NCJ Number
98545
Date Published
1984
Length
14 pages
Annotation
This paper identifies 22 criminal justice functions that have undergone some degree of privatization, describes aspects of privatization for each function, and assesses the degree of privatization for each function.
Abstract
The author accepts Terrel Don Hutto's definition of privatization as the 'nongovernmental performance of a function.' Privatization is discussed for the following criminal justice functions: crime prevention; crime investigation; detection of criminals; accusation of criminals; the apprehension, diversion, detention, and protection of criminals; the prosecution, adjudication, and disposition of cases; and the retribution, incapacitation, intimidation, rehabilitation, and reintegration of convicts. Privatization is also discussed for the protection, restitution, socialization, and deterrence of the community, as well as the restoration and restitution of victims. Overall, the author concludes that the time has come to move from existing instances of privatization to its innovative use in every aspect of criminal justice, so as to provide a comparative measure of the cost effectiveness of various methods of performing criminal justice functions.