NCJ Number
113792
Journal
Corrections Today Volume: 50 Issue: 6 Dated: (October 1988) Pages: 20-22
Date Published
1988
Length
3 pages
Annotation
Private-sector corrections management is increasingly being accepted as a legitimate and credible solution to relieving overcrowding and improving the quality of life in correctional facilities.
Abstract
Private-sector correctional managers have the necessary control to design facilities appropriate to the type of residents and programs needed by them. Because they function in a competitive environment, they must offer high quality services at minimum cost. They usually are also in a better position to provide employees with the most up-to-date safety and security equipment. Private companies also are able to provide high quality services because of their greater flexibility. In some cases greater cost-effectiveness is provided by employees; in some facilities employee stock ownership plans provide incentives for increased productivity and lower costs. Because employees are such an asset, the companies that survive pay close attention to staff training and promoting employee health both on and off the job. Finally, for-profit companies have effective purchasing procedures. They can buy according to market indicators, whereas public sector operations must go through time-consuming bid procedures and often sign long-term contracts. While some argue that the profit motive results in corner cutting to lower costs, the reverse is true. For-profit companies will go out of business if they do not provide high quality services. Photographs.