comparative studies found that private operators did run prisons more cheaply without sacrificing "quality".

Typically, the studies found, Wackenhut and CCA were able to provide cost savings
of five to fifteen percent while still maintaining high marks for provision of services.
Even in Texas, which has one of the lowest cost per prisoner rates, both Wackenhut
and CCA came in cheaper….(ARGUMENTS AGAINST PRIVATE IMPRISONING)…The record
so far, however, shows that compared to the murderous outbreaks in state
penitentiaries, incidents of violence, riot, escape and the like have been relatively rare
in the private prisons.