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An official website of the United States government, Department of Justice.

In Focus: Corrections

Description

The United States corrections system manages prisons and jails throughout the country as well as offenders who have been released into the community on probation and parole.

One of the three central pillars of the criminal justice system, corrections is intended to protect the public by separating violent offenders from the community, deterring others from offending, and rehabilitating offenders before reintegration into the community.

But the corrections system faces a number of challenges in its way of accomplishing these goals. One particular issue is the sheer size of the correctional population. Additionally, the correctional population varies in age, gender, and mental capability – each population presenting and challenging correction officials with differing needs.

One of the greatest threats to correctional officer wellness involves the stress they encounter on a daily basis. Corrections staff must also perform their duties within harsh physical environments and with the threat of repeated exposure to violent events.

However, through a variety of programs, OJP is working to provide critical safety information and resources to corrections personnel.

During National Correctional Officers and Employees Week (May 7-13, 2017), access the Correctional Resources Special Feature for topical information and access to OJP and other federal resources.

Access the Correctional Resources Special Feature

Funding

Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) Program: Strategic Support for PREA Implementation in Local Confinement Facilities Nationwide | Apply by: 5/25/2017

More OJP Funding

Publications

Identifying Technology Needs and Innovations to Advance Corrections

Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) Publications Series

The Role of Equipment Performance Standards in Correctional Settings

The Vicarious Trauma Toolkit

More Publications

Related Resources

BJS: Corrections

Bulletproof Vest Partnership (BVP)/Body Armor Safety Initiative (BASI)

Justice Technology Information Center: Corrections Technology

NIJ: Corrections

More Related Resources

Date Created: August 18, 2020

Did You Know?

Where can I find a listing of National Institute of Justice (NIJ) compliant stab resistant body armor?
The Justice Technology Information Center (JTIC) maintains a database of stab resistant body armor... Read More

Where can I find information on law enforcement and corrections technologies?
Information on law enforcement and corrections technologies is available on the National Institute of Justice... Read More

More Q & A

Events

Congress of Correction
August 18-22, 2017 | St. Louis, MO

Managing Restrictive Housing Populations
September 11-14, 2017 | Aurora, CO

More Events