The purpose of the Corrections Standards Authority as mandated in the California State Law (Welfare & Institutions and Penal Codes) includes:

• Ensuring the establishment and continual re-evaluation of minimum standards for local juvenile and adult detention facilities, conducting "problem solving" inspections of all local detention facilities biennially, and reporting to the Legislature on the results of those inspections.
• Reviewing the architectural plans for construction and remodeling of all local detention facilities.
• Establishing recruitment, selection, and training standards for all local corrections personnel working in jails, juvenile detention facilities, or probation departments.
• Administering federal and state detention facility capital construction monies for the construction or renovation of local detention facilities.
• Administering state-funded local corrections at-risk and offender pilot, demonstration and continuum of care programs.
• Conducting studies in crime and penology and creating, upon its own initiative or upon the request of the Governor, special commissions to assist the Board in the study of crime.