Issues in Contracting for the Private Operation of Prisons and Jails - Executive Summary

• NCJ Number: 104751
• Author(s): J Hackett; H Hatry
• Date Published: 1987
• Length: 22 pages
• Grant Number(s): 85-IJ-CX-0068
• Sponsoring Agency: National Institute of Justice (NIJ); US Dept of Justice NIJ Pub
• Corporate Author: Council of State Governments
• Sale Source: National Institute of Justice/; NCJRS Photocopy Services
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This is the executive summary of a 1986 study of the policy and program implications of contracting with the private sector for the operation and management of correctional facilities.

Abstract

A research team composed of staff of the Council of State Governments, the Urban Institute, and a consultant experienced in criminal justice matters reviewed the relevant literature and studies on contracting correctional services from 22 States. An examination of experiences in contracting adult and some juvenile secure facilities in State and local governments was conducted for Florida, Kentucky, Illinois, Wisconsin, Alaska, California, and Tennessee. The study focused on legal issues, policy and program issues before deciding to contract, requests for proposals and contract issues, and contract monitoring and evaluation. Major conclusions pertain to the civil liability of private prison contractors, type and size of facilities privately contracted, contracting procedures, monitoring and evaluation, impacts, and avoiding future problems. Study recommendations address contract goals, the protection of inmates and States, the contracting process, contract provisions, new and existing facilities, inmate selection, the level of authority, and monitoring.