Public prisons are government-operated facilities designed to house individuals who have been convicted of crimes. These institutions aim to rehabilitate offenders while ensuring public safety. They are funded by taxpayer money and are subject to regulations and oversight by government agencies. In public prisons, inmates typically serve sentences for various offenses, ranging from minor crimes to serious felonies. The facilities provide programs such as education, vocational training, and counseling to help inmates reintegrate into society upon release. Public prisons play a crucial role in the criminal justice system, balancing punishment and rehabilitation.