The Leaky Argument for Private Prisons

Privatizing prisons seemed to be a panacea for what ailed States as they struggled with rising numbers of incarceration brought on by the “get tough on crime” campaign and the minimum sentencing rules. Private industry can build cheaper prisons and run them more efficiently they said.

They were supposed to be models of corporate capabilites in running tight ships.

Well, this ship has sprung so many leaks that communities, politicians and think tanks are re-thinking the idea that your typical private corporation can make responsible decisions when it comes to a choice between public safety or private profit.

Just look at the reports that came out this week on Private Prisons:

From the Arizona Republic:   State Rips Private Prison, Begins making changes

• “AZ Prison Escape Blamed On Lax Culture At Private Facility” and related posts (thecrimereport.org)
• Andrea Lyon: The Prison Industrial Complex (huffingtonpost.com)
• Goodbye Prisons; Hello GPS? (blogs.wsj.com)
• Do Private Prisons Save Money? (criminaljustice.change.org)