Intake Process in Detention Facilities

Lesson Goal

• Understand the intake process in county or state detention facilities.

Intake/Reception and Documentation

• Intake refers to admission in county detention facilities; reception refers to admission in state facilities.
• Facilities establish their own procedures based on guidelines like Florida Model Jail Standards.
• Knowledge of specific facility policies, state laws, and legal procedures is essential for personnel.

Identity Verification

• Identify inmates using various forms of identification: driver's license, military ID, fingerprinting.
• Identity verification is necessary during inmate movement between facilities, court, or different areas within the facility.
• Legal documents supporting the arrest or commitment must be presented before admission.

Arrest Papers

• Arrest papers include documentation prepared by the arresting officer resulting in detention.
• Common features include:
  • Inmate’s personal information: name, aliases, date of birth, sex, race, address, phone number, Social Security number, height, weight, etc.
  • Arrest details: date, time, place, agency case number, charges, arresting officer and agency information, probable cause affidavit, and victim notification (if applicable).

Commitment Papers

• Commitment papers are court-generated documents for offenders found guilty, committing them to a facility.
• Common features include:
  • Signed judgment and sentence pages.
  • Court paperwork with sentencing recommendations and information.
  • Current criminal history from FCIC/NCIC.
  • Summary of inmate’s past behavior from the sending agency.
  • Medical transfer summary from the sending facility.

Terminology in Arrest/Commitment Papers

• NTA: Notice to Appear - summons requiring a court appearance.
• ROR: Release on Recognizance - release without monetary bond, promising to appear for trial.
• EOS: End of Sentence - determined by the court, can be reduced due to gain time.
• DOB: Date of Birth as indicated on the identification.

Confirming Completeness of Papers

• Ensure completeness of arrest/commitment papers:
  • All required information is present.
  • Necessary paperwork, including victim notifications and warrants, is included.
  • Signatures from the arresting officer and inmate are obtained.
  • Commitment papers must bear the judge’s signature.
• After completion, an inmate file is created, maintained electronically or in hard copy.

Documents Inmates Can Keep

• Inmates may retain certain documents during custody such as:
  • Court documents and property receipts.
  • Legal papers related to their case and an inmate handbook.
  • Copies of arrest papers and the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA).
• It is the inmate's responsibility to keep track of these documents.

Pre-incarceration Admission and Medical Assessments

• Florida Model Jail Standards prohibit admission of unconscious or seriously ill individuals without medical clearance.
• Facilities have guidelines for medical and suicide screening during intake.
• Intake officers observe inmates for visible injuries or impairment; medical staff assesses the need for further action.
• Written medical clearance is required if a medical issue is identified before the inmate can remain in the facility.

This quiz covers the intake and assessment process in county or state detention facilities. You will learn about the steps involved, similar to hospital admissions, including identification verification and room assignment based on conditions. Understanding this process is crucial for effective management in detention settings.