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Recent Research and Commentary

Florida Benefitting from Prison Privatization

Applying competition to corrections delivers cost savings, accountability

January 16, 2009

Leonard Gilroy

Who 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, 2008

Leonard Gilroy

Is 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

Leonard Gilroy

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, 2002

Geoffrey Segal

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