For-profit prisons are correctional facilities operated by private companies that earn money from housing inmates. These companies typically receive payment from the government based on the number of prisoners they hold, which can create incentives to keep incarceration rates high. Critics argue that for-profit prisons may prioritize profit over rehabilitation, leading to concerns about inmate treatment and safety. Supporters claim that these facilities can operate more efficiently than government-run prisons, potentially reducing costs for taxpayers. The debate continues over the effectiveness and ethics of the for-profit prison system in the United States.