As of February 2025, El Salvador had the highest prisoner rate worldwide, with over 1,600 prisoners per 100,000 of the national population. Cuba, Rwanda, Turkmenistan, and the United States, rounded out the top five countries with the highest rate of incarceration. Homicides in El Salvador Interestingly, El Salvador, which long had the highest global homicide rates, has dropped out of the top 20 after a high number of gang members have been incarcerated. A high number of the countries with the highest homicide rate are located in Latin America. Prisoners in the United StatesThe United States is home to the largest number of prisoners worldwide. More than 1.8 million people were incarcerated in the U.S. at the beginning of 2025. In China, the estimated prison population totaled 1.69 million people that year. Other nations had far fewer prisoners. The largest share of the U.S. prisoners in federal correctional facilities were of African-American origin. As of 2020, there were 345,500 black, non-Hispanic prisoners, compared to 327,300 white, non-Hispanic inmates. The U.S. states with the largest number of prisoners in 2022 were Texas, California, and Florida. Over 160,000 prisoners in state facilities were sentenced for rape or sexual assault, which was the most common cause of imprisonment. The second most common was murder, followed by aggravated or simple assault.

At the beginning of 2025, the United States had the highest number of incarcerated individuals worldwide, with around 1.8 million people in prison. China followed with around 100,000 fewer prisoners. Brazil followed in third. The incarceration problem in the U.S. The United States has an incredibly high number of incarcerated individuals. Therefore, the incarceration problem has become a widely contested issue, because it impacts disadvantaged people and minorities the most. Additionally, the prison system has become capitalized by outside corporations that fund prisons, but there is still a high cost to taxpayers. Furthermore, there has been an increase in the amount of private prisons that have been created. For-profit prison companies have come under scrutiny because of their lack of satisfactory staff and widespread lobbying. Violent offenses are the most common type of offense among prisoners in the U.S. Incarceration rates worldwide El Salvador had the highest rate of incarceration worldwide, at 1,659 prisoners per 100,000 residents as of February 2025. Cuba followed in second with 794 prisoners per 100,000 inhabitants. The incarceration rate is a better measure to use when comparing countries than the total prison populations, which will naturally have the most populous countries topping the list.

As of December 2022, there was a total of 139,631 prisoners in the state of Texas, the most out of any state. California, Florida, Georgia, and Ohio rounded out the top five states with the most prisoners in the United States.

With approximately *** million prisoners, China had by far the biggest prison population across the Asia-Pacific region in 2022. In contrast, less than ************ people were incarcerated in Brunei and Timor-Leste, respectively. Prison populations and total populationsThe varying size of prison populations throughout Asia-Pacific can be attributed to the size of the general populations across the region's countries and territories. With a population of over *** billion, China is the most populous country in the world. Despite the disparity in population size, Bhutan, which had one of the smallest prison populations in APAC in 2022, had a higher serious assault rate than other Asia-Pacific counties. Crime ratesApart from the general population size, there are other factors which can be taken into consideration, such as a diversity in justice systems. Therefore, a comparison of crime throughout the region can be challenging. Although China had a higher prison population, it had a lower intentional homicide rate compared to other Asia-Pacific countries and territories. New Zealand, Singapore, and Hong Kong have the lowest corruption index scores in the region, whereas countries including Bangladesh, Cambodia, and North Korea have recorded the highest scores.

In 2023 Turkey had the highest incarceration rate among European countries, at 408 prisoners per 100,000 inhabitants, followed by Georgia, which had an incarceration of 256. The country with the lowest incarceration rate in this year was Liechtenstein, which had 15 people in prison for every 100,000 inhabitants. Germany had one of the lowest rates of 69 when compared with other major European countries such as France and England & Wales, which had rates of 106 and 136 respectively. The Russian Federation has in previous years been the country with the highest incarceration rate in the Council of Europe's data, however, as the country was removed as a member of the council in 2022 due to their invasion of Ukraine, data for Russia is no longer available.

This dataset shows the number of people that are in prison by state in 2006 and 2007. These numbers are then compared to show the difference between the two years and a percentage of change is given as well. This data was brought to our attention by the Pew Charitable Trusts in their report titled, One in 100: Behind Bars in America 2008."" The main emphasis of the article emphasizes the point that in 2007 1 in every 100 Americans were in prison. To note: Many states have not completed their data verification process. Final published figures may differ slightly. The District of Columbia is not included. D.C. prisoners were transferred to federal custody in 2001

Private Prison Service Market Outlook

The global private prison service market size was valued at approximately USD 8 billion in 2023 and is forecasted to reach USD 12.5 billion by 2032, expanding at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of around 4.5% during the forecast period. The growth of this market is driven by several factors, including increasing prison populations, government policies favoring privatization, and a focus on cost-efficiency and specialized services provided by private entities.

One of the primary growth factors of the private prison service market is the escalating prison population globally. Over the years, many countries have experienced a steady rise in incarceration rates due to stricter law enforcement policies and an increase in crime rates. This surge has led to overcrowded public prison facilities, prompting governments to seek alternatives to manage the burgeoning inmate numbers. Private prisons have emerged as a viable solution to this issue, providing additional capacity and thus driving market demand.

Another significant factor contributing to the growth of the private prison service market is the cost-efficiency and specialized services offered by private operators. Governments are increasingly outsourcing prison management to private entities to reduce operational costs and improve service quality. Private prisons often employ advanced technologies and management practices that lead to better resource utilization, enhanced security measures, and improved inmate rehabilitation programs. These factors make private prisons an attractive option for governments looking to manage prisons more effectively.

The increasing focus on rehabilitation and reintegration of inmates is also bolstering the private prison service market. Unlike traditional public prisons, many private facilities emphasize rehabilitation and education programs aimed at reducing recidivism rates. Private prison operators often provide comprehensive healthcare, vocational training, and educational programs tailored to the needs of inmates. These initiatives not only help in the personal development of inmates but also contribute to a safer society, which, in turn, drives the demand for private prison services.

From a regional perspective, North America holds the largest share in the global private prison service market, primarily driven by the United States, which has one of the highest incarceration rates in the world. Government policies favoring privatization and the presence of major private prison operators further strengthen the market in this region. However, other regions such as Asia Pacific and Europe are also showing significant potential due to increasing crime rates and shifting governmental policies towards privatization.

Service Type Analysis

The private prison service market is segmented by service type into security, rehabilitation, healthcare, education, and others. The security segment holds the largest market share due to its critical role in maintaining order and safety within prison facilities. Private prison operators invest heavily in advanced security technologies such as surveillance systems, biometric access controls, and perimeter security solutions. These investments ensure a secure environment for both inmates and staff, thereby making security services a pivotal component of the private prison market.

The rehabilitation segment is gaining traction as governments and private operators recognize the importance of reducing recidivism rates. Rehabilitation services include a range of programs such as behavioral therapy, substance abuse treatment, and vocational training designed to help inmates reintegrate into society. With growing awareness about the social and economic benefits of rehabilitation, this segment is expected to see substantial growth in the coming years.

Healthcare services are another critical component of private prison services. Inmates often have complex health needs that require specialized medical care. Private prison operators provide comprehensive healthcare services, including primary care, mental health services, and emergency medical treatment. The healthcare segment is expected to grow significantly due to the increasing prevalence of chronic conditions and mental health issues among the incarcerated population.

Educational services are also an essential part of the private prison service market. These services aim to equip inmates with the knowledge and skills needed to secure employment upon release. Educational programs range

In 2011, a historic Supreme Court decision mandated that the state of California substantially reduce its prison population to alleviate overcrowding, which was deemed so severe as to preclude the provision of adequate healthcare. To comply, California passed the Public Safety Realignment Act (Assembly Bill [AB] 109), representing the largest ever court-ordered reduction of a prison population in U.S. history. AB109 was successful in reducing the state prison population; however, although the policy was precipitated by inadequate healthcare in state prisons, no studies have examined its effects on prisoner health. As other states grapple with overcrowded prisons and look to California’s experience with this landmark policy, understanding how it may have impacted prisoner health is critical. We sought to evaluate the effects of AB109 on prison mortality and assess the extent to which policy-induced changes in the age distribution of prisoners may have contributed to these effects. To do so, we used prison mortality data from the Bureau of Justice Statistics and the California Deaths in Custody reporting program and prison population data from the National Corrections Reporting Program to examine changes in overall prison mortality, the age distribution of prisoners, and age-adjusted prison mortality in California relative to other states before and after the implementation of AB109. Following AB109, California prisons experienced an increase in overall mortality relative to other states that attenuated within three years. Over the same period, California experienced a greater upward shift in the age distribution of its prisoners relative to other states, suggesting that the state’s increase in overall mortality may have been driven by this change in age distribution. Indeed, when accounting for this differential change in age distribution, mortality among California prisoners exhibited a greater reduction relative to other states in the third year after implementation. As other states seek to reduce their prison populations to address overcrowding, assessments of California’s experience with AB109 should consider this potential improvement in age-adjusted mortality.

The map is based on Bureau of Justice Statistic (BJS) annual statistic on prison population. It was combined with the annual population estimates from Census to compute female prisoners per 100k population. The top 10 states with largest male prison population per 100k in 2004 are Delaware, Oklahoma, Texas, Mississippi, Louisiana, Montana, Arizona, Idaho, Missouri, Connecticut. Compared to top ten states for Male prisoners, which are all in south, the top 10 female prisoner states do not show geographic concentration. Data for Wash. DC is not reported, according to BJS, the "responsibility for felons was transferred to the Federal Bureau of Prisons". Only those female prisoners with one or more years of sentence are included. Source for parole data: Data source: BJS, National Prisoner Statistics data series (NPS-1) URL: http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/bjs/data

This dataset displays the inmate populations for all the Federal Prisons throughout the United States on 7.2.08. This weekly Population Report can be found on the Bureau of Prisons website at bop.gov. These facilities are positioned by their lat/lon and this dataset is updated on a weekly basis.

Since 2014, Eurostat and the UNODC have launched a joint annual data collection on crime and criminal justice statistics, using the UN crime trends questionnaire and complementary Eurostat requests

for specific areas of interest to the European Commission. The data and metadata are collected from National Statistical Institutes or other relevant authorities (mainly police and justice departments) in each EU Member State, EFTA country and EU potential members. On the Eurostat website, data are available for 41 jurisdictions since 2008 until 2018 data and for 38 jurisdictions since 2019 data (EU-27, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Albania, Serbia, Turkey, Kosovo(1)), having drop the data for the United Kingdom separately owing to three separate jurisdictions England and Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland.

This joint data collection and other data collections carried out by Eurostat allows to gather information on:

• police-recorded offences by type of crime
• police-recorded offences by NUTS3 region
• intentional homicide and sexual violence victims and perpetrators (suspected, prosecuted, convicted) by sex
• intentional homicide victims by age, sex, and relationship to the offender
• intentional homicide victims and offences in largest cities
• offenders by justice legal status (suspected, prosecuted, convicted), age, sex, and citizenship
• persons brought before criminal courts by legal status (convicted persons/acquitted)
• personnel by institution (police, courts, and prisons) by sex
• legal cases in first instance courts by type and stage
• prisoners by age, sex, citizenship, and status of the trial process
• prison capacity and occupancy
• people involved in human trafficking by legal status (victims, suspected and convicted traffickers) and victims of human trafficking by all forms of exploitation and citizenship

Where available, data are broken down by sex, age groups (adults/juveniles), country of citizenship (foreigners or nationals) and other relevant variables. National data are available and for intentional homicide offences, city level data (largest cities) are available for some countries. Regional data at NUTS3 level are also available for some police-recorded offences.

Some historical series are available:

• Number of police-recorded crimes by type (intentional homicide, violence, robbery, home burglary, car thefts, and drug crimes) for the period 1993 – 2007
• Number of police-recorded homicide in cities for the period 1993 – 2007
• Number of police officers for the period 1993 – 2007
• Prison population for the period 1993 – 2007

Total number of police-recorded crimes for the period 1950 – 2000

(1) under United Nations Security Council Resolution 1244/99

ObjectiveWe aimed to systematically review recidivism rates in individuals given community sentences internationally. We sought to explore sources of variation between these rates and how reporting practices may limit their comparability across jurisdictions. Finally, we aimed to adapt previously published guidelines on recidivism reporting to include community sentenced populations.MethodsWe searched MEDLINE, PsycINFO, SAGE and Google Scholar for reports and studies of recidivism rates using non-specific and targeted searches for the 20 countries with the largest prison populations worldwide. We identified 28 studies with data from 19 countries. Of the 20 countries with the largest prison populations, only 2 reported recidivism rates for individuals given community sentences.ResultsThe most commonly reported recidivism information between countries was for 2-year reconviction, which ranged widely from 14% to 43% in men, and 9% to 35% in women. Explanations for recidivism rate variations between countries include when the follow-up period started and whether technical violations were taken into account.ConclusionRecidivism rates in individuals receiving community sentences are typically lower in comparison to those reported in released prisoners, although these two populations differ in terms of their baseline characteristics. Direct comparisons of the recidivism rates in community sentenced cohorts across jurisdictions are currently not possible, but simple changes to existing reporting practices can facilitate these. We propose recommendations to improve reporting practices.

The Central American nation with the highest prison population rate was El Salvador, with over 1,000 prisoners per 100,000 inhabitants, followed by Panama with 522 prisoners. The lowest prison population rate of the region was found in Guatemala, with 123 prisoners per 100,000 people.

The main objective of the Monthly Statistics on the Prison Population is to provide information on the volume of the prison population in the Basque Country and its monthly variations.

The Latin American and Caribbean nation with the highest prison population rate in 2025 was El Salvador, with ***** prisoners per 100,000 inhabitants, the only country to achieve four digits, followed by Cuba with *** prisoners. Guatemala and Haiti had the lowest prison population rates, *** and ** per 100,000 inhabitants, respectively.

Prison Management Systems Market Outlook

The global prison management systems market size is projected to grow significantly from USD 2.5 billion in 2023 to USD 5.6 billion by 2032, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.3%. This growth is driven by the increasing need for efficient management of prison facilities and the rising adoption of advanced technologies in correctional facilities worldwide. Factors such as heightened security concerns, the increasing inmate population, and the demand for improved operational efficiency are key contributors to the market's expansion.

One of the primary growth factors for the prison management systems market is the rising inmate population globally. Overcrowding in prisons has become a critical issue, necessitating the adoption of advanced management systems to ensure efficient administration and resource allocation. These systems help in streamlining various prison operations, such as inmate tracking, facility management, and administrative tasks, thereby reducing the burden on prison staff and enhancing overall efficiency. Additionally, governments worldwide are increasingly investing in modernizing prison infrastructure, further propelling the market's growth.

Another significant growth driver is the increasing focus on enhancing security within correctional facilities. With rising threats of prison breaks, contraband smuggling, and violence within prisons, there is a growing need for robust security management solutions. Prison management systems equipped with advanced security features, such as surveillance cameras, biometric identification, and automated access control, are being widely adopted to ensure the safety and security of inmates and prison staff. These systems not only help in monitoring and controlling prison activities but also provide real-time data and analytics for better decision-making.

The integration of advanced technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and cloud computing, is also playing a crucial role in the growth of the prison management systems market. AI-powered analytics and machine learning algorithms enable predictive analysis and proactive management of prison operations, while IoT devices facilitate real-time monitoring and control of various prison activities. Cloud-based prison management systems offer scalability, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness, making them an attractive option for correctional facilities looking to modernize their operations. These technological advancements are expected to drive the market's growth further in the coming years.

In the realm of correctional facility management, the Patrol Management System emerges as a pivotal component in ensuring the safety and security of both inmates and staff. These systems are designed to streamline the process of monitoring and managing patrol activities within prison environments. By providing real-time data and analytics, a Patrol Management System enhances the efficiency of security operations, allowing for better resource allocation and quicker response times to incidents. This technological advancement is becoming increasingly essential as correctional facilities seek to maintain high standards of security while managing growing inmate populations. The integration of such systems not only aids in preventing security breaches but also supports the overall objective of creating a safer correctional environment.

Regionally, North America is expected to dominate the prison management systems market during the forecast period, owing to the high adoption rate of advanced technologies and substantial government investments in prison infrastructure. The presence of major market players and the increasing focus on prison reforms are further contributing to the market's growth in this region. Europe is anticipated to follow North America in terms of market share, driven by stringent regulations and policies aimed at improving prison management and security. The Asia Pacific region is projected to witness significant growth, primarily due to the increasing number of prison facilities and the rising focus on enhancing prison infrastructure.

Component Analysis

The prison management systems market is segmented by component into software, hardware, and services. The software segment is expected to hold the largest market share during the forecast period, driven by the increasing demand for advanced prison management software solutions. Th

The Annual Survey of Jails (ASJ) is the only data collection effort that provides an annual source of data on local jails and jail inmates. Data on the size of the jail population and selected inmate characteristics are obtained every five to six years from the Census of Jails. In each of the years between the full censuses, a sample survey of jails is conducted to estimate baseline characteristics of the nation's jails and inmates housed in these jails. The 2010 Annual Survey of Jails is the 23rd such survey in a series begun in 1982. The ASJ supplies data on characteristics of jails such as admissions and releases, growth in the number of jail facilities, changes in their rated capacities and level of occupancy, growth in the population supervised in the community, changes in methods of community supervision, and crowding issues. The ASJ also provides information on changes in the demographics of the jail population, supervision status of persons held, and a count of non-citizens in custody. Starting in 2010, BJS enhanced the ASJ survey instruments to address topics on the number of convicted inmates that are unsentenced or sentenced and the number of unconvicted inmates awaiting trial/arraignment, or transfers/holds for other authorities. In order to reduce respondent burden, the ASJ no longer collects data on conviction status by sex. Also new to 2010, data is collected on jails' operational capacity and design capacity. Incorporating enhanced capacity measurements enables BJS to describe more accurately the variation and volatility of inmate bed space and crowding, especially as they relate to safety and security in jails. To address more directly issues related to overcrowding and safety and security in jails, BJS started collecting data on staff and assaults against staff from the largest jails. In the modifications to the ASJ, starting in 2010, 335 jail jurisdictions (370 respondents) included with certainty in the ASJ sample survey were asked to provide additional information (forms CJ-5D or CJ-5DA) on the flow of inmates going through jails and the distribution of time served, staff characteristics and assaults on staff resulting in death, and inmate misconduct. The data presented in this study were collected in the Annual Survey of Jails, 2010. These data are used to track growth in the number of jails and the capacities nationally, changes in the demographics of the jail population and supervision status of persons held, the prevalence of crowding issues, and a count of non-United States citizens within the jail population. The data are intended for a variety of users, including federal and state agencies, local officials in conjunction with jail administrators, researchers, planners, and the public. The reference date for the survey is June 30, 2010.

Prison Security Market Outlook

According to our latest research, the global prison security market size in 2024 stands at USD 8.3 billion, reflecting robust investments in correctional facility upgrades and rising security concerns. The market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.2% from 2025 to 2033, reaching an estimated USD 14.2 billion by the end of the forecast period. This growth is primarily driven by the increasing need for advanced security systems to manage rising inmate populations, prevent escapes, and curb contraband smuggling, as well as the integration of cutting-edge technologies such as AI-powered surveillance and biometric access control solutions.

The growth trajectory of the prison security market is significantly influenced by the escalating concerns around inmate violence, prison breaks, and the infiltration of contraband within correctional facilities. As governments and private operators strive to enhance the safety of both inmates and staff, there is a marked shift towards the deployment of advanced security solutions. These include integrated video surveillance systems, AI-driven behavioral analytics, and real-time alarm systems, all designed to proactively monitor and respond to potential threats. The adoption of such technologies not only improves response times but also provides a deterrent against criminal activities within prisons, thereby fostering a safer environment and reducing operational risks.

Another key driver for the prison security market is the global trend towards prison modernization and reform. Many countries are investing heavily in upgrading outdated infrastructure, replacing legacy security systems with state-of-the-art hardware and software. This transition is further accelerated by regulatory mandates emphasizing the need for comprehensive security protocols and transparent inmate monitoring. The integration of perimeter security, intrusion detection, and access control systems is becoming standard practice, especially in regions where prison overcrowding and organized crime pose significant challenges. These modernization efforts are also supported by increased funding from government budgets and public-private partnerships, further fueling market expansion.

Technological advancements are playing a pivotal role in shaping the prison security market landscape. The proliferation of IoT-enabled devices, cloud-based management platforms, and AI-powered analytics has transformed traditional security paradigms. These innovations enable seamless integration across different security layers, facilitating centralized control and real-time data sharing among facility administrators. Additionally, the growing adoption of biometric authentication and facial recognition technologies is enhancing access control and reducing the likelihood of unauthorized entries. As correctional facilities become more interconnected, the demand for holistic security solutions that can adapt to evolving threats continues to rise, positioning technology as a cornerstone of market growth.

Regionally, North America remains the dominant force in the prison security market, accounting for the largest share due to its extensive correctional infrastructure and high incarceration rates. However, Asia Pacific is emerging as a high-growth region, driven by rapid urbanization, rising crime rates, and substantial investments in new prison construction. Europe also demonstrates steady growth, propelled by stringent security regulations and ongoing facility upgrades. Meanwhile, Latin America and the Middle East & Africa are witnessing increased adoption of advanced security technologies, particularly in countries grappling with prison overcrowding and organized crime. This diverse regional landscape underscores the global nature of the prison security market and the varying factors driving demand across different geographies.

Component Analysis

The prison security market by component is segmented into hardware, software, and services, each playing a cri

Smart Prison Cell Monitoring Market Outlook

According to our latest research, the global smart prison cell monitoring market size reached USD 2.34 billion in 2024, driven by a robust adoption of advanced security solutions and digital transformation initiatives in correctional facilities. The market is projected to expand at a CAGR of 12.8% from 2025 to 2033, reaching an estimated USD 6.92 billion by 2033. This strong growth is primarily attributed to the increasing need for real-time monitoring, enhanced inmate safety, and the integration of AI-powered analytics in prison management systems. The market’s expansion is further propelled by the rising investments in smart infrastructure and government mandates for improved prison security worldwide.

One of the most significant growth factors for the smart prison cell monitoring market is the escalating demand for advanced security protocols in correctional facilities. With rising incidents of contraband smuggling, inmate violence, and escapes, correctional authorities are increasingly adopting integrated monitoring solutions that leverage video surveillance, biometric systems, and environmental sensors. These technologies not only ensure real-time tracking and monitoring of inmates but also provide actionable insights through data analytics. The integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning into monitoring platforms has further enhanced the ability to predict and prevent security breaches, making prisons safer for both inmates and staff. Additionally, the growing emphasis on rehabilitation and inmate well-being has led to the deployment of health monitoring solutions, which track vital signs and behavioral patterns, thereby reducing the risk of medical emergencies and self-harm incidents.

Another key driver fueling the market’s growth is the global trend toward digital transformation in public sector infrastructure. Governments across developed and emerging economies are prioritizing investments in smart city projects, which include modernization of correctional facilities with state-of-the-art monitoring systems. These initiatives are often supported by public-private partnerships, wherein technology vendors collaborate with prison authorities to implement scalable and interoperable solutions. The adoption of cloud-based monitoring platforms has also gained momentum, offering correctional facilities greater flexibility, lower operational costs, and enhanced data security. Furthermore, the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of remote monitoring technologies, as authorities sought to minimize physical interactions and improve health safety standards within prisons.

A third major growth factor is the evolving regulatory landscape that mandates higher standards of inmate safety and facility management. Stringent government regulations, particularly in North America and Europe, require correctional facilities to implement advanced surveillance and access control systems. Compliance with these regulations has become a critical priority for prison administrators, driving the demand for comprehensive smart monitoring solutions. In addition, increasing public scrutiny and advocacy for human rights have compelled authorities to adopt transparent and accountable monitoring practices. This has led to the integration of digital evidence management, automated incident reporting, and advanced analytics into prison management systems, further boosting market growth.

From a regional perspective, North America currently dominates the smart prison cell monitoring market, accounting for the largest share in 2024, followed by Europe and Asia Pacific. The United States, in particular, has been at the forefront of adopting cutting-edge prison technologies, supported by substantial government funding and a high rate of incarceration. Europe is witnessing steady growth, driven by modernization initiatives and strict regulatory frameworks. Meanwhile, the Asia Pacific region is emerging as a lucrative market, fueled by rapid urbanization, increasing prison populations, and rising investments in smart infrastructure. Latin America and the Middle East & Africa are also expected to witness significant growth during the forecast period, as governments in these regions focus on upgrading their correctional facilities to meet international standards.