Privatization of Prisons - Assignment Example

Privatization of Prisons The number of prisoners is increasing on daily basis exceeding the prison space that can hold the prisoners. Considering that there are states where the bed capacity has been exceeded by almost double the number of prisoners, it becomes important to evaluate the issue of privatization of the prisons. Prisons help in protecting the citizens against the prisoners and at the same time offer the convicts a chance to be rehabilitated as they get punished for their felonies.

The advantages of privatizing prisons include reduced costs of running them since private entities put more emphasis on cost management. The prisons will also be run more efficiently while considering issues such as prisoners’ health, and rehabilitation. Prisons should offer better living conditions and facilities than what is being offered currently. This can be achieved if the prisons are privatized. Privatization will ensure that the required infrastructure is well laid and rehabilitation is done effectively.

However, some analysts do not agree on the idea that private prisons help in cutting costs. One of the major concerns that comes with privatization of prisons is loss of transparency. In a situation where transparency is lost, it will be hard to establish whether the judgment made by the judiciary is followed. In a bid to cut on the costs, some of the privatized prisons may employ dubious tactics such as releasing of prisoners to reduce their number. Monopolization of the industry which can come with limited organizations offering the services can lead to dependency.

This may adversely affect the services being offered since money may become the priority. Punishment and rehabilitation should take the priority. The prisons should ensure that there is mutual benefit when the prisoners are kept in prison to ensure that they are rehabilitated as well as punished for the crimes they committed.