What is the Difference Between Jail and Prison?

What is the Difference Between Jail and Prison

The terms “jail” and “prison” are often used interchangeably by people. But they actually refer to two distinct parts of the criminal punishment system. Using the wrong term in the wrong place will bring complicated results in your report. 

So, you must understand the difference between jail and prison. Our guide will help you get the basic distinction between these two words. Let’s start with the definitions!

What is Jail?

A jail is a local detention facility. Usually, the country or municipal authority runs jails. Jail is designed for short-term stays for the accused. 

People are held in jail for three main reasons:

  • Pre-trial detention: Those awaiting trial are held here until their court date.
  • Sentencing: Individuals sentenced to less than a year (sometimes up to two years) serve their time in jail.
  • Violations: People who violate probation or parole may be sent back to jail for a short period.

What is Prison?

Prison is a much more secure and long-term facility. The state or federal government operates the prisons. The Crown can send someone to prison for being convicted of serious crimes. The sentence comes in long terms, typically exceeding one year. Further, prisons are focused on punishment, rehabilitation, and incapacitation.

How Do Prisons Work?

Upon arrival at the prison, inmates are classified to determine their security level and housing assignment.  Prison life involves a strict schedule with limited freedom. Activities may include:

  • Work programs
  • Educational opportunities
  • Mental health services

3 Main Stages After Going to Prison

There are three main stages after going to prison. These are –

1. Reception

This initial period involves processing, medical evaluation, and classification. 

  • Processing: The Warden takes fingerprinting, photographing, and background checks for identification and security purposes. They inventory the personal belongings securely.
  • Medical Evaluation: Inmates receive a physical examination to assess their health needs and identify potential illnesses or injuries. The authority also screens them for contagious diseases and mental health concerns.
  • Classification: This process determines an inmate’s security level, housing assignment, and potential programs. They consider factors like the severity of the crime, criminal history, risk of escape or violence, and gang affiliation. 

2. Classification

In this stage, inmates are assigned a security level based on risk factors.

  • Security Levels: Most prisons have minimum, medium, and maximum security levels. Minimum security prisons house inmates deemed low-risk, while maximum security houses those considered high-risk or violent offenders. Factors like escape risk, gang affiliation, and crime severity all contribute to the classification.
  • Housing Assignment: Based on security level and other factors, inmates are assigned to individual cells, dormitories, or units. Some prisons may have dedicated units for protective custody inmates who need separation from the general population for safety reasons.
  • Program Eligibility: Classification also determines program eligibility. Inmates might be assigned to educational programs, vocational training, or substance abuse treatment based on their needs and risk factors.

3. Incarceration

Inmates serve their sentence with the potential for parole or release programs at this stage. Undoubtedly, this is the longest stage, where inmates serve their sentence.

  • Daily Routine: Prisons operate strictly with designated meal times, work details, recreation, and lights out. They assign inmates jobs within the prison, such as kitchen duty or maintenance.
  • Rehabilitation Programs: Many prisons offer programs to help inmates prepare for re-entry into society. This may include educational opportunities to earn a GED or vocational training to acquire job skills.
  • Parole or Release: Depending on their sentence, behavior, and participation in programs, inmates may be eligible for parole or release programs. Parole allows for early release with supervision, while release programs may offer transitional support upon sentence completion.

How is the Security in a Jail: Jails Vs. Prison?

Jails are generally less secure than prisons. They may have lower fences, fewer guards, and more open living areas. On the other hand, prisons prioritize high security with perimeter walls, guard towers, and stricter regulations to manage potentially violent offenders serving longer sentences.

What is the Difference Between Jail and Prison in Canada?

The US and Canada share the same basics for jail and prison.  

  • Jails are provincially run and hold individuals awaiting trial or serving sentences under two years.
  • Federal prisons house those convicted of serious crimes and sentenced to longer terms.

What are the Common Things in Jail and Prison in Canada?

Both jail and prison convicts face some issues, such as violence and overcrowding. Ultimately, the problem arose more problems like improper health care, unhealthy processed foods, and extreme temperature or cold. Moreover, there are chances of physical and sexual assault in both places. Both places create traumatic experiences, so 95 percent of convicts cannot go back to normal life. 

Conclusion

There are less than 100 people in every 100,000 who stay in prison in Canada. So, the crime rate or severity is getting lower than in any other country. But there could be a comparatively large percentage of people in jail for unawarely committed crimes. If you want to know the possibility of going to jail or prison for your crimes, contact a lawyer as soon as possible.

FAQs

What makes something a prison?

Prison confines you to punishment and rehabilitation. That means you will be locked away for a lengthy period, undergoing programs to become a law-abiding citizen.

Which is harder, jail or prison?

Prisons offer more comfort (for long sentences) but danger rises with hardened criminals inside. On the contrary, jails are less comfortable, so they hold those awaiting trial or short sentences.

What is life in jail called?

A life sentence, formally called “life imprisonment,” means spending your entire life in prison.  Some refer to it as “life behind bars.” Other times, it is referred to as custody until the trial ends.

What are the conditions in prison in Canada?

Canada’s prison system faces challenges in maintaining quality living conditions for inmates. These include overcrowding, poorly ventilated cells, gaps in lighting, etc. Additionally, some facilities suffer from disrepair, with broken plumbing fixtures. In some cases, inmates stay for extended periods with severe mental health problems.