In case you are a courtroom drama fanatic, you may have pondered the question, “What happens after the gavel falls?” After the judge pronounces a sentence, where does a person found guilty go? Is there really more than what meets the eye when it comes to life behind bars, as shown on television?
California’s system, like the rest of the United States, has its own set of courts and facilities that work in layers. Ranging from local jails, which serve as detention centers, to high-security penitentiaries, the diversity in type is accompanied by objectives, management, and rigor of control. If you’ve considered anything from an interest in the life of an offender to even a career in Criminal Justice, knowing these facilities should be a priority.
And that’s why this article focuses on enlightening readers about the various types of jails and prisons. However, first, let’s look into the difference between a jail and a prison so that there is no confusion.
Let’s begin!
Jails versus Prisons
It is worth noting that while many confuse prisons and jails as a single entity, the two are very different in reality, and so in this article, we will refer to Jails as short-term facilities and prisons as long-term.
Due to the management of city local governments, jails serve as short-term holding prisons. This delays the sentence serving period until the time of proper trial for a convict or until a criminal awaits trial (usually 3 months, 2-3 weeks) or people sentenced for misdemeanors to one year or less. Every day, offenses like petty theft or court failure result in people being detained in jail.
Some of the most serious offenders, mainly felons who have been sentenced for more than a year, are housed in prisons. Prisons are also known as correctional facilities, which serve as the last resort and long-term punishment centers. Other offenses include armed robberies, drug trafficking, firearms offenses, and murders.
Types of Prisons in California
Here are the types of prisons in California.
1. State Prisons
In the US, California state prisons are considered some of the largest and most populated. These facilities are managed under the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR), which also controls the boundary lines of legal violations within the state, like robberies, assaults, and homicides.
The prison population in the state has seen some drastic changes alongside rehabilitation reforms, which have been aimed towards restorative justice, community-based sentencing, and parole programs as a substitute for serving time.
Aside from that, the prisons are very distinct when it comes to the security levels and programs offered. Some hold inmates while focusing on their education, drug abuse, or vocations.
2. Federal Prisons
Federal prisons are meant for offenders who have been found guilty of federal crimes. Such crimes may involve drug trafficking, wire fraud, tax evasion, other white-collar crimes, certain kinds of cyber crimes, as well as breaches of immigration law.
Some of the federal correctional institutions in California include Terminal Island Federal Correctional Institution and Victorville Federal Correctional Complex. The Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) has authority over them.
Federal prisons are segmented into five levels of security:
• Minimum Security (Federal Prison Camps – FPCs): These have limited fencing, dormitory housing, as well as a focus on education and work. Inmates are generally non-violent.
• Low Security: The inmates in low security have some level of structured housing alongside perimeter fencing, however, work programs are emphasized.
• Medium Security (Federal Correctional Institutions – FCIs): Inmates in this category may have a history of violence. These facilities include cell-type housing, which allows for a greater level of surveillance.
• High Security (U.S. Penitentiaries – USPs): These types of prisons are heavily fortified, have considerable armed security, and greatly restrict inmate movements.
• Administrative Facilities: Intended for inmates with specific special needs, such as sick inmates, violent prisoners, or prisoners with a higher risk of escape. ADX Florence “supermax” in Colorado is one, but not in California.
3. Private Correctional Facilities
California has used privately managed correctional facilities alongside its public prison system. These institutions are run by for-profit corporations under contracts with either state or federal agencies.
The effectiveness of private prisons is a controversial issue. Critics argue that profit incentives can lead to the cutting of expenditures in safety, security, and rehabilitation services. Supporters, however, argue that these facilities alleviate overcrowding and provide cheaper alternatives.
California has been moving away from the use of private prisons due to policy changes. Legislation such as AB 32 seeks to eliminate their use, although some uses in immigration detention and federal cases remain. 4. Juvenile Detention Centers
California operates facilities for offenders below the age of 18. These juvenile detention centers aim to provide rehabilitation, rather than punishment, as a way to reintegrate the youth into society. The youth incarcerated may have a range of issues, such as truancy, drug possession, property crimes, or even violent crimes.
In contrast to adult prisons, juvenile facilities focus on providing education, counseling, and mental health services. Many offer academic and vocational courses, therapy, and other sessions intended to aid youth in successfully reintegrating into society.
The state of California has pioneered efforts in juvenile justice reform by providing community-based programs, probation, and even smaller detention homes.
5. Count Jails
California is divided into 58 counties, each of which has a functioning jail system managed by a county sheriff’s office. These jails are critical as they serve as the primary holding unit after a person is arrested.
County jail holds individuals who are awaiting trial, sentencing, those serving a short-term sentence (less than a year), as well as some long-term inmates who are awaiting transfer to state prisons.
There is inequality throughout California, especially when it comes to the conditions of county jails. The larger counties like Los Angeles, San Diego, and San Francisco tend to have greater jail systems that house large numbers of inmates due to their multiple facilities.
6. Immigration Detention Centers
Though not always categorized in the formal state or federal prisons, California is home to several immigration detention centers. These centers serve to detain individuals facing deportation or asylum procedures and are often integrated under contracts with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
A number of these facilities are managed by private companies, while the rest operate in partnership with local law enforcement.
The Truth About the Correctional System
The image presented on television does not capture the complexity of California’s correctional system. From county jails to maximum security federal prisons, each facility has a specific function in the justice system shaped by laws, policies, and social views of incarceration that shift over time.
As controversies around reforming the criminal justice system continue, California remains a focal point for both progress and dispute. From trying to reduce recidivism rates and improving rehabilitation services, to shutting down private prisons, the state is actively tearing down and redefining what justice means.
When watching a courtroom drama and the judge says, “Bail is denied,” you will know exactly what that entails and where the journey leads next.
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