The introduction reviews the history of U.S. corrections statistics, defines common terms used in tables, and briefly profiles data sources. Data tables pertaining to jail inmates cover 1-day counts and average daily population by legal status and sex for 1983, 1985, and 1986; detention status by sex for 1983, 1985, and 1986; demographic characteristics of jail inmates for 1985 and 1986; and annual jail admissions and releases by legal status and sex for 1983, 1985, and 1986. One table addresses jail capacity and occupancy. Data on jails in jurisdictions with large jail populations address the impact of inmates held for other authorities, rated capacity and percent of capacity occupied, number of jails under court order to reduce population or to improve confinement conditions, and inmate deaths. Others tables pertain to probation, prison inmates, parole, and capital punishment. Each topical section of tables contains explanatory notes and relevant questionnaires. Subject index.