Jails

A jail is a confinement facility operated by local government authorities, such as a city police department or a county sheriff’s office. Jails primarily house people who are detained while awaiting trial or sentencing, as well as those serving short-term sentences, typically under a year. They differ from prisons, which are longer-term institutions managed at the state or federal level for longer sentences.

Facilities usually perform intake and booking on arrival, classify inmates, assign housing based on custody level and behavior, and provide security through surveillance, locked cells, and staffing. Common features include visitation areas, commissary services, meal programs, medical and mental health screening, and opportunities for education or work programs, though offerings vary widely by jurisdiction.

Inmates retain certain legal rights, including access to counsel, notification of charges, and basic medical care. Courts regulate restrictions on confinement, and facilities must address safety, abuse prevention, and due process. Health care, including mental health services, is a major concern, with efforts to manage infectious disease, substance use, and chronic conditions; overcrowding and violence remain persistent challenges.

Jails are overseen by local law enforcement agencies and often through the sheriff’s office; external audits, civilian oversight, and civil rights lawsuits influence policy and operations. Reforms focus on reducing overcrowding, improving health care, expanding diversion programs, and supporting reentry to reduce recidivism.