Degree Type
Thesis
Date of Award
2016
Degree Name
Master of Arts
Department
Political Science
Major
Political Science
First Advisor
Alex Tuckness
Abstract
Private prison companies simply cannot prove that they are better than the public prison sector. This research was conducted to help determine why government agencies should take in consideration the advantages and disadvantages of contracting private companies to manage and/or provide facilities to incarcerate inmates. The research identifies that the private sector’s promises of better recidivism rates, lower cost of operations, and staff’s training, pay, and benefits equal to the public prison system are not significant enough to weigh in favor of contracting with the private companies. Statistical date, studies, peer reviewed sources, and journals regarding correctional centers being operated by either the public or private sector were reviewed and compared. The findings indicate inconclusive evidence regarding claims of private prisons being significantly more efficient and effective than local, state, and federally operated correctional centers.
DOI
https://doi.org/10.31274/etd-180810-5429
Copyright Owner
James Michael Roller
Copyright Date
2016
Language
en
File Format
application/pdf
File Size
69 pages
Recommended Citation
Roller, James Michael, "Privatizing prisons: Assessing the claims" (2016). Graduate Theses and Dissertations. 15801.
https://lib.dr.iastate.edu/etd/15801
