NCJ Number
146035
Journal
Large Jail Network Bulletin Dated: (Winter 1993) Pages: 3-7
Date Published
1993
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This report takes a look at whether cost savings have been achieved through the privatization of corrections and if so, whether they been achieved at the expense of quality correctional service.
Abstract
After a decade of experience, questions persist about whether privatization of correctional facilities has led to diminished quality of service. Opponents of privatization have consistently feared that private corporations will be motivated by the need to remain profitable at the expense of corrections service, i.e., they are more concerned with doing well than with doing good. This article addresses two key issues: 1) whether privatization results in significant cost savings and 2) whether any cost savings are offset by decreased correctional service. The author cites several studies that provided evidence that significant cost savings are achieved through contracting of services. Based on four indicators, the author also concluded that neither the caliber of correctional service nor the public safety are compromised by the cost saving strategies employed by private corporations. Those indicators are: the willingness of contracting units of government to renew existing contracts, lack of civil suits by prisoners against private corrections management firms, the success of private firms in gaining accreditation by the American Correctional Association and evidence of the quality of confinement.