O.C. PLATFORM : Money Is Jail Issue
As a policy matter, I support the privatization of many public services. Having private companies compete for the public’s business yields cost savings and quality control.
No doubt, privatizing jails creates unique security concerns. However, those are manageable by tailoring the prisoner class to the structure and the available programs.
Our immediate issue is not the philosophy of private versus public jails.
Orange County’s problem is the inability to identify a long-term source of money to pay for any jail.
I appreciate that someone may be interested in providing jails as a business, but my guess is that he or she will eventually want to get paid.
We don’t have any money!
The debate about the location of a new jail, or whether or not it might be privately built and operated, misses the point.
The county simply does not have a reliable source of revenue to pay for any new jail services.
Inside the business of entertainment
The Wide Shot brings you news, analysis and insights on everything from streaming wars to production — and what it all means for the future.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
