Privatization of Prisons Is a Hot Topic in Today's Discussion

Question

Examlex · Accepted Answer

The Answer is Reasons to privatize:
1.Private operators can provide construction financing options that allow the government to pay only for capacity as needed in lieu of assuming long-term debt.
2.Private companies offer state-of-the-art correctional facility designs that are efficient to operate and that are based on cost-benefit considerations.
3.Private operators typically design and construct a new correctional facility in half the time it takes to build a comparable government project.
4.Private companies provide government with the convenience and accountability of one entity for all compliance issues.
5.Private companies can mobilize rapidly and specialize in unique facility missions.
6.Private companies provide economic development opportunities by hiring and purchasing locally.
7.Government can reduce or share its liability exposure by contracting with private corrections companies.
8.Government can retain flexibility by limiting the contract's duration and by specifying the facility's mission.
"9.The addition of alternative service providers injects competition among both public and private organizations.
Reasons not to privatize:"
1.There are certain responsibilities that only the government should meet,such as public safety.The government has legal,political,and moral obligations to provide incarceration.Constitutional issues underlie both public and private corrections and involve deprivation of liberty,discipline,and preservation of the rights of inmates.Related issues include use of force,equitable hiring practices,and segregation.
2.Few private companies are available from which to choose.
3.Private operators may be inexperienced with key corrections issues.
4.A private operator may become a monopoly through political ingratiation,favoritism,and so on.
5.Government may,over time,lose the capability to perform the corrections function.
6.The profit motive will inhibit the proper performance of corrections duties.Private companies have financial incentives to cut corners.
7.The procurement process is slow,inefficient,and open to risks.
8.Creating a good,clear contract is a daunting task.
9.The lack of enforcement remedies in contracts leaves only termination or lawsuits as recourse.

Privatization of Prisons Is a Hot Topic in Today's Discussion

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