Because of the high cost and overcrowding of prisons, the federal and state governments have outsourced the operation of many private prisons.
These large companies, like many others, have the goal of making a profit. Like hotels, prisons are more profitable when all the rooms are occupied.
To accomplish this goal, companies lobby for 'tough on crime' legislation regardless of the actual rehabilitation or crime reduction (or lack thereof) properties which these penal institutions may offer.
With the sole goal of profit, these companies have bastardized the purpose of prisons and have done a disservice to the american people.
I realize that spending a little more money to actually rehabilitate prisoners may seem difficult. but the investment will pay off.
Thank you for listening