What is the term for the official process of recording an arrest?

The term for the official process of recording an arrest is "booking." Booking encompasses several key steps that occur after an individual is arrested. This process typically involves the collection of personal information about the arrested individual, such as their name, address, and the offense they're being charged with. Additionally, it may include fingerprinting, photographing, and entering the individual's information into the police database.

Understanding booking is crucial because it establishes the beginning of the legal process that follows an arrest. This documentation serves multiple purposes, such as aiding law enforcement in tracking criminal activity and providing necessary information for prosecution.

The other terms relate to different aspects of the legal system. Detention refers to the temporary holding of an individual, often before booking or trial. A summons is a legal document that orders a person to appear in court, typically not arising from an arrest. Parole is the conditional release of a prisoner before completing their sentence, which comes into play well after the arrest and booking stages.