NCJ Number
100187
Journal
Prison Journal Volume: 65 Issue: 2 Dated: (Autumn-Winter 1985) Pages: 32-41
Date Published
1985
Length
10 pages
Annotation
An analysis of issues raised by the privatization of corrections focuses on the motives involved, standards and measures of quality control, moral and legal accountability, program management, and innovation.
Abstract
Privatization raises the concern that profit and efficiency, rather than quality and human service, are the main goals. In addition, little agreement exists regarding the nature and methods of enforcement of standards. The crucial issues related to accountability are how to define legal responsibility through contractual agreements, how to monitor compliance, and access to information that would permit meaningful oversight. Program and management issues include the potential loss of continuity in management or service when private-sector managerial practices are used in place of civil service rules of employment and retention and the use of free enterprise or inmate labor in correctional enterprises. Privatization may encourage research into innovations; alternatively, the profit motive may preclude innovation that risks the loss of known profitability. Privatization will work only if profitability and integrity in administration are balanced. Privatization may be most effective if it complements existing public programs instead of replacing them. Accountability and mutual participation are both essential to the success of privatization. 28 references.