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Notice:

The National Institute of Corrections is currently assessing its website and materials in accordance with recent Executive Orders and related guidance. During this review, some of NIC’s webpages and publications may be temporarily unavailable. Please revisit this web page for updates.

Jails Division

The NIC Jails Division is commissioned to advance public safety by identifying, communicating, and assisting with establishing the most effective corrections policies and practices for federal, state, local, and tribal agencies. These services include training, technical assistance, networking, and information resources under the six areas of Leadership, Jail Administration, Inmate Behavior Management, New Jail Planning, Jail Standards and Inspection, and Critical Incidence and Crisis Intervention/Management.

  • Jail Administration

    We provide training on key elements in jail administration, jail resource management, and building a productive relationship between jail officials and their funding authority. We also sponsor a peer-training network for large jail administrators, including meetings and an online discussion forum. Technical assistance and information resources cover a wide range of jail administration and operational issues.

  • Inmate Behavior Management

    We provide training, technical assistance, and information resources on the design and operation of direct supervision jails and on key elements in managing inmate behavior in all types of jails. These key elements include assessing inmates' risks and needs (classification), assigning inmates to housing, meeting inmates' basic needs, setting and conveying behavioral expectations, supervising inmates, and keeping inmates productively occupied.

  • New Jail Planning

    We provide training, technical assistance, and information resources on all phases of new-jail planning.

  • Jail Standards and Inspection

    We provide training for jail inspectors, a peer-training network for chief jail inspectors, information resources on standards and inspection, and related technical assistance.

  • Crisis Intervention Teams

    We provide training to help local jurisdictions learn the core elements of CITs and assess agency readiness to start a CIT.

Additional Projects and Initiatives being developed

  • Mental Health First aid
  • Being Trauma-Informed
  • Implementing a Case Management Model for Jails
  • Management Development for Women and Minorities
Topic Driven Content

Jails Division

  • Stephen Amos

    Chief, Jails Division
    an image of the Jails Division Chief

    National Institute of Corrections

Looking for an incarcerated individual or facility?

NIC does not oversee incarcerated individuals or facilities and is unable to provide information about any incarcerated individual, the status of any case, or provide guidance on how to navigate the criminal justice system.

However, we recognize as part of the U.S. Corrections ecosystem how the public might find our agency when looking for a family member or facility. The two pages below will take you to the Department of Corrections (DOC) most likely to house the person you are looking for. Someone in that DOC should be able to help you further.

To Reaffirm: The mission of NIC is to serve local, state, and federal corrections with training materials, research, and technical assistance. NIC does not have anything to do with individuals involved in the United States corrections system.

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