Jail is a facility where individuals are held temporarily while awaiting trial or serving short sentences for minor offenses. It is typically operated by local governments and is designed to detain people who have been arrested but not yet convicted of a crime. In contrast to prisons, which house those serving longer sentences for serious crimes, jails focus on short-term confinement. Conditions in jails can vary, but they often include basic amenities and security measures to ensure the safety of both inmates and staff.