What Happens During Booking at Tulsa County Jail (DLMCJC)
The first hours after an arrest can feel like a black box from the outside. Here's what typically happens during booking at the David L. Moss Criminal Justice Center (DLMCJC) in Tulsa County, so you have a clearer picture of what your loved one is going through.
Every new inmate at DLMCJC is thoroughly searched during booking. The reason is simple: keep weapons, illegal drugs, and other contraband out of the facility to protect both inmates and staff.
Before the search begins, intake staff review the arresting officer's report and verify the required information. Once everything is entered into the jail's computer system, the person is brought into the reception area for their search. Staff also evaluate their physical condition as part of intake.
If someone arrives with visible injuries or a potentially serious condition, booking personnel or the booking nurse will screen them. When necessary, DLMCJC can reject the person from booking until they receive appropriate medical treatment and are cleared for housing.
Why this matters for families: If your loved one needs medical treatment first, the jail may not complete booking right away. That can delay when they show up as fully processed in the system.
Once processing is complete, inmates are allowed to make phone calls. These calls are meant for arranging bond payment or letting friends and family know what's happening.
If an inmate can't post bond, DLMCJC issues them a jail uniform and assigns them to a housing unit. From there, they remain in custody and receive care during their stay.
Note: Once someone moves from booking to a housing unit, it can feel like they "disappeared" for a while. Most of the time, it just means they've been assigned housing and are settling in.
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