Privatizing Prisons: Rhetoric and Reality

The privatization of prisons is a fiercely debated area of penal policy. Those in favor argue it will improve conditions for prisoners, reduce costs for the state, and facilitate innovation. Those against believe accountability for the treatment of prisoners cannot be ensured and that it is the state s absolute and legitimate responsibility to punish those who break the law. Privatizing Prisons is the first detailed account of the privatization of prisons centered around the only full-scale study taken in Britain. The authors provide an up-to-date overview of the development of private-sector involvement in penal practice in the United Kingdom, North America, Europe, and Australia. They describe the first 2 years in the life of Wolds Remand Prisonùthe first private prison in Britainùand compare it to a new public-sector prison. Privatizing Prisons goes on to explore some of the practical and theoretical issues that have emerged, as well as ethical issues surrounding the whole privatization debate, and considers the implications for the future of the prison system and penal policy. Written in a clear and lively style, this invaluable book will be essential reading for students and professionals in criminology, penology, and criminal justice.