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In September 1971, a major riot at New York's Attica prison focused national attention on corrections and the practice of imprisonment in the United States. In response to public concern and recognizing the problems in corrections facilities and programs at the State and local levels, Attorney General John N. Mitchell convened a National Conference on Corrections in Williamsburg, Virginia, in December 1971.
Chief Justice Warren E. Burger, in his keynote address before the 450 conference participants, expressed support for the establishment of a national training academy for corrections. The training academy would:
- Encourage the development of a body of corrections knowledge, coordinate research, and formulate policy recommendations.
- Provide professional training of the highest quality for corrections employees and executives.
- Provide a forum for the exchange of advanced ideas in corrections.
- Bring about long-delayed improvements in the professionalism of the corrections field.
The National Institute of Corrections was created in 1974. It first received funding in 1977 as a line item in the Federal Bureau of Prisons budget.
Journey through time: NIC's Founding Story
Sept. 1971
Attica Prison Riots
A major riot at New York's Attica prison focused national attention on corrections and the practice of imprisonment in the United States.
Dec. 1971
Attorney General's Conference
In response to public concern and recognizing the problems in corrections facilities and programs at the State and local levels, Attorney General John N. Mitchell convened a National Conference on Corrections in Williamsburg, Virginia. The result is a recommendation for the establishment of a National Training Academy for corrections.
1974
Legislative Results
In 1974, the National Institute of Corrections was created through an act of Congress from the recommendations of the conference in 1971 and a meeting of the Citizens Advisory Committee formed by the Federal Bureau of Prisons and Law Enforcement Assistance Administration in 1972.
1977
Federal Bureau of Prisons Funding Approved
In 1977, funding was created in the Federal Bureau of Prisons budget for the creation of a new government agency called the National Institute of Corrections.
1980
Establishment of the NIC Information Center
The National Institute of Corrections Information Center was founded in 1980 in Colorado.
1981
NIC Training Academy Founded
The National Institute of Corrections Academy division was established in Colorado.
Mar. 2023
NIC Website relaunch
In order to enhance its portfolio of services, features, and brand; NIC relaunched its website.
2024
NIC celebrates its 50th anniversary
The National Institute of Corrections (NIC) stands as a cornerstone of innovation and leadership in correctional practices across the United States. Since its establishment in 1974 as a federal agency under the Department of Justice, NIC has championed evidence-based policies, workforce development, and the advancement of correctional management and operations. It has been instrumental in promoting rehabilitation and recidivism reduction strategies, equipping correctional professionals with cutting-edge training and resources, and fostering safer, more humane correctional environments. From pioneering offender reentry programs to supporting the development of leadership within correctional institutions, NIC's contributions over five decades have been crucial in shaping a more effective and equitable criminal justice system.
History of the Information Center
NIC Information Center & Robert J. Kutak Memorial Library
The physical library, the foundation of the NIC Information Center, was developed to fulfill a legislative mandate for a library/information center to collect, prepare, and disseminate information on corrections as well as maintain special collections for the field and the National Corrections Academy in order to aid the National Institute of Corrections in the development of a more effective and humane correctional system.
Since 1979, the library and information center have evolved in scope and technical sophistication. Automated information systems provide rapid access to the library's holdings. Through NIC, resources are tapped by the Department of Justice, the Bureau of Prisons, and committees of the U.S Congress.
In the first years of operation, the NIC established the core elements that still distinguish its library and information center from any other:
Core Elements That Set Us Apart
A unique focus on corrections, creating a single source for the latest materials supplemented by referrals to the resources nationwide.
A constant contact with the field, focusing acquisitions and information services on the practical needs of corrections professionals.
Direct work for requestors by staff with library and corrections experience.
Prompt service at no charge.
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