Privatization of Prisons - 1329 Words

Privatization of Prisons Introduction I am writing this memo in response to a request to analyze the benefits and disadvantages of privatized prison systems. With the present economic environment, it is important to explore all options that could reduce the state’s deficit. This research project will explore the cost benefits to the privatization of California’s prison system, in comparison to other cost saving options. It will use statistics from other states that use private prison systems, as well as federal detention facilities that are privately managed. The purpose of this analysis is to reduce spending as a whole, and to not place a financial burden on local governments. It is also important to note that prison sentences†¦show more content†¦In the evaluation of cost efficiency, Allen Correctional Facility and Winn Correctional Facility, the two privately operated prisons, showed a unit cost per day to be $22.93 and $23.49, respectively. This is compared to Avoyelles Correctional Facil ity (government operated) at a $26.60 unit cost per day. Over a five fiscal year period, the cost savings for privatization was between 11 percent and 13 percent (doc.state.ok). The state of California has a staggering unit cost per day of $162.00. The state also utilizes out-of-state privately operated prisons to help reduce its overcrowded prison population. The most expensive contract shows a unit cost per day at approximately $72.00 (Reason). It becomes clear that California needs to explore cost saving options when its unit cost per day drastically exceeds states like Texas, with a unit cost per day of $42.47, and Louisiana with a unit cost per day of $26.60. Conclusion The evidence reported in this analysis weighs towards privatization. Although the cost benefits suggested by the studies are promising, the ratio of California’s prison expense to other states remains distorted. Even at a 14 percent reduction in cost, such as Texas, the unit cost per day would still exceed the national average. In order to reach the same unit cost per day as Texas, California wouldShow MoreRelatedPrison Privatization Essay1927 Words   |  8 PagesPrison Privatization Privatizing prisons may be one way for the prison population to get back under control. Prisons are overcrowded and need extra money to house inmates or to build a new prison. The issue of a serious need for space needs to be addressed. â€Å"As a national average, it costs roughly $20,000 per year to keep an inmate in prison. There are approximately 650,000 inmates in state and local prisons, double the number five years ago. This costs taxpayers an estimated $18 billion eachRead More The Ethics of Prison Privatization2393 Words   |  10 PagesThis includes the privatization of such services as prisons, electronic tags, catering companies, probation work or prison escort services. David Taylor-Smith, head of the world’s biggest security firm, G4S says he expects private companies will be running large parts of the UK’s police service within five years (Taylor and Travis, 2012). Nils Christie’s text (2000) â€Å"Crime Control as Industry† draws upon inc reasing prison populations in the US. However reflecting upon that the prison population in EnglandRead MorePrivatization of American Prisons1661 Words   |  7 Pagesrunning prisons out of the hands of state and federal authorities and contracting it out to private organizations. Along with the drift to privatization is a plethora of research pertaining to the subject taking many different approaches to analyzing the effectiveness. The majority of research focuses on one of three areas. The first questioning whether or not it is cost effective to make the switch. The second being the ethical problems that can and have risen from the privatization of prisons. 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The article is entitled â€Å"Prisons, jobs and privatization: The impact of prisons on employment growth in ruralRead More The Privatization of American Prisons Essay4419 Words   |  18 PagesThe Privatization of American Prisons Introduction Since 1984, the California Penal System has been forced to undergo drastic changes resulting from increased legislation aimed at increasing the severity of retribution to offenders leading to an exponentially increasing prison population. In the 132 years between 1852 and 1984, the state of California built twelve prisons, but has since supplemented the prison system with 21 new facilities. In 1977, the California Department of CorrectionsRead MoreThe Privatization Of Prisons During The United States1996 Words   |  8 PagesThe privatization of prisons in America impacts the treatment of prisoners in a negative way. In 2008, there were 1,610,446 people imprisoned in the United States, Seven percent of those are in private prisons. It may seem like a small number, but inmate numbers are rising along with number of private prisons. Many people, since the early 1990s, when the privatization of prisons became popular, have had concerns that these companies would be more worried about profit than the prisoners human rightsRead MoreThe Changing of the Guard: A Progressive Study of the Privatization of Prisons3439 Words   |  14 PagesThe Changing of the Guard: A Progressive Study of the Privatization of Prisons Abstract Privatization of prisons is not exactly a novel concept. The Federal Government has been contracting out such things as the building of new prisons, the operating of prisons, and providing goods and services to prisons since 2003. Some of the companies that the government trusts to do all of this are Corrections Corporation of America, and The GEO Service Group, formerly known as Wackenhut. Although the governmentRead More Privatization of American Prisons: a System for Profit Essay8583 Words   |  35 Pagesthis paper will be a compilation of research on the privatization of American prisons. This will include the reasons for, the historical aspects of, and the ethical and legal problems that it can and has caused. The research methods that will be used to develop this research paper will be done through both classical use of books and use of internet-based sources. This topic is important for analysis because the privatization of American prisons is a subject that raises many ethical and legal questions