What Happens During Booking at Tulsa County Jail (DLMCJC): A Family Guide

Everyone booked at DLMCJC goes through a thorough search. The goal is simple: keep weapons, drugs, and other contraband out of the jail. If you're waiting for news, this part can drag on - and it's hard not to worry. But the search is a basic safety measure that protects everyone inside, including your loved one.

Booking includes a medical screening for anyone with visible injuries or potential health concerns. At DLMCJC, either Booking personnel or the Booking nurse may handle this. If someone needs medical treatment, they can be turned away from booking until they've been treated and cleared. Frustrating from your end, yes - but it ensures the jail can safely take custody.

Once processing wraps up, inmates can make phone calls - usually to arrange bond or let someone know where they are. That first call will likely be short and to the point. Your loved one is probably just trying to confirm you know what's going on and whether anyone can help with bond.

• ✓ Answer unknown numbers if you can, and keep your phone nearby for a while after you learn they’re at DLMCJC
• ✓ Decide ahead of time who will take the lead on bond questions so the call doesn’t turn into confusion
• ✓ Keep a notepad ready so you can write down key details your loved one shares during the call
• ✓ If there are multiple family members involved, pick one point person to pass along updates after the call

If bond isn't posted, your loved one will be issued jail uniforms and assigned to a housing unit. That's where they'll stay while in custody. For families, this is often when things start to feel less chaotic than the initial booking scramble. It may still take a while before you can connect again, but housing placement means the intake process is done.