Private Prisons Rainmaker
Issues Cutting cost Untrained guards Transparency effect Overcrowding Health
Background Debate: whether private-sector involvement in corrections should be increased proponants: potential cost savings and efficient service Opponents: issues as the transfer of services from a public to private provider, the potential decline in the quality of inmate services, the propriety of private-sector operation of correctional facilities, and the legal liability surrounding privatization.
History Before the use of prisons in America, criminals were subject to corporal/capital punishment Starting in the 1600’s, prisons were being used to house people who couldn’t pay debt and other criminals All types of people, Men/women, young/old, black/white were all placed in the same overcrowded prisons
History During the 19th century, debate raged between proponents of two different philosophies of prison administration One model, based on New York State's Auburn State Prison, founded in 1817, enforced strict discipline, forcing workers to toil in silence during the day and housing them in separate cells at night They were often forced to work for private businessmen without pay, creating significant profits for both the businesses and the state
History In contrast to that model, a system initiated in 1829 in PA emphazied rehabilitation and penitence (where penitentiary came from) Prisoners were given one cell and a bible, and were expected to understand and realize what they did wrong so they could be released Supporters of the Pennsylvania system described the Auburn system as virtual slavery, while its defenders praised its profit-making potential Critics of the Pennsylvania system claimed that its enforced solitude often led to madness.
Proponent Arguments Government can reduce or share its liability exposure by contracting with private corrections companies. save money
Opponent Arguments
CCA Support Private Prisons
ACLU Against Private Prisons
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Political Parties