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 in recognition of the problems in correctional 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 in recognition of the problems in correctional 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 was 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 Library and Information Center
The National Institute of Corrections Library and Information Center were founded in 1980 in Colorado.
1981
NIC Training Academy Founded
The National Institute of Corrections Academy division was established in Colorado.
2024
NIC Celebrates Its 50th Anniversary
Since its establishment in 1974, 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 the last five decades have been crucial in shaping a more effective and equitable criminal justice system.