Synopses & Reviews
The privatization of prisons is a fiercely debated area of penal policy. Those in favor argue it will improve conditions for prisoners, reduce costs for the state, and facilitate innovation. Those against believe accountability for the treatment of prisoners cannot be ensured and that it is the stateAEs absolute and legitimate responsibility to punish those who break the law. Privatizing Prisons is the first detailed account of the privatization of prisons centered around the only full-scale study taken in Britain. The authors provide an up-to-date overview of the development of private-sector involvement in penal practice in the United Kingdom, North America, Europe, and Australia. They describe the first 2 years in the life of Wolds Remand Prisonuthe first private prison in Britainuand compare it to a new public-sector prison. Privatizing Prisons goes on to explore some of the practical and theoretical issues that have emerged, as well as ethical issues surrounding the whole privatization debate, and considers the implications for the future of the prison system and penal policy. Written in a clear and lively style, this invaluable book will be essential reading for students and professionals in criminology, penology, and criminal justice.
Synopsis
This book makes public, for the first time, a full account of the development of the privatization of prisons, centred on the only full-scale empirical study yet to have been undertaken in Britain.
After providing an up-to-date overview of the development of private sector involvement in penal practice in the United Kingdom, North America, Europe and Australia, the authors go on to describe the first two years in the life of Wolds Remand Prison - the first private prison in Britain.
They look at the daily life for remand prisoners, assess the duties and morale of staff and compare the workings of Wolds to a new local prison in the public sector. The authors conclude by discussing some of the practical and theoretica