Prisons and Corrections 
Recent Research and Commentary
Florida Benefitting from Prison Privatization
Applying competition to corrections delivers cost savings, accountability
January 16, 2009Who audits government-run prisons? The government. The watchmen are evaluating themselves, which is an obvious conflict of interest and one of the reasons private prisons get more scrutiny. They don't get to grade themselves.
Had the legislature sought to tally deficiencies in public prisons, they surely would have identified many. And unlike private prisons, government correctional agencies cannot be fired or fined for underperformance. This accountability is one reason private prisons are better for taxpayers.
"Perfect Storm" Could Accelerate Privatization Trends
MuniNet Guide Interview with Reason's Leonard Gilroy
October 24, 2008Is privatization looming as large in other parts of the country? Could the increasing trend to form public-private partnerships gain momentum in light of this country’s economic downturn? Reason's Leonard Gilroy says the answer to both of those questions is "yes." In the interview that follows, he shares his many insights on privatization, and why we’re likely to see more of it.
Annual Privatization Report 2008
Reason Foundation's 22nd annual analysis of privatization and outsourcing
August 1, 2008
Privatization remains a key policy focus as public officials grapple with deteriorating fiscal conditions, according to Reason Foundation's Annual Privatization Report 2008. With as many as 23 states potentially facing budget deficits in fiscal 2009, state governments are increasingly looking for ways to cut costs without cutting services. Enter the private sector.
Corporate Corrections? Frequently Asked Questions About Prison Privatization
November 1, 2002View Resources by Type
StudiesBlog PostsOp-EdsReason.comReason.tv
- Private Prisons a Smart Strategy for Arizona
Prison privatization opponents rely on myths, not facts
Leonard Gilroy
November 17, 2009 - Policymakers Turn to Privatization Amid Prolonged Government Fiscal Crises
Privatization, public-private partnerships increasingly prominent in fiscal policy debates
Leonard Gilroy
August 6, 2009 - Florida Benefitting from Prison Privatization
Applying competition to corrections delivers cost savings, accountability
Leonard Gilroy
January 16, 2009 - "Perfect Storm" Could Accelerate Privatization Trends
MuniNet Guide Interview with Reason's Leonard Gilroy
Leonard Gilroy
October 24, 2008 - Comparing the Performance of Private and Public Prisons
If you can't win, change the rules
Geoffrey Segal
April 4, 2008 - CA Prison System Presents Major Reform Opportunity
Schwarzenegger needs to battle powerful prison guards
Geoffrey Segal
January 12, 2006 - Private Prison Success
Study says CA private prison is delivering results
Geoffrey Segal
November 30, 2005 - Competition Saves Money
Private prisons would help Georgia cut costs
Geoffrey Segal and Kelly McCutchen
October 8, 2004 - Sheriff Can Ease Budget Shortfall With Private Jail
Marion County should look to private sector
Geoffrey Segal
August 13, 2004 - Privatize Prisons, Unlock Savings
Kentucky proposal to open private prison is good business
Geoffrey Segal
August 11, 2004 - States Tap Private Prisons
Governors looking to save use private sector
Geoffrey Segal
July 1, 2004 - Best Prison Reform: Privatization
CA corrections system if rife with problems
Geoffrey Segal
February 24, 2004 - Private Prisons Save Money, Boost Productivity
Privatization saves 5 to 20 percent
Geoffrey Segal
November 17, 2003 - Reality Check on Connecticut Prisons
Adrian Moore
July 30, 2003 - Increased Competition Will Lead to Savings
Virginia could save millions
Geoffrey Segal
June 17, 2003 - Cashing In on Gov. Davis' Prison Contract
Union gets rich at taxpayer expense
Geoffrey Segal
July 24, 2002 - Why Spare Prisons From Budget Cuts?
Prison guards get special treatment from Davis
David Nott
January 21, 2002 - Supreme Court Rules on Private Prison Liability
Inmates at private and government-run prisons should have same rights
Geoffrey Segal
January 7, 2002 - Private Prisons Better Suited to Address Problems
Facilities are more accountable
Geoffrey Segal
October 10, 2001 - Innovative Alternatives to Traditional Municipal/County Corrections
Tested solutions to jail management needs
Geoffrey Segal
March 1, 2001 - Prison Escape Highlights System Woes
Who will correct the corrections system?
Geoffrey Segal
January 22, 2001
Out of Control Policy Blog - Privatization
- Privatization News Roundup, Nov. 13, 2009 (11/13)
- Arizona Prison Privatization Proposal Doesn't Jive with Market (11/9)
- Privatization News Roundup, Nov. 5, 2009 (11/5)
- California to Send 2,300 More Inmates to Out-of-State Private Prisons (11/3)
- Oklahoma Corrections Report Ignores Costs to Make Public Prisons Look Cheaper (10/26)
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