Chicago Police Department (CPD) Practice

A penal institution is specifically designed for the detention and rehabilitation of individuals who have been convicted of crimes. This includes facilities such as jails and prisons, where offenders serve their sentences. The primary function of these institutions is to enforce legal penalties imposed by the justice system, which may involve both confinement and various rehabilitation programs aimed at reducing recidivism.

In contrast, hospitals primarily focus on health care and treatment, schools provide education and learning opportunities for students, and government offices serve administrative functions. These other types of facilities do not share the core purpose of detaining individuals as a result of criminal convictions, which is why they do not qualify as penal institutions.