Punishment for Profit: Private Prisons/Public Concerns

"Shichor, a recognized American criminologist, has provided a thoughtful, comprehensive, issue-directed investigation into the privatization solution. . . . An excellent resource for policy makers and those knowledgeable about corrections." --J. H. Larson in Choice "In this comprehensive study of the privatization of correctional institutions, David Shichor provides a much-needed critical analysis and evaluation of the privatization movement in corrections today. After presenting a lucid historical overview, the author discusses in separate chapters the conceptual, legal, economic, qualitative, and management issues involved in privatizing prisons. . . . The book deserves to be widely read because of its clarity, comprehensiveness, and relevance." --Matthew Kanjirathinkal in Corrections Today "David Shichor, a recognized American criminologist, has provided a thoughtful, comprehensive, issue-directed investigation into the privatization solution. . . . Each issue is systematically reviewed, allowing readers to relate it to the perspective, central thesis, and to other issues. Shichor then uses empirical program information and evaluations to test elements of basic privatization. . . . Good bibliography. An excellent resource for policy makers and those knowledgeable about corrections." --Choice Presenting a systematic and complete review of the literature on privatization of prisons, Punishment for Profit raises some fundamental questions about who we are as a society. Moving beyond the comfort zone of more pragmatic discussions, David Shichor examines some serious ethical, legal, political, and theoretical considerations regarding a clientele that is not only viewed as undesirable but also vulnerable to social and political manipulation. Acknowledging the need to synthesize both research and "gut feeling" in order to formulate a thoughtful opinion on such an important topic, the author encourages evaluation of basic issues such as: What are the functions of state and government? What are the limits of civil liberties? What are the bonds holding members of society together? Researchers, academicians, policy makers, correctional officers, and advanced students will find Punishment for Profit thought provoking and an excellent resource for continued efforts to resolve this critical issue facing the national community. "Although there is no question where the author comes down on the matter of privatizing prisons, readers seeking a full view of what is known and thought about this important public policy issue should be pleased to have before them a full and fair portrayal of every matter of importance on the issue: the historical record, legal issues, management concerns, expense data, monitoring matters, and outcome measures, the last concerned with whether private operations show a better result than the present system in terms of reform of inmates." --from the Foreword by Gilbert GeisShichor, David is the author of 'Punishment for Profit: Private Prisons/Public Concerns', published 1995 under ISBN 9780803971547 and ISBN 0803971540.