Corrections Officer State Certification (SOCE) Practice Exam 2025 - Free SOCE Practice Questions and Study Guide

The primary purpose of correctional facilities is to rehabilitate offenders and ensure public safety. This reflects the fundamental goal of the correctional system, which is not merely to punish individuals for their crimes but to provide opportunities for rehabilitation that can reduce recidivism. By addressing the underlying issues that may have contributed to a person’s criminal behavior—such as substance abuse, mental health issues, or lack of education—correctional facilities aim to prepare offenders to reintegrate into society successfully.

Rehabilitation focuses on helping individuals learn new skills, adopt positive behaviors, and ultimately change their lives for the better. Alongside rehabilitation, ensuring public safety is equally crucial; correctional facilities serve to contain individuals who pose a threat to society, thereby protecting the community while they undergo the rehabilitative process. This dual focus on rehabilitation and safety underscores the evolving perspective of corrections as a system designed to foster positive change, rather than solely serving as a means of punishment.