Penitentiary system

The penitentiary system is a network of prisons and related facilities designed to detain individuals convicted of crimes. Its primary goals include preventing further criminal activity, punishing offenders, deterring others from committing crimes, and offering opportunities for rehabilitation. Staffed by correctional officers, penitentiaries focus on security, order, and sometimes providing educational or vocational programs to help inmates reintegrate into society upon release. The system varies by country but generally aims to balance safety, justice, and the potential for reform.