The Florida Department of Corrections, also known as DC, is one of the state prison systems in the United States. The department is operated by the government of the state of Florida. It is responsible for the safety and security of the general public. The department supervises more than 157,000 offenders and has over 100,000 inmates. The Florida Department of Corrections maintains prisons and treatment and work release centers. The department operates work and forestry camps and employs a staff of nearly 26,000 people. It administers various academic, vocational and substance abuse programs for inmates and offenders. The Florida Department of Corrections has been in operation since 1821.