A correctional institution is a facility designed to house individuals who have been convicted of crimes. These institutions serve various purposes, including punishment, rehabilitation, and public safety. They can include jails, prisons, and detention centers, each catering to different types of offenders and lengths of sentences. Inside a correctional institution, inmates may participate in programs aimed at reducing recidivism, such as education and vocational training. Staff members, including correctional officers and counselors, work to maintain order and support rehabilitation efforts. The overall goal is to prepare inmates for successful reintegration into society upon their release.