Final answer:
County jails and privately owned municipal jails are regulated by state and local authorities, with state Departments of Corrections often playing a central role. Private facilities are also held accountable through contracts and must comply with federal standards. The aim is to ensure health, safety, and respect for inmates' rights while preventing human rights violations or neglect of rehabilitation.
Step-by-step explanation:
All county jails and privately owned municipal jails are regulated to ensure that they comply with various standards and regulations that often pertain to health, safety, and inmates' rights. Although the specific regulatory body can vary by state, generally speaking, state Departments of Corrections oversee county jails while municipal jails may be governed by local government authorities in accordance with state laws. Additionally, private facilities typically operate under contracts that stipulate adherence to state standards and can be subjected to additional oversight by various state agencies. In a broader sense, jails and prisons, whether publicly or privately operated, must comply with federal standards, such as those established by the American Correctional Association.
Arguments related to private prisons often center around the potential for cost savings envisioned by those who favor privatization. However, concerns arise due to possible cost-cutting measures that might lead to human rights violations or reduced rehabilitation efforts. Regardless of whether jails are publicly or privately operated, accountability to regulatory standards is intended to prevent such outcomes.