ABSTRACT
Accountability, then, sounds straightforward. Evidently, all one has to do is identify the areas of an activity that require supervision, specify them in sufficient detail, establish an appropriate regulatory structure, and let the responsible organization and persons get on with it. The theoretical basis of capture is such that predictably it will be a relevant factor in structuring and managing a suitable accountability system for private prisons. The United Kingdom arrangements amount to the strongest statute-based accountability structure in existence. Dealing first with Queensland, however, the situation there mirrors that of Texas–legislation authorizing privatization but without any specific reference to special mechanisms of accountability. The Queensland enabling legislation was passed in 1988. The developing ethos was one where it was considered that monitoring arrangements should be accorded greater status, some autonomy within the correctional hierarchy. Queensland commenced the monitoring process in relation to Borallon with great gusto.
