NCJ Number
141196
Date Published
1992
Length
49 pages
Annotation
To facilitate community deliberations, this monograph reviews the history of private sector involvement in U.S. prisons, examines the major issues in current debates, considers the status of the prison privatization movement, and identifies some of the major firms involved in prison privatization and their perspectives on developments in the field.
Abstract
States continue to pass legislation that authorizes private involvement in the management of correctional facilities and new firms continue to enter the market despite the prediction of an impending decline in enthusiasm for the privatization of secure prison facilities. Some guidelines are suggested to community leaders who conclude that prison development is desirable and acceptable to their communities: State legislation authorizing prison privatization is of crucial importance; local officials may want to seek designation by State officials as a high priority area for economic development and/or designation as a preferred site for a State prison; local officials should encourage their State's department of corrections to issue a request for proposals from private vendors; assurances should be obtained regarding a guaranteed supply of prisoners; community support is essential; and community leaders should seek out and deal with experienced and reputable firms only. 7 figures, 3 tables, 62 references, and 4 appendixes