Inmates

Inmates are persons incarcerated within correctional facilities as part of the criminal justice system. They may be awaiting trial (pre-trial detainees) or serving a sentence after conviction. In many jurisdictions, the term is used broadly to refer to individuals held in jails or prisons, while "prisoner" or "convict" may be used for those sentenced to longer terms. Similar terms exist for juvenile facilities.

Facilities include jails and prisons. Jails typically detain individuals for shorter periods or awaiting trial, administered by local authorities; prisons house those convicted and serving longer terms, under state or national authorities. Inmates are classified by security level and program needs, and assigned to housing units. Daily routines usually include meals, recreation, work or educational programs, healthcare, religious services, visitation, and access to libraries or correspondence.

Rights and welfare: Inmates retain rights to due process, humane treatment, access to healthcare, disciplinary procedures, and avenues for complaint or appeal. Correctional systems provide medical and mental health services, substance abuse treatment, educational and vocational programs, and opportunities for rehabilitation and preparation for release.

Challenges and policy: Overcrowding, violence, and aging populations affect safety and resource allocation. Mental health care, staffing, and the adequacy of rehabilitative programs are ongoing concerns. Recidivism and reintegration depend on post-release support in employment, housing, and community supervision.

Release and reentry: Many inmates become eligible for parole or conditional release; upon release they may face supervision requirements and barriers to employment, housing, and social stigma. Internationally, incarceration practices vary widely, with some systems emphasizing alternatives to imprisonment and different approaches to rehabilitation and parole.