The program outlines a basic procedure that can be followed at any jail. The inmate's first contact with the jail and the jail officers is very important to the future relationship between the jail staff and the inmate. Usually, the prisoner is brought to the jail in the custody of the arresting officer. Security measures are discussed, with emphasis on the caution that no one should be allowed to carry arms into the jail. The booking officer should receive a court commitment order or a confinement order which allows the officer to legally accept the prisoner into the jail. Booking officers are advised to know the laws and rules of the State, since these vary from State to State with regard to accepting juveniles and other legal issues. The American Medical Association guidelines are discussed in reference to admitting or not admitting prisoners who are sick or injured. Usually, the booking officer should not admit ill prisoners to the jail, but insist that they be treated first. Once a sick prisoner is admitted, the jail is responsible for medical treatment. Procedures for conducting pat searches and strip searches are detailed, along with information the jail officer must get from the new inmate. Discussion also covers the process of fingerprinting and photographing the inmate, medical screening, inventorying the inmate's personal belongings, and issuing jail clothing. All new inmates should be given a copy of the jail rules and should have them explained. In addition, the program discusses the legal, security, health, and human relations aspects of the booking process which can have a lasting impact on the inmate and or the jail. A guidebook, slides, and an audio cassette are provided. For other programs in this training series, see NCJ 74297-74301.