The Current Status of Prison Privatization Research on American Prisons

Gerald G. Gaes, Florida State University

Abstract

This paper reviews the current status of prison privatization research in the United States. It covers the research literature, points out weaknessess of many of the studies that have been conducted, compares competing synthese of the same literature, and lays out a framework for future analyses of this problem. The paper also covers the critical areas that must be addressed if policymakers are to use the research literature to make prison privatization decisions in their respective jurisdictions.