A research team composed of staff of the Council of State Governments, the Urban Institute, and a consultant experienced in criminal justice matters reviewed the relevant literature and studies on contracting correctional services from 22 States. An examination of experiences in contracting adult and some juvenile secure facilities in State and local governments was conducted for Florida, Kentucky, Illinois, Wisconsin, Alaska, California, and Tennessee. The study focused on legal issues, policy and program issues before deciding to contract, requests for proposals and contract issues, and contract monitoring and evaluation. Major conclusions pertain to the civil liability of private prison contractors, type and size of facilities privately contracted, contracting procedures, monitoring and evaluation, impacts, and avoiding future problems. Study recommendations address contract goals, the protection of inmates and States, the contracting process, contract provisions, new and existing facilities, inmate selection, the level of authority, and monitoring.