NCJ Number
133441
Journal
American Jails Volume: 5 Issue: 5 Dated: (November-December 1991) Pages: 28-32
Date Published
1991
Length
5 pages
Annotation
When Mobile County (Alabama) was building the Metro Jail Complex, it solicited proposals on possible private management from two nationally known jail management firms. Upon review of the proposals, the Mobile County Sheriff decided to assume management of the jail as provided for in the Alabama Code.
Abstract
Commonly cited advantages of privatization include reduced costs, elimination of bureaucracy, an ability to meet increased demands, the availability of skilled manpower, and a choice of providers. The disadvantages can include potential corruption of government officials, reduced quality of service, and reduced access by the disadvantaged. In considering the proposals for the Metro Jail, the sheriff considered only the issue of cost. In Mobile, the government allowed itself to submit a bid after reviewing the bids submitted by private firms. In this case, the sheriff prepared a budget showing he could manage the jail at a lower cost than either of the two private firms. There are at least two other advantages to public management. Public officials will try to cope with overcrowding problems without transforming the situation into more cash outlays. The other advantage is that dollars are kept in the community, boosting local economic activity. 9 references