Correctional institutions are facilities designed to house individuals who have been convicted of crimes. They serve various purposes, including punishment, rehabilitation, and deterrence. These institutions can include prisons, jails, and detention centers, each catering to different types of offenders and lengths of stay. In addition to confinement, correctional institutions often provide programs aimed at helping inmates reintegrate into society. These programs may include education, vocational training, and counseling services. The goal is to reduce recidivism, or the tendency of former inmates to reoffend, ultimately promoting public safety and supporting successful reentry into the community.