Learning Objectives

As a result of reading this chapter, you will be able to

  • Define the different types of correctional institutions and their purposes
  • Review some of the factors that contribute to recent declines in prison and jail populations
  • Explain the basic structure and function of state prisons
  • Explain the basic structure and function of the federal prison system
  • Describe how supermax prisons function, how they differ from other prisons, and findings concerning their effects on inmates and constitutionality
  • Define and review the operation of private, for-profit prisons
  • Review how jails are organized and constructed, including the new generation jail
  • Describe some of the technologies now in use in corrections