Prisons

Prisons, also known as correctional facilities or penitentiaries, are institutions designed to secure and house individuals who have been convicted of criminal offenses. Prisons vary in size and purpose with some being used for short-term incarceration while others serve more long-term goals such as rehabilitation.

History
The concept of prisons has existed since Ancient times when they were created by the Greeks and Romans to isolate those believed to be a threat to society. In the United States, early forms of prison began appearing in the late 17th century but it wasn’t until later that prisons began adopting reformist techniques which included separation from their cells during daylight hours for labor purposes. During this period many states favored “humane” methods of punishment including solitary confinement where prisoners were held alone in small rooms without human contact for extended periods of time.

Purpose & Goals
Today’s modern prisons serve two primary functions: deterrence (preventing crime through fear) and retribution (punishing offenders). Additionally, there is great emphasis placed on rehabilitation within today’s penal system; providing inmates with educational opportunities aimed at helping them become productive members upon release back into society. Many countries take an increasingly progressive approach towards prisoner treatment believing education can help reduce recidivism rates among former inmates thus creating safer communities overall.

Types There are several types of correctional facilities depending on their purpose: minimum security institutions provide low risk supervision typically housing non-violent criminals or people sentenced for short terms; medium security contain higher levels living conditions than minimums yet still permit limited job assignments outside walls; maximum security provides highest level control usually reserved only for violent offenders deemed too dangerous/escape prone leaving little freedom; supermaxes provides ultimate lock down often utilizing solitary confinement even restricting communication between other inmates making these sites most severe form available anywhere globally today . While each type serves its own unique function all employ various measures intended primarily ensure safety staff personnel along inmate population itself minimizing chances escape attempt any kind occur given nature crimes committed well proximity location facility relative community surrounding area nearby towns cities etc..

Conclusion As technology advances so do our understanding how best address issues related imprisonment seeking out new improved ways both deter future crime punish those already violated law while simultaneously offering opportunity reintegrate successfully back into greater society after serving sentence ultimately reducing overall rate recidivism amongst ex convicts worldwide .