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An official website of the United States government, Department of Justice.

Correctional Facilities

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Description

Institutional corrections facilities include prisons and jails. Prisons are state or federal housing facilities that confine convicted felons with sentences typically longer than a year. Jails are administered by local law enforcement and hold those with shorter sentences — usually for 1 year or less — and those awaiting trial.

NIJ's research and development program responds to the needs of corrections practitioners and to the changing nature of corrections. NIJ sponsors research which aims to improve the management of correctional facilities at the state​ and local level; understanding the impact of technology in improving staff and safety and the safety of the incarcerated individuals; and how state and federal legislation affects safety and security and administration of policies and procedures.

On this page, find links to articles, awards, events, publications, and multimedia related to correctional facilities.