The Directorate of West Bengal Correctional Services is still known by its old name - Prisons Directorate. A proposal to formally change the name to “Directorate of Correctional Services” is under consideration of the State Government. The prison set up of West Bengal is headed by an officer of the rank of Inspector General of Police, who normally is a senior officer of the Indian Police Service Cadre. He exercises general control and superintendence over all the Correctional Homes situated within the State.

Prior to 1997, the post of Inspector General of Correctional Services, was held by an officer belonging to the IAS, when the State Government by notification made it a cadre post of the IPS. After the enforcement of the West Bengal Correctional Services Act, the head of the Directorate has been designated as Inspector General of Correctional Services, West Bengal.

There is a Directorate for the superintendence of the functioning of correctional homes of the entire State at Kolkata. The Directorate called Prisons Directorate functions under jails Department of the State Government. Prisons Directorate, West Bengal, headed by the Inspector General of Correctional Services performs executive functions as stipulated in the newly adopted West Bengal Correctional Services Act 1992 and in some cases according to Jail Code. The old Jail Code is being raised in conformity with the provisions of the new Act. Till its revision, the old Jail Code is still in force. All executive decisions lie with the Inspector General of Correctional Services, which are conveyed to the sub offices (i.e. Central / District / Special / Subsidiary / Women / Open Correctional Home).

The Inspector General of Correctional Services constantly monitors the functioning of the 54 Correctional Homes of the State with the help of three Additional Inspectors General of Correctional Services and six Deputy Inspectors General of Correctional Services. The powers and functions of these senior officers are more zonal in nature excepting DIG (HQ) and DIG (Security & Welfare) of Correctional Services who centrally keep vigil upon the proper functioning of the Correctional Administration and help the Inspector General of Correctional Services in his work at the Directorate level.

The decisions are taken by the Inspector General of Correctional Services in accordance with the rules laid down in the Jail Code and in accordance with the provisions of West Bengal Correctional Services Act, 1992, The West Bengal Services Rules, The West Bengal Finance Rules and Jail Code.

The decisions as taken by the Inspector General of Correctional Services, West Bengal and as conveyed by the Additional Inspectors General and Deputy Inspectors General are executed at the grass root levels by the Superintendents of all Central, District, Special and Subsidiary Correctional Homes. This is the general pattern of execution and supervision of Government orders. The zonal senior officers and also senior officers of the Directorate hold inspections of the subordinate offices during their scheduled and surprise visits to ensure proper implementation of rules, regulations, Govt. orders and circulars issued from Jails Department and Prisons Directorate.