Daily activities and movements of jail inmates pose significant recordkeeping demands. Prison information needs can be categorized as primary clerical activities (recordkeeping, scheduling, monitoring, communications and security, and reporting) and essential reports and forms (inmate file folders, daily activity logs, activity reports, and special-purpose forms and reports). In the development of a computerized jail management information system, a centralized data base is typically established that collects and disseminates information throughout the organization. An effective jail management system is one that consists of a network of stations located strategically throughout the jail and tied together electronically through a central computer. The real benefit of a computerized network is that staff who work in functional areas of a jail have their own terminals to create and retrieve the information they need to perform their jobs. The effect of automation on the operational efficiency and security of jails and on individual inmate treatment is discussed. 4 figures