When should inmates be showered following booking?

Inmates should be showered prior to housing assignment to ensure their hygiene and the health of the facility. This practice helps to reduce the risk of transmitting infectious diseases and parasites that may be present on an inmate's body. Showering before being assigned to a housing unit also allows correctional staff to inspect the inmate for any contraband or signs of self-harm, ensuring their safety and that of others in the facility.

Bathing inmates before housing them is a critical step in maintaining the safety and health standards of the correctional environment, which contributes to overall institutional security and inmate well-being. Other timing options, such as after a meal or phone call, do not prioritize the immediate health and safety considerations that are paramount during the early stages of an inmate's detention.