FACTS VS MYTHS

True Facts To Counter Myths and Arguments Against Privatization

Here are numerous facts that counter the standard arguments against privatization:

"Private prisons are accountable."

Claims that private prisons are not accountable are perhaps the most serious, and unwarranted, charge. In reality, private prisons are in many ways more accountable than their public counterparts. No one monitors CCA's performance more critically than the company's customers, including the nation's top state corrections systems and the highly respected Federal Bureau of Prisons. Given state or federal governments' ability to cancel contracts with private companies if standards are not met, private operators are accountable for their operations in ways that public systems are not (a public system can't be "fired"). Private companies gain new government customers by demonstrating their capabilities in existing facilities – another form of accountability.

Today, nearly three-fourths of all states, many local governments and all three federal corrections agencies partner with the private sector to manage portions of their inmate populations. Cost savings, quality and accountability make this a growing trend. Whether third-party attacks are directed toward CCA or any other private corrections provider, corrections itself has been and will continue to be an issue of public interest. Such an environment motivates CCA to objectively peruse case studies, review best practices, stay current on correctional trends and always perform to the best of our ability, as we continue to meet – and frequently exceed – public agencies' correctional needs.

"Private prisons do save money."

With 25 years of sound good data, assertions that corrections agencies don't really save money when they enter public-private partnerships have been debunked. Overwhelmingly, the evidence shows that states achieve cost savings through partnerships with private management companies. A recent study by Vanderbilt University professors concluded that states contracting with private operators not only save money directly from their private prisons but also experience cost savings in their public prisons due to the added competition and sharing best practices .

"Private companies don't cut corners."

The notion that private companies cut corners is untrue in two ways. First, private operators must meet contractual standards in many areas, such as inmate education programs, food service and health care. Additionally, private companies are regarded as steady innovators in the corrections industry. With the resources and the incentive to look for better and more efficient ways to operate, private companies often lead in developing and implementing new systems, programming and operating procedures that are often later adopted by the entire industry.

"Private prisons are safe."

The corrections industry, both public and private, has always been and always will be controversial and highly regulated. The nature of the industry means that the potential for incidents and disruptions always exists. However, as a result of CCA's dedication to safety and continual improvement of services, average rates for violent incidents and escapes at CCA facilities are lower than rates at similar public facilities, despite opponents' claims that privatization leads to poor inmate care and safety records.

"Private prisons do treat their employees well"

Many corrections officers and administrators who have worked in both private and public corrections state that they prefer the former. In the private sector, wages are competitive, training is comprehensive, facilities are often newer and more modern, and the opportunities for advancement are more varied, with an established career ladder.

CCA's customers tell the story.

Those customers include the nation's three federal corrections agencies, many state corrections systems and numerous county agencies, which all critically monitor CCA's performance. Repeatedly, customers continue doing business with CCA when they have the opportunity to renew or cancel their contracts. Such confidence attests to CCA's consistent quality and refutes arguments made by anti-privatization critics. In fact, no customer has ever discontinued its relationship with CCA based on poor quality performance by the company.

CCA's partnerships are expanding.

Many of our government customers have been so pleased with CCA's service that they have expanded their utilization of CCA. Despite more than 25 years of active opposition by these groups, public-private partnerships thrive as cost-effective, top-quality solutions for corrections systems at the local, state and federal levels. Independent cost comparisons demonstrate significant cost savings by the private sector, savings that government can use to fund other public needs such as health care and education. Competition among potential operators allows governments to select the most cost-effective and highest quality option available.