Which of the following is a primary function of a penal institution?

The primary function of a penal institution is rehabilitation of criminals. This focus on rehabilitation aims to assist individuals in reforming their behavior and becoming productive members of society after serving their sentences. Penal institutions implement various programs designed to address the underlying issues that may have led to criminal behavior, such as substance abuse treatment, mental health counseling, vocational training, and educational opportunities.

While providing education and other services can be aspects of rehabilitative efforts, they are not the primary function in the same way that rehabilitation is recognized as the central goal of the penal system. The emphasis is on helping inmates reintegrate into society upon their release, thereby reducing recidivism rates and enhancing public safety. Hosting public events and offering community services, although potentially beneficial, do not align with the core mission of penal institutions, which centers around the management and reformation of offenders.