Final answer:
Inmate counts in correctional facilities are a necessary procedure that must be conducted systematically by corrections officers to ensure all individuals are accounted for, with approximately 2.3 million people incarcerated in the United States as of 2018.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question pertains to the standard operating procedures for the counting of inmates within the corrections system. Inmates must be systematically counted by a corrections officer to ensure that all inmates are accounted for and to maintain the security of the institution. The frequency of these counts varies by facility but is typically conducted multiple times per day to closely monitor the inmate population. As of 2018, there were approximately 2.3 million people incarcerated in the United States, which includes those in state and federal prisons, local jails, or related facilities. It is essential for correctional facilities to maintain accurate inmate counts to keep the corrections system running efficiently and safely.