What is the process of "booking" a suspect?

The process of "booking" a suspect refers to the administrative steps taken after an arrest. This procedure involves recording important information about the suspect, such as their personal details, the nature of the offense they are charged with, and any evidence or property in their possession at the time of arrest. Booking also typically includes taking fingerprints, photographs (mugshots), and entering this information into the law enforcement agency's database. This documentation is crucial for maintaining accurate records of arrests and is a fundamental step in the criminal justice process, ensuring that all necessary information is collected in a standardized manner as the suspect moves through the system.

The other options do not accurately reflect the process of booking. Sending the suspect home or releasing them into protective custody does not involve any administrative documentation or critical record-keeping steps that booking entails. Additionally, preparing a suspect for trial occurs much later in the process and involves different procedures and considerations, distinct from the initial booking stage.