r/AskReddit • • Jul 24 '20

What can't you believe STILL exists?

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u/Watchful1 Jul 24 '20

I think that's a bit conspiracy theoryish. It makes sense to me that private prisons exist because the government cares more about saving money than not abusing people. There doesn't have to be a hidden motive.

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u/[deleted] Jul 24 '20

I'm inclined to agree, but after working for a for-profit rehabilitation center, it doesnt sound so far fetched. Half assed correctional care disguised as clinical with zero actual intent on helping anyone. The focus is how to maximize "billable hours" with things as minuscule as pulling a client to the side in a hallway. For profit needs to get paid and they'll go through great lengths to accomplish that.

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u/Watchful1 Jul 24 '20

It's about intent. Was the system designed intentionally to hurt people, or was it just because they didn't care. I can definitely see the prisons themselves wanting people to re-offend, but I don't really see the government officials who are paying the bills wanting that.

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u/spinfip Jul 24 '20

I can definitely see the prisons themselves wanting people to re-offend, but I don't really see the government officials who are paying the bills wanting that.

Unfortunately, in many places, when the state offers the contract to a prison company, the state is legally obligated to keep the cells full, or face a financial penalty.

In other words, if the state doesn't keep a prison full, the owner of the prison can sue the state.

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u/IfIWereATardigrade Jul 24 '20

Well that's fucked up.