What is the difference between a jail, a detention centre and correctional centre?
The primary function of both jails and detention centres is to hold accused persons awaiting trial, sentencing or other court proceedings. Jails and detention centres may also hold those who have been given short sentences. Jails are generally smaller, older, local facilities, while detention centres are larger, modern, regional facilities built to meet the needs of several municipalities. Correctional centres house offenders typically serving periods of incarceration of up to two years less a day.
