There are two types of prisons, those run by the government, a “state or federal confinement facility that has custodial authority over adults sentenced to confinement” (Schmalleger, 2015, pg. 414) and those run by private corporations, “a correctional institution operated by a private firm on behalf of a local or state government” (Schmalleger, 2015, pg. 448). Both provide housing “where convicted offenders serve time as punishment for breaking the law” (Schmalleger, 2015, pg. 414). Each type of prison has its strengths and weaknesses.
The biggest advantage to private prisons seems to be the financial savings to the government and in turn the public. The government and tax-paying citizens do not have to bear the burden