Corrections in the 21st Century takes a practical approach to introducing students to the ideas and practices characteristic of modern corrections. It equips them with the skills necessary to succeed in the field. Its three-pronged approach to corrections includes a thorough description of correctional ideology, including professionalism, policy issues, and society's avowed goals for the correctional enterprise; a comprehensive overview of correctional practice, including the everyday operations of correctional agencies, prisons, jails, and the procedures of parole and probation; and the development of personal skills that are applicable to the corrections field. A central theme throughout the text is professionalism in corrections.

The Tutorial with Simulation Applications that accompanies the text is a browser-based version of the textbook on CD-ROM. It includes key words, activities, and review games. Simulations on the CD present real-world situations for students to apply chapter concepts. Student responses receive immediate feedback regarding the appropriateness of their responses.