NCJ Number
187114
Date Published
1999
Length
109 pages
Annotation
Data compiled in this corrections yearbook were obtained from a survey questionnaire mailed to jail systems housing over 200 prisoners in the United States; completed questionnaires were submitted by 124 jail systems, including 265 jails in 33 States.
Abstract
Data indicated jails were generally administered at the local level in conjunction with the court system. Daily supervision and management of jails were primarily the responsibilities of county sheriffs. Jails varied widely in size, according to the population of the county itself. Offenders in jails were basically of two types, pretrial and sentenced offenders. Pretrial offenders were held in jails to await trial, either because they had not posted bail or because bail was denied. Individuals arrested on suspicion of crimes were counted as pretrial offenders and were held by jails until the posted bail, charges were dropped, or they went to trial. Sentenced offenders had been tried, convicted, and sentenced by the courts. Those sentenced to incarceration in jails generally received short sentences, while those sentenced to incarceration in prisons generally received longer sentences for more serious crimes. Detailed tabular data are presented on correctional populations, facilities, budgets, programs, and staff. Tables and figures