How many people do jails that are usually much smaller hold?

The correct answer reflects the typical capacity of smaller jails, which are often designed to serve local jurisdictions and handle short-term detentions. Jails that can accommodate fewer than 50 people are usually classified as "small jails" or "lockups." These facilities primarily focus on individuals awaiting trial or those serving short sentences, rather than housing larger populations like those found in prisons.

Facilities with capacities in the range of 100 to 200 or more than 200 are typically larger jails or prisons, which cater to different operational needs and prisoner populations. Understanding the size and function of these facilities is crucial for grasping the broader context of the corrections system, particularly in terms of resource allocation, management challenges, and the differing environments that impact incarcerated individuals.