Prisons are facilities designed to hold individuals who have been convicted of crimes. They serve to punish offenders, deter crime, and rehabilitate inmates. Prisons vary in security levels, including minimum, medium, and maximum security, depending on the severity of the crimes committed. In addition to confinement, prisons often provide programs aimed at helping inmates reintegrate into society. These programs may include education, vocational training, and counseling. The goal is to reduce recidivism, which is the tendency of released prisoners to reoffend, and to promote safer communities overall.