private prison

A private prison is a correctional facility operated by a private company rather than the government. These facilities are contracted to house inmates, often with the aim of reducing costs and increasing efficiency in the prison system. However, private prisons are often criticized for prioritizing profit over rehabilitation and safety, potentially leading to overcrowding, inadequate conditions, and lower standards of care. The financial incentive to keep prison populations high can also spark ethical debates about criminal justice policies and incarceration practices.