Corrections

Keep communities safe: Keep corrections public

More than 150 private prisons have sprung up in the U.S. in recent decades, and some Canadian provinces, including Alberta, Ontario and Nova Scotia, have considered turning correctional and young offender services over to profit-seeking companies.

A losing record

A public outcry stopped the Alberta government's plan to open the door to for-profit prisons. In Ontario, an ill-fated experiment with a private super-jail run by a Utah-based corporation was shut down in 2007 and turned over to the province. The concerns with the private prison ranged from poor security to higher reoffending rates among inmates.

Losing control under privatization

Government has a duty to ensure public safety and accountability. When correctional facilities are owned and operated by a third party, the government relinquishes its ability to set policies, oversee program delivery and monitor outcomes.

When correctional services are run on a for-profit basis, the quality of programs and services suffer. That spells trouble for communities, workers and offenders. Profit is made by cutting costs, and that can result in further overcrowding and higher staff-to-inmate ratios. Lower wages and benefits will lead to a less educated, less experienced and qualified workforce.

Uphold professional standards

Correctional and young offender facilities must be operated by professional, well-trained public service employees to ensure the highest standards of care, custody and rehabilitation.