Corrections Corporation of America
Introduction
Correctional facilities, prisons and detention centers play an integral role in the United States justice system. The facilities confine law offenders away from the free society in order to prevent them further implicating harm to themselves and to the community. These facilities are not always solely operated by the government, private-public partnership exists in the objective of putting correctional facilities where offenders can reflect on their actions and serve the judicial punishment for committing the offence. The Corrections Corporation of America is among the private organization working closely with the federal, state and local government to combine innovation and cost-savings in operating correctional facilities.
About the Agency
CCA’s policies cover more than just rule and adherence to regulations of the law; about 500 performance guidelines were developed by the agency demonstrating accountability. In addition, the agency attempts to use direct relationships among legislators and executive branch officials. Ultimately, CCA seeks to acquire contracts and shape public policies their own way (Mattera and Khan, 2003). When it comes to statutory authority, the agency is considered as a private entity, therefore, such authority does apply to them. This is because the Bureau of Corrections guideline stipulates that the management and operation (internal and external) of the facilities are vested only to the local public entities in pursuant to the statutory authorities set by prevailing in the area of jurisdiction (Bdcorr.ca.gov, 1999).
Since the involvement of CCA to correctional facilities projects are classified as private, its operations still involves dealing with government correctional infrastructure, therefore, a budget outline is necessary to identify whether CCA operates on its own capita or with the help of the State, BOC and the Federal government. The information available regarding CCA’s annual budget is limited as not all states openly disclose the exact amount that such agencies spend each year. Speculations surrounding the expenditures of private organizations serving the function of a government entity go largely towards independent lobbying. As a rough estimate, it is speculated that CCA spends about $1.4 million on lobbying alone, but no information are disclosed regarding operational expenses (Mason, 2012).
When it comes to revenue, CCA files Form 10-K every fiscal year to publicly announce its financial performance. In 2012, CCA posted gross revenue of $1.7 billion, however, the reported net income only accounts to $1.5 million due to expenses amounting to $1.4 billion. CCA acquires its revenues from management services and facility rentals (CCA, 2012). The large chunks of CCA’s expenditure are also diverted to establishing cutting edge technology and communication system. For example, CCA’s facilities are equipped with state of the art security system such as microwave sensors and stun fences (cca.com, N.D.). In addition, the facilities are installed with no less than 140 cameras that operate round the clock. Walkthrough metal detectors and baggage X-ray scanners are also placed in the facility for added security. In term of communication, CCA employs the Unit Management and Direct Supervision concept that ensures consistent and enhanced interaction between inmates and guards.
The privatization of correctional facilities enabled an overall culture of criminal justice and law enforcement that conforms to the level of common understanding of the cause of social problems (correctionsproject.com, N.D.). Due to the apparent expansion of the justice system across the private sector, a culture that is both practice-related and ideological prevails in the justice system. The culture entailed in the privatization of the correctional system have strengthened the law enforcement’s security initiatives.
Conclusion
Corrections Corporation of America was established to enable an alternative source of intervention coming from the private sector. Although CCA operates as a private organization, their contribution to the justice system in keeping the free society safe from outlaws is beneficial not only for the free society, but for all stake holders. The inmates are given with a living environment that is more secured from internal threats. CCA’s objective includes providing correctional services solution to one of the government’s major concerns and that is to serve justice while protecting the rights of the free and the inmate’s peaceful living.
References
Bdcorr.ca.gov (1999, February). Privately Operated Local Detention Facilities. Retrieved August 2, 2013, from http://www.bdcorr.ca.gov/cppd/privatization/pvtjails.htm
Cca.com (n.d.). Corrections Corporation of America. Retrieved August 2, 2013, from http://www.cca.com/facility-tour/
Correctionsproject.com (n.d.). Corrections: Prison privatization and the prison boom. Retrieved August 2, 2013, from http://www.correctionsproject.com/corrections/pris_priv.htm
Mason , C. (2012). Too good to be true: Private prisons in America. Research and advocacy for reform. Retrieved from http://sentencingproject.org/doc/publications/inc_Too_Good_to_be_True.pdf
Mattera, P., & Khan, F. (2003). Corrections corporation of America: A critical look at its first twenty years. Prison Privatisation Report International. Retrieved from http://www.prisonpolicy.org/scans/grassrootsleadership/cca.pdf
