, necessary services could be secured more economically, public services would not have to be increased, decisionmaking could be decentralized, accountability to the community could be increased, more innovative programs could be promoted, and more flexible use of human resources would be permitted. CSO's have also encouraged a broadened, more aware, and concerned public constituency. Criticism of community correctional programming is deflected at the local level because the boards are generally comprised of reputable concerned citizens. However, critics of the program charge that private sector interests are being subjected to government interests. Early problems in involving the private sector included the reluctance of the judiciary to make use of the CSO disposition, the problem of legal liability in the event of injury to offenders while performing community services, and the attitude of unions fearful of jobs being taken away from nonoffender employees. Overall, however, privatization appears to be working successfully in Ontario. Seventeen footnotes are provided.