Jails, prisons and correctional facilities are places where people accused or convicted of crimes are held.
Many people use “jail” and “prison” but both have the same meaning but they are actually different types of facilities.
Generally, Jails are run by local govt and here people stay for short periods. This could be individuals awaiting trial or serving short sentences, typically less than a year, for minor offenses.
Where Prisons are run by state or federal govt and are for people who have committed more serious crimes and are serving longer sentences.
The term “correctional facility” is broader and refers to any type of institution where people are held, including jails, prisons, rehabilitation centers, juvenile detention centers and halfway houses.
Now, let’s go deeper into the differences between jails, prisons, and correctional facilities.
What is a Jail?
A jail is a place where individuals are held while waiting for trial, sentencing, or transfer to a prison.
It can also be referred to as a sheriff’s office or a local corrections department.
Jails are typically used for short-term stays, usually for those convicted of misdemeanors. However, in some cases, if a person is waiting for trials on both misdemeanor and felony charges, they may spend more than a year in jail.
Jails often offer work release programs, boot camps, and other programs like education, substance abuse help, and job training. These programs aim to help inmates improve their lives and reduce the chances of returning to crime. They also keep inmates occupied, helping to prevent conflicts with other inmates of staff.
What is a prison?
Prisons are run by state governments or the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP). They are made to hold people who are convicted for serious crimes.
Prisons offer different programs for inmates based on their security level, such as minimum, medium, maximum security or solitary confinement.
In minimum and medium security, inmates can join programs like halfway houses, work release, or community service centers, especially if they are close to finishing their sentences.
Prisons are for people serving longer sentences, usually more than a year, so they offer better facilities and programs compared to jails, which hold people for shorter periods. Many prisoners prefer prison over jail because of the better conditions.
What is a Correction Facility?
A correctional facility is a general term used for both jails and prisons but most people think of it as a prison. It’s a place where inmates are offered to help them change their behavior.
These facilities house offenders, including those who have committed serious crimes. The goal is to help them learn and improve so they won’t be dangerous when released.
Inmates are encouraged to join educational programs and job training. They can also take part in cultural activities and even help teach other inmates. This helps with their personal growth and reduces the chance of returning to crime.
Difference between Jail, Prison and Correctional Facility
| Comparison Factors | Jail | Prison | Correctional Facility |
| Purpose | The purpose is to keep the accused or convicted awaiting trials, or to be transferred to a prison. | The purpose is to house convicts and limit their freedom as punishment. | It is for housing criminals with an intention to correct their ways and ensure they don’t cause any threat to others when they are out. |
| Objective | The objective is to hold up an accused or convicted criminal for a short time. | The objective is to keep the criminals away from society so they don’t pose any danger when out in the open. | The objective is to rehabilitate criminals and mend their ways of thinking. |
| Type of crimes | It is basically for misdemeanors. | It is for criminals convicted for serious crimes. | It is criminals who have committed serial killings, and other heinous and dangerous acts. |
| Facilities | Low in facilities, programs and infrastructure. | It has better facilities, correctional programs, training, and infrastructure. | It usually has a high level of programs, training, top quality medical facilities, psychological support and more. |
| Quality of life | People have complained about unavailability of proper sleeping space, lack of safety, and more disturbances. | It is safer and has a better quality of life for prisoners. They are safer from sexual harassment, and have better facilities. | It is the safest and has the best security. |
