NCJ Number
137867
Journal
EuroCriminology Volume: 4 Dated: (1992) Pages: 51-59
Date Published
1992
Length
9 pages
Annotation
Although the privatization of prisons is on the verge of becoming a reality in Great Britain and has already been implemented in the United States, the author argues against such a policy.
Abstract
Administrative and financial frameworks of the British and American penal systems differ. The British system is run entirely by the central government and is financed by taxes. The U.S. system, on the other hand, has a three-tier system of prison administration. In addition to the Federal Bureau of Prisons, separate prison systems exist in each of the 50 States and counties run their own local jails for short-term prisoners and accused persons awaiting trial. In some circumstances, it is easier to raise the capital needed for prison construction through various arrangements with the private sector than it is for government agencies acting alone. For example, a private company may build a prison and then lease it to the government. In addition, privatization can save government agencies money in the long run in certain cases. The British government has spent large sums of money building new prisons, but prison conditions are not adequate and prisons are overcrowded. Although good reasons exist to privatize prisons, there are also serious concerns about the accountability of private prisons and the declared intention of companies involved to save money by reducing staff-prisoner ratios. In lieu of privatizing prisons, the author suggests that a major role in the criminal justice system can be played by private, nonprofit agencies representing varied value systems and community sectors but only in the noncustodial setting.