What does the custodial model of corrections primarily emphasize?

The custodial model of corrections primarily emphasizes security, discipline, and order. This model is founded on the idea that the primary function of correctional institutions is to maintain control over inmates and ensure the safety of both staff and the public. Within this framework, the focus is on the management of inmates through regulations and sentence enforcement, with an environment that prioritizes the confinement of offenders over other goals such as rehabilitation or reintegration.

By prioritizing security and order, the custodial model seeks to mitigate the risks associated with housing convicted individuals, and it typically involves strict rules and routines within the facility. In this context, discipline is enforced to maintain a controlled environment, thereby preventing disturbances and ensuring that inmates follow the established protocols. The model is often characterized by a more punitive approach to corrections, where the emphasis is on containment rather than active rehabilitation or supportive community connections.