Why are there so many different counts for those under correctional supervision?
As with any specialized field, criminal justice has specific terms to convey specific ideas. Persons...  Read More

What is the difference between probation and parole?
Probation refers to adult offenders whom courts place on supervision in the community through a prob...  Read More

Where can I find the data collections that are archived for public use?
Not all datasets are available for public use. We are actively working on mechanisms to ma...  Read More

What happened to the Correctional Populations in the United States series?
The BJS Corrections Unit was unable to sustain the production of the series. We have provided much o...  Read More

What is the difference between jails and prisons?
Jails are locally-operated short term facilities that hold both inmates awaiting trial or sentencing...  Read More

Why do data take so long to collect and publish?
Data collections vary in scope, burden, and frequency of collection - see individual data colle...  Read More

Why are data so difficult to compare over years?
Caution must be used when using trend data, as definitions and reporting capabilities change over ti...  Read More

What is the difference between jurisdiction and custody counts?
To have jurisdiction means that an entity has legal authority over a prisoner. To have custody of a ...  Read More

Where can I locate state-specific data on prison populations?
The Prisoners at Midyear series and Prisoner bulletin series both provide state-level data...  Read More

What is prison?
Compared to jail facilities, prisons are longer-term facilities owned by a state or by the federal ...  Read More