Many people use the terms jail and prison interchangeably. However, they are not the same. They are both responsible for housing criminals, but they differ in some ways. Read on to learn more about jail versus prison.
Differences Between Jail and Prison
The main difference between jail and prison is that jail is typically used for those who are awaiting trial or sentencing, while prison is for those who have been convicted of a crime.
Jails are usually run by the county or city, while prisons are operated by the state or federal government.
Jails tend to be smaller than prisons and have fewer amenities. For example, prisoners in jail are often not allowed to have televisions in their cells, while those in prison usually are.
Jails also tend to have less security than prisons. This is because prisoners in jail have not yet been convicted of a crime and are therefore not considered as dangerous as those who have been convicted.
Prisons, on the other hand, are designed to be more secure. They have taller fences, more guards, and more security cameras. This is because prisoners have been convicted of more serious crimes and are considered more dangerous than those in jail.
Prisons also have more developed facilities than jails because prisoners must stay longer. For example, prisons usually have libraries, gyms, and educational programs. While they house those who have already been convicted, prisons are still designed to be humane for the incarcerated.
Jails typically only house inmates for a year or less, while prisons typically house inmates for several years or more.
Do an Inmate’s Rights Change in Jail Versus Prison?
Regardless of jail or prison, an inmate’s rights are limited. This is because inmates have been convicted of a crime and have given up some of their freedoms.
However, in both jail and prison, inmates have rights that include:
– A safe and clean environment
– Access to medical care
– Access to religious services
– The right to fair and humane treatment
– The right to contact an attorney
Inmates in both jails and prisons have visitation rights. However, these rights may be different depending on the facility. For example, some jails allow inmates to have contact visits with family and friends, while others only allow non-contact visits.
There are working privileges in jail and prison. However, the type of work an inmate can do differs in each facility. In jail, inmates may be able to work in the kitchen or laundry room. Prison inmates may be able to work in a factory or on a farm.
While jail and prison have some similarities, they also have key differences. It is important to understand these differences so that you know what to expect if you or a loved one is ever incarcerated.