Other important issues are whether privatization will result in the incarceration of offenders who would otherwise have received noncustodial sentences and how controls can be established to ensure that the required standards are maintained. Further issues include how to improve rehabilitative programs in prisons and whether private programs could be designed to save money or even to make money. The analysis concludes that the introduction of private prisons may offer a needed opportunity for reforms. However, if privatization merely becomes an unthinking copy of North American practice, the situation in the United Kingdom will probably become worse. Liberal and radical lobbyists should not oppose privatization in principle but should focus instead on ensuring that the right elements are included in any private prisons that are established. 31 references.