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Private Adult Correctional Facility Census

NCJ Number
153731
Author(s)
C W Thomas
Date Published
1995
Length
46 pages
Annotation
Based on data collected twice yearly, this report focuses on the full-scale privatization of secure adult correctional facilities.
Abstract
An overview notes that the growth of the private corrections industry accelerated significantly during 1994. The rated capacity of all private secure facilities in operation or under construction was 32,555 at the end of 1993 and 49,154 at the end of 1994; the actual prisoner population in these facilities increased by 28.75 percent to 28,678. The number of facilities in operation or under construction increased from 73 to 88 during the same period. The number of new facilities projected to receive prisons within the coming 12-18 months rose by 61.5 percent to 21, and at least three jurisdictions in the United States that previously had awarded no contracts for the design, construction, and management of secure facilities began doing so rather aggressively. Many of the 1994 developments document a trend toward larger facilities and facilities with higher security classifications. New contracts were awarded in England, and Victoria became the third State in Australia to privatize secure correctional facilities. Despite uncertainties about the effects of the 1994 election results, many tangible signs indicate that the role of private corrections management firms will continue to grow dramatically. Tables and appended tables, legal background information, and addresses of management companies and private facilities