Although privatization of correctional facilities has increased markedly since the early 1980's, only about 2 percent of Federal and State prisoners are housed in private facilities. The increase in privatization in corrections in the 1980's was part of a philosophical move toward the privatization of all government services. Federal agencies and most academicians believe that privatization in corrections has enough merit to justify further study. Although few evaluations exist, the available studies report favorably on privatization with respect to cost and quality of services. The studies do not address philosophical issues such as whether social control functions should be delegated to the private sector. Two recent national trends may help resolve some of the issues regarding privatization. These are the trend to seek information and data analysis in policy discussions and the increase in public activism and advent of judicial intervention. According to the American Correctional Association, policymakers and implementors planning to privatize corrections should carefully develop the request for proposals, review the proposals, prepare the contract, monitor the implementation, and evaluate the costs and effectiveness of privatization. Footnotes, attached background information, and 23 references