According to Mr. Edsall, the new growth industry, on the backs of the poor, seems to be private probation, correctional, and detention companies. In fact, Corrections Corporation of America, is listed on the New York Stock Exchange and reported revenues of $1.69 billion in 2013.

Questions:
1. This collection of private probation companies and the services they offer appeal to politicians and public officials for a number of reasons. What are they?
2. As National Public Radio reported in May, services that “were once free [in the judicial system], including those that are constitutionally required,” are now frequently billed to offenders. What are some of these costs?
3. Why does this new system of offender-funded law enforcement create a vicious circle? Discuss your opinion of this Op-Ed and the equity of these systems.
4. Perform a SWOT analysis of qualitative effects of the prison industrial complex.

Source:
Edsall, T.B. (2014). The Expanding World of Poverty Capitalism. The New York Times, Aug. 30 (Retrievable online at http://www.nytimes.com/2014/08/27/opinion/thomas-edsall-the-expanding-world-of-poverty-capitalism.html?hp&action=click&pgtype=Homepage&module=c-column-top-span-region&region=c-column-top-span-region&WT.nav=c-column-top-span-region)