When should Jail Files be transferred to SIMS?

The transfer of Jail Files to the SIMS (Situation Information Management System) is typically completed upon an inmate's release. This is essential to ensure that all information related to the inmate's stay, including behavior, incidents, and any medical concerns, is accurately documented and updated in the system. Transferring files at this point allows for precise tracking and allows the facility to maintain accurate records for future reference or for other entities needing access to that data.

Transferring files upon reassignment, death, or a court decision might seem logical at first glance, but these events do not mark the conclusion of an inmate's direct interaction with the facility in the same capacity as a release does. Upon an inmate’s reassignment, the information may often remain relevant to the current facility. In the unfortunate event of an inmate's death, there are specific protocols that need to be followed that might involve other documentation or reporting systems. A court decision may also not relate directly to the administrative end of an inmate's stay, as the inmate may continue to be held or may not yet be released depending on the decision's nature. Therefore, release is the most appropriate trigger for transferring Jail Files to SIMS.