prisons and jails

Prisons and jails are facilities used to detain individuals who have committed crimes. Jails are typically local or county facilities holding people for short periods, such as those awaiting trial or serving minor sentences. Prisons are larger, secure institutions operated by the state or federal government, designed for long-term confinement of individuals convicted of serious offenses. While jails tend to accommodate a broader population, prisons focus on individuals serving longer sentences. Both aim to ensure public safety, enforce legal consequences, and facilitate rehabilitation where possible.