The recognition of psychiatric disorders among jail inmates should begin with an initial screening at booking. Questions to the inmate should focus on previous psychiatric care, psychiatric hospitalizations, use of 'nerve' medicine, and the inmate's present emotional state. Inservice training of all jail personnel should be required and include topics such as the recognition of mental disorders, suicidal tendencies, disturbed behavior, alcoholism, substance abuse, withdrawal symptoms, drug overdose, and emergency management of the mentally ill. Operational procedures should be formalized to ensure the proper management of the inmate. This includes written protocols for inmates placed on suicidal precautions and/or psychiatric observation. Where jail facilities cannot provide emergency care because of size or limited resource and facilities, the patient should be transported to an appropriate facility. In managing temporary periods of emotional discomfort and distress occasioned by specific circumstances supportive interviews by sensitive personnel should be used rather than chemotherapeutic agents. The booklet lists specifications for a psychiatric/suicidal observation room as well as some suicidal precautions.