There are a lot of terms and processes in the criminal justice system. When talking about the criminal justice system, it is important for you to understand these terms and processes. One of the terms that are not strange to the ears is called the booking number for an inmate. This kind of number plays an important part in the initial stages of the journey of someone through the legal system.
Do you know a booking number for an inmate? In case you are not that familiar with the booking number for an inmate or if you only know a little bit about it and want to know more, read below to explore it.
Definition of a Booking Number
A booking number is defined as a distinctive alphanumeric code that is assigned to someone upon entering a correctional facility such as a prison or a jail. It is one of the most important things in the administrative process. Besides, it is also useful for the law enforcement agencies, correctional staff, and legal professionals to manage the records of the inmates efficiently.
Process of Booking
When someone is taken into custody, they will have to go through the process of booking. The process of booking consists of a series of administrative steps that occur before these inmates are incarcerated. This kind of process includes a few things, such as recording personal information, collecting fingerprints and photographs, doing a criminal background check, and looking for any outstanding warrants. The process peaks when the booking number is assigned.
Purposes of Booking Number
There are a few purposes of the booking number, as follows:
1. Identification
Correctional facilities are the places for inmates. As there are a lot of inmates, these places are known to be crowded. In such places where there are a lot of people, having a unique identifier is a must in order to prevent confusion. Aside from that, the identifier can also be used to ensure accurate record-keeping.
2. Tracking movement
It is possible for the inmates to be transferred to different facilities and to make several court appearances when they are in custody. In this case, the booking number is used to track the movement of these inmates. Besides, it is also to ensure that these inmates are correctly identified all the time.
3. Access to information
Not only for the inmates, booking numbers are also useful for family members and friends of the inmates, as well as legal professionals to access information about the inmates. With these numbers, they can find court dates and charges of the inmates. Plus, they can also use these numbers to find visitation schedules.
4. Database management
In fact, there are a number of records that the inmates have that are linked to their booking number, including their charges, court dates, and personal information. In the end, it is also useful for the authorities because they are able to manage the population of the inmate effectively.
Implications for Inmate sand the Criminal Justice System
For inmates, the booking number is known as their legal identity during the time when they are in custody. With this number, they are able to communicate with their legal representatives. Aside from that, they are also able to do some other things by using this number, including accessing court information and maintaining contact with their loved one outside the bar.
In the criminal justice system in general, booking numbers are useful to keep the records and manage the data. They have a role in the process of communication between law enforcement agencies, courts, and correctional facilities. The efficiency resulted by these numbers can maintain the accuracy of the records, track inmates, and ensure due process.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, the booking number is important for inmates who just get involved in the criminal justice system. It plays a role as a unique identifier. With this number, the authorities can manage inmates, track their movements, and provide access to information for legal purposes. Some people may think that the concept of a booking number is like a technical detail. In fact, it is really useful to maintain the correctional system. That’s why it is important for the inmates and everyone who is involved in the legal representation to understand the booking number.
A bookworm and researcher especially related to law and citizenship education. I spend time every day in front of the internet and the campus library.
