NCJ Number
116372
Journal
Policy Studies Review Volume: 5 Issue: 3 Dated: (February 1986) Pages: 598-605
Date Published
1986
Length
8 pages
Annotation
In accord with President Reagan's commitment to returning many Government functions to private industry, there has been a growing interest in privatization in corrections.
Abstract
Proponents argue that private industry can provide an effective and efficient means for financing, building, managing, and operating correctional facilities. At a broader level, it is argued that the private market, as opposed to public agencies, will more effectively and efficiently allocate resources among competing correctional uses. In addition to building and operating prisons and jails, private agencies have been involved in running prison industries within or outside correctional facilities and have contracted to provide specific services (e.g., mental health, medical) and operate halfway houses. At present, contract correctional services is the most widely used option, with about 40 States contracting with nonprofit agencies, particularly in the provision of community-based correctional services. Despite claims of increased effectiveness, privatization of corrections raises a number of ethical and legal issues including the morality of allowing businesses to profit from incarceration of others, the possibility that inmates will be exploited, and the legitimacy and constitutionality of delegating State social control functions to private agencies. A number of management issues related to program availability and profitability also need to be addressed. 10 references and 1 note.