Who has the responsibility for providing health care services in ...

[genevieve1028]

Who has the responsibility for providing health care services in a jail? What are some of the screenings that may be included in a jail after booking procedures are completed?

Question 2

What are the three primary purposes of jails?

[nathang24]

Answer to Question 1

The provision of health services in jails is the responsibility of the sheriff. Some jurisdictions require screening (upon intake) for communicable diseases such as tuberculosis and venereal diseases, but all jails perform medical examinations after booking procedures have been completed. Some courts have required the screening of intoxicated persons and continuous monitoring throughout the detoxification period. This is an essential precaution, because intoxication often masks symptoms of fractures, diabetes, and illnesses that could be mistaken for drunkenness.

Answer to Question 2

The three primary purposes for jails are (1) to detain those awaiting trial after arrest; (2) to hold those being transferred to a state or federal prison or mental facility; and (3) to incarcerate those serving a sentence of less than a year for a minor crime (misdemeanor).