Most accurately, the two functions of jails are
◦ detaining persons awaiting trial and punishing convicted persons awaiting sentencing.
◦ providing short-term confinement for misdemeanants and long-term confinement for felons.
◦ providing short term confinement for non-felon convictions and detaining persons awaiting trial, sentencing, or transfer.
◦ detaining persons awaiting trial and holding persons awaiting execution.