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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.

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, Strategic Inmate  Management, New Jail Planning, Jail Standards and Inspection, and Critical Incident Management and Crisis Intervention.

  • Leadership

    We provide training, technical assistance and information resources to support the professional development of sheriffs, jail administrators, and jail staff.  We also offer the National Sheriffs’ Institute, the only executive leadership program designed specifically for sheriffs. 

  • 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 with meetings and opportunities for peer-to-peer discussion. Technical assistance and information resources cover a wide range of jail administration and operational issues.

  • Strategic Inmate Management

    The purpose of Strategic Inmate Management (SIM) is to promote safe and secure environments by employing the best practices of direct supervision and inmate behavior management applicable to all physical plant designs.  With the SIM initiative, NIC works with jurisdictions seeking to integrate a comprehensive approach to inmate management.  The goals of this initiative include the following:

    • Support correctional leaders and staff in fulfilling their role in providing safe and secure facilities
    • Demonstrate the importance of having a cohesive inmate management strategy to effectively manage inmate behavior
    • Assist correctional agencies in integrating SIM as an operational philosophy, ingraining SIM in the organizational culture
    • Build organizational capacity to sustain the integration of SIM throughout all levels of the organization
  • 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.

  • Critical Incident Management / Crisis Intervention

    We provide training to help local jurisdictions learn the core elements of crisis management and crisis intervention teams and we conduct agency readiness assessments.

Additional Projects and Initiatives Being Developed

  • Sheriff Wellness 
    The continued advancement of sheriff wellness through the establishment of a cadre of champion sheriffs and state sheriffs’ associations, the development of a comprehensive resource toolkit, and the dissemination of best practices. Recognizing the critical influence of sheriff wellness on community safety and organizational effectiveness, this project aims to provide practical support and resources to sheriff's offices nationwide.
  • Corrections Intelligence Units
    Correctional Intelligence Units have proven effective in gathering actionable intelligence and partnering with federal, state, and local law enforcement. This intelligence has disrupted fentanyl trafficking, gang operations, and immigration violations. This is possible by enhancing the skill set for correctional staff in custodial settings, improving the ability to identify and manage intelligence sources and strengthening information-sharing procedures across jurisdictions.
  • 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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