; Census of Jails ;

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Census of Jails (COJ)?

The Census of Jails (COJ), conducted by the Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS), is the nation's primary source of statistical data on jail facilities and the inmate populations they hold. First administered in 1970, the COJ has been conducted in 1972, 1978, 1983, 1988, 1993, 1999, 2005/2006, 2013, 2019, and annually since 2024. The survey collects data on inmate counts, population characteristics, admissions and releases, and facility attributes and programs. The COJ includes all jails in the U.S., covering approximately 2,800 local jails nationwide, including city, county, regional, and private jails, as well as 12 Federal Bureau of Prisons detention facilities that operate as jails.

Who is conducting the COJ?

The COJ is funded and administered by the Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS), a component of the U.S. Department of Justice and a principal agency of the U.S. Federal Statistical System. BJS's mission is to collect, analyze, and disseminate statistical data on crime and the justice system.

RTI International, a nonprofit research institute based in North Carolina, serves as BJS's data collection agent. RTI has supported BJS jail data collections since 2013.

Why is my agency invited to participate in the COJ?

The COJ seeks responses from all county, municipal, regional, and private jail in the U.S. All local or regional law enforcement agencies responsible for operating adult confinement facilities are encouraged to participate (see "What types of facilities are included in the COJ?"). If your agency is new to BJS's jail surveys, please reach out to jailcensus@rti.org to confirm eligibility.

What types of facilities are included in the COJ?

The COJ covers all adult confinement facilities administered by a local or regional law enforcement agency. These facilities typically have the authority to detain individuals beyond arraignment, often exceeding a 72-hour period. They include—

  • city, county, regional jails and correctional centers
  • special facilities (e.g., rehabilitation centers, diversion centers, reception centers, reentry facilities, and work release centers)
  • lockups or temporary holding units if integrated into a jail system
  • private facilities under contracts with local, regional, or federal correctional authorities.

The census excludes—

  • juvenile detention facilities
  • lockups not holding individuals beyond arraignment or 72 hours, unless part of a larger jail system.

Is participation in the COJ voluntary?

Yes, participation is voluntary but strongly encouraged. Your agency’s input helps shape national jail policy, improve services, and support planning at all levels. Participation also provides benchmarking opportunities and insights into system-wide trends.

How long will it take to complete the survey?

About 80 minutes.

What questions are on the COJ?

The 2026 COJ includes 16 questions on jail population, facilities, and programs, such as:

  • Inmate counts on December 28, 2026, by demographic and legal characteristics
  • Admissions, releases, and average daily population for the 12-month period ending December 31, 2026
  • Facility capacity and staffing levels

The survey form is available for preview here.

What is the reference date for the 2026 COJ?

The reference date for the 2026 COJ will be December 28, 2026. You will be asked about your jail's confined population on that date. You will also be asked to provide information on admissions, releases, and average daily population for the 12-month period from January 1, 2026, to December 31, 2026.

Why did the reference date change?

Starting in 2025, the COJ uses the last Monday of December as its reference date—shifting from a mid-year date to better align with other BJS collections and to simplify reporting for agencies that collect and report data on a calendar-year basis.

Why is the COJ now annual?

Beginning in 2025, the COJ became an annual survey, replacing the Annual Survey of Jails (ASJ), which only sampled a subset of jails. The shift reflects the need for more frequent, detailed data to support policy and operational decisions across the justice system.

How do I preview the survey form?

Click here, or on "Reference Form" at the top of this page, to see the survey form.

When can I submit data for the 2026 COJ?

The 2026 COJ launches January 4, 2027. You may complete the online survey then or use the fillable PDF form and submit data once available. The survey will remain open afterwards to give agencies additional time to submit their data.

How do I submit data?

Online:

  1. Visit https://jailcensus.rti.org
  2. Click "Login" and enter your username and password
  3. Click "Enter Data"
By email:

Download and complete the survey from the website, then email the completed form to jailcensus@rti.org. Include your name, phone number, and agency name.

By mail:

Mail completed forms to:

USPS:
RTI International
ATTN: Data Capture
PO Box 12194
RTP, NC 27709-12194 FedEx/UPS/etc.:
RTI International
ATTN: Data Capture
3040 E. Cornwallis Rd.
Durham, NC 27713 By fax:

Fax the completed form to (919) 541-8970 with a cover page listing your name, phone number, and agency name.

What are my agency's username and password?

Your username and password are provided in your COJ invitation. If you lost your credentials, please email your name and agency name to jailcensus@rti.org or call (866) 354-4992.

What if I don't have exact numbers?

You may provide estimates and mark the small checkbox next to the answer to indicate it's an estimate. If a field is left blank, the survey will prompt you to explain. Estimates are acceptable when exact figures are not available.

I received error messages while entering data. What should I do?

If you can't resolve an error, please explain the issue in the text box provided and continue. For further help, contact RTI at (866) 354-4992 or jailcensus@rti.org.

Can I save my work and return later?

Yes. Click "Next" to save progress before exiting. Log back in with your username and password to resume.

What if my agency can't provide facility-level data?

If exact facility level data are unavailable, please provide estimates and mark the checkbox to indicate that the value is an estimate. If you are unable to provide estimates for specific facilities or for all of your facilities, leave the fields blank and click "Next." The survey will prompt you to enter an explanation before you can proceed to the next question.

Can I revise my agency's data after submission?

Yes. Log in at https://jailcensus.rti.org to make edits. After the data collection closes, contact RTI to request changes.

Can I print or save a copy of the form?

Yes. Once logged in, click "View PDF" to download or print a copy.

Why was I contacted after submitting data?

BJS reviews all submissions for completeness and consistency. If clarification is needed, we may follow up by phone or email.

How secure are the COJ data?

As a federal statistical agency, Bureau of Justice Statistics’ (BJS) procedures for collecting, analyzing, publishing, and distributing data are subject to strict federal controls, ensuring the quality, security, and integrity of our nation's criminal justice statistics. BJS and its data collection agents may only use the data collected under its authority for research and statistical purposes. BJS's governing regulations and statutes include—

  • 42 USC § 3732 (BJS authorizing legislation)
  • 42 USC § 3735 (BJS use of data statute)
  • 42 USC § 3789g (BJS confidentiality of information statute)
For more information on the federal statutes, regulations, and other authorities that govern how BJS, BJS employees, and BJS data collection agents use, handle, and protect your information, see the BJS Data Protection Guidelines.

Still have questions?