Differences_Between_Jails_and_Prisons

Differences Between Jails and Prisons John Dale CRJ 303 Prof. Scott Axton May 13, 2013 Differences Between Jails and Prisons There are many differences in this world. We see many of those differences around us every day. A good example of this is the items you see at the grocery store. I am sure that you have noticed there are several different brands or types of the same product. So it is the same with detention or incarceration facilities. There are jails and then there are prisons. Both perform the same function, however there are several differences. One of the fundamental differences between jails and prisons is the fact that jails are more for short-term offenders while prisons are set up for offenders who have a lengthier sentence. Most inmates that are held in jails are there for up to a year. Inmates who are in prisons usually have sentences of many years. Another fundamental difference between the two is where they are set up. There are far more jails than there are prisons because jails are more local in nature. There is a jail in most every county and also in bigger cities. These local jails are run by a county sheriff and his/her administration (wisegeek.org). There are roughly about 3,600 jails in the United States (sheriff.org). That means there are about 64% more local city and county jails than there are state and federal prisons. On the flip side of the coin, prisons are stricter and are operated by state governments and the Federal Bureau of Prisons (sheriff.org). There are roughly about 1,300 state and federal prisons in operation in the United States (wikipedia.org). Another fundamental difference between jails and prisons is the classification system. Prisons have class systems whereas most local jails do not (differencebetween.net). In most local jails, most of the inmates are housed together without regard to whether or not the offender is violent or non-violent. When it comes to prisons, classification is very important. Those inmates who are classified as violent offenders would be, after intake, shipped to a more maximum security facility. The more hardcore murderers, etc. would likely be put to supermax or even death row. The more non-violent offenders might be given the chance to go to a minimum security facility or even a work camp, etc. One of the peripheral, or nonessential, differences between jails and prisons are the amenities that the prisoner is given. In most jails, prisoners are often only given the basic necessities such as meals, medical care (if needed), restroom facilities, and the like. Again, most offenders in local jails have sentences of a year or less. Jails can also house people that have been arrested and awaiting trial, or people that have not made bail (wisegeek.org). When it comes to prisons, amenities can include a “yard” where inmates can go outside and socialize or work out and have a good time. Oftentimes in prison, prisoners can have their own televisions and/or radios in their cells. They have more access to services such as educational classes. Also, unlike many jails, prisons have a commissary where inmates can purchase snack foods, tobacco products, personal toiletries, etc. There cannot be a lot said about those differences when it comes to the management of the facilities. More and more in the United States do we see local jails as well as state prisons becoming over-crowded. This puts a strain on any type of management that can be done to support the justice system. One thing that can happen in any facility is an inmate riot. If a group of people want to band together and start a riot, they are going to start one. What type of amenities a facility has would not make a big difference. Inmates’ sentences would not make much difference either. If inmates are going to be violent enough to start a riot, then there would not be much chance of them getting out early on “good time.” If there are some inmates in a jail or prison who truly want to turn their life around and get out, they would be the ones who would stay out of trouble while in there and avoid things such as riots, etc. As we have seen, jails and prisons have some differences between them. However, the goal of each remains the same: house offenders to protect the public. Jails and prisons is just one part of a large correctional system that includes the aspects of law and justice. Jails are smaller, local short-term facilities while prisons are huge long-term facilities. References Difference between jail and prison (n.d.). Retrieved May 13, 2013 from www.differencebetween.net. Prison. (May 13, 2013). In Wikipedia. Retrieved May 13, 2013 from En.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prison. Seiter, R. (2011). Corrections: An introduction (3rd ed.). Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education. What is the difference (n.d.). Retrieved May 13, 2013 from www.sheriff.org/faqs. What is the difference (n.d.). Retrieved May 13, 2013 from www.wisegeek.org.