Private prison companies enter into contracts with governments to incarcerate prisoners for a per diem rate. These contracts can incentivize practices that prioritize profits over prisoner welfare. Using solitary confinement cells as overflow space and understaffing medical facilities, though harmful, save companies money in penalties compared to providing humane conditions. A profit motive in punishment increases demand for incarceration by finding new offenses and longer sentences for minor crimes to drive revenues. Reform is needed to eliminate the incentive to prioritize profits over rehabilitation and justice.