October 12, 2011
Reason Foundation (funded by private prison companies) says private prisons are good?
Massive debt and deficits at all levels of government are prompting policymakers to seek ways to keep the spiraling costs of correctional systems in check.
Sensible criminal justice reforms including easing drug penalties, using drug courts, expanding treatment programs and sentencing reforms are key changes. Lawmakers are also expanding their use of public-private partnerships to lower prison spending, improve performance and avoid major capital investment in new prisons.
Public-private partnerships are simply government contracts with private firms to provide services ranging from building and operating prisons to delivering inmate services (e.g., health care, food, rehabilitation services) and operational support functions (e.g., maintenance and transportation). Since the private corrections industry emerged in the 1980s, over 30 states — including California, Texas, Florida and Colorado — have embraced public-private partnerships. Today approximately 9 percent of federal and state inmates are held in privately-operated prisons...
LINK - CNBC.com
