The following is a list of terms used throughout TAG. Scroll through and click on the term of interest. As a shortcut, you can click on the letters below to jump quickly to the term of interest.
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
In TAG Imaging, one offender image of high quality that is selected to display when a staff member wants to view that offender’s image. Many images can be captured of an offender, but only one of each type (front, profile, etc.) can be active. Only active images can be printed.
The status of an offender in custody and currently inside the facility.
The status of an offender in custody but outside the facility (for court or temporary absence movements).
Offender records of persons currently in custody and on an institutional count are active.
A caseload for a central administrative body that can access multiple facility caseloads.
The authority under which corrections institutions operate (i.e., Department of Correction, County).
A unique TAG code for an institution or facility that handles offenders.
Alerts indicate whether there are any medical, security or transport issues that a user may need to be aware of while dealing with an offender.
In TAG Trust Accounting, an automatic deduction or removal of funds from offender receipts or income to be placed in a sub-account for a specific purpose (for instance, to reserve for offender release).
A staff member with authority to update TAG code tables and maintenance screens. This person has control over system security and can change valid entries for fields that appear in lists of values.
A record kept by TAG of system activity, tracking each event with a date/time stamp and the user ID of the staff members performing the action.
In TAG Commissary, the method by which inventory is valued: the total cumulative cost of a product divided by the number of units.
In TAG Trust Accounting and Commissary, the process of comparing a copy of the bank’s records for your account with TAG’s record. Any differences should be explained in this process.
A TAG screen that can process many actions or transactions for multiple offenders at one time. Examples include the movement of several offenders to court at once or the receiving of offender receipts.
On a TAG screen, related fields that are grouped with a title.
TAG terminology for the offender intake or reception process.
A number entered on or generated by TAG each time an offender is admitted, to identify the current incarceration period (booking instance). Repeat offenders have multiple booking numbers within their offender record:
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0000001111 | |
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booking #s: |
9600000001 (first booking) |
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9700000002 (second booking) |
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9700000003 (third booking - current/most recent) |
A TAG designation for each separate offender incarceration. Each booking instance is identified by a unique booking number.
A formpath sequence linking TAG booking screens, to speed up the booking process.
A review of information recorded during an offender’s booking, available on an inquiry screen or a report.
TAG terminology for special handling of offenders in custody for their own protection or for other reasons (examples: protection, segregation).
TAG terminology for the recording and tracking of offender programs.
The set of offenders administered by an agency. Generally, a caseload is a single institution. Each staff member is assigned to the caseload of the facility where they work. Regional and administrative caseloads can also be created.
A TAG report that provides information on many offender records within one caseload at the same time. Another term for institutional report.
A screen that can view or update offender records within one caseload at the same time.
In TAG Trust Accounting, the cash float maintained on site to close Trust Accounts when offenders are released.
In TAG Trust Accounting and Commissary, the process of comparing TAG’s record of cash transactions with the actual cash count for a certain period. Any differences should be explained in this process.
The TAG repository of all offender records, active and inactive, for all caseloads, located in the Search/assign menu.
The list of all accounts used in the general ledger to record transactions, showing the number used to identify the account. An example chart of accounts might be:
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1101 Bank Account |
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1102 Cash On Hand |
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2101 Offender Trust Accounts |
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2501 Accounts Payable |
TAG terminology for an offender assessment of risks and needs to determine an appropriate level of supervision.
A TAG command to clear data on a screen to allow for another entry.
A TAG command to clear a field (make it blank) to allow for another entry.
A list of valid entries for many TAG fields, updated by an application administrator using maintenance screens. These valid codes appear as lists of values in affected fields.
An instruction telling TAG what to do. Each command corresponds to an action such as saving data or searching the database. A command can be selected using the menu or toolbar.
TAG terminology for an outside person who has a relationship with an offender, on a personal (family member/friend) or professional (lawyer/doctor) basis.
A number entered on or generated by TAG each time an offender is intaked, to identify the current supervision period (contact instance). Repeat offenders have multiple contact numbers within their offender record.
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0000001111 | |
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contact |
9600000001 (first contact) |
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9700000002 (second contact) |
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9700000003 (third contact - current/most recent) |
A TAG designation for each separate offender term of supervision. Each contact instance is identified by a unique contact number.
A formpath linking cTAG intake screens, to speed up the intake process.
A review of information recorded during an offender's intake, available on an inquiry screen or a report.
TAG terminology for an offender head count or muster level within a caseload.
On TAG screens, the bottom line of the status bar at the bottom of the screen, that indicates the number of records currently open on the screen.
The blinking indicator that shows where you are (what field you are in) on a TAG screen.
The behind-the scenes structure of tables with rows and columns, in which TAG stores offender information.
A staff member responsible for keeping the TAG database operating smoothly and at acceptable performance levels.
When logging in to TAG, you must specify
In TAG Trust Accounting, an automatic removal of funds from offender receipts or income to satisfy an outstanding debt or obligation, or as an allocation of funds to a specific offender sub-account.
A key combination shortcut that performs TAG toolbar and menu commands. For instance, to show all TAG designated keys, press the key combination Shift+F1. See also hot keys.
In TAG Trust Accounting, an accounting method that requires two general ledger accounts to be used when recording a transaction. For example, when an offender receives funds, both the individual trust account and the trust fund as a whole are affected.
In TAG Commissary, the normal method of processing offender canteen sales and returns, by directly debiting or crediting offender trust accounts using TAG Trust Accounting.
A TAG command to prepare a search of the offender database by switching the system to query mode.
An agency location gives itself access to an offender record so it can do work on that offender (i.e. administer an order or request). Establishing an interest ensures that an offender record can be updated only at an agency location that is authorized. After an offender intake, the intake location automatically has interest in the contact. If another agency location needs access to that offender's record, it gives itself that "interest" on the Add Location to Current Contact screen. There is also a Remove Location from Current Contact screen to end an established interest.
A search of the TAG database for an offender using the exact spelling of an offender name.
A TAG command when the system is in query mode, to search the offender database for the item(s) of data requested by the user.
On TAG screens, a position for entry or display of information.
On the toolbar, the find button performs the enter query function, switching the system to query mode or, if you are already in query mode, executes query.
The linking of TAG screens into sequences that staff members can move through without having to access each screen from the main menu. An example is the booking sequence.
In TAG Imaging, during image capture an image can be “frozen” on the monitor to confirm it is of acceptable quality.
The general journal is where all transactions are recorded. Every transaction recorded in the general journal is given a unique journal number (also called the transaction number) and sequence number. If you want to track or refer to an individual journal entry, you use the transaction number (on some batch screens you will also need the sequence number).
The heart of any accounting system is the general ledger (G/L). The general ledger stores the accounting information for the chart of accounts. All transactions recorded in the general journal are automatically posted to the accounts in the general ledger.
On offender-specific TAG screens, the top block of the screen, which contains the offenders unique ID number, booking number, name, birth date, housing location and status.
On TAG screens in the status bar, gives context-sensitive information about the field the cursor is in.
In TAG Trust Accounting, the setting aside of offender funds for a specific purpose such as the purchase of a required item.
A key combination shortcut that takes you directly to TAG screens from the main menu, designated by the underlined letter in a menu entry. For instance, the menu designation for the offender Address screen is Institutions Booking Address. The hot keys to access this screen from the Main Menu is Alt+IBD.
TAG terminology for an offender bed assignment.
A search of the TAG database for an offender using significant numbers such as driver’s license or social security number.
The taking of an electronic “photo” using a video camera attached to a TAG Imaging workstation. Images can be of faces, physical marks or other items such as property, depending on the setup at your site. Images are stored directly in the offender record.
The status of an offender no longer in custody, due to release or escape.
The status of an offender currently in-transit to another facility.
Offender records of persons who have been released or have escaped and are no longer on an institutional count are inactive.
Indicates whether an offender is indigent or not .
A search for specific information within the TAG database.
A security level on TAG screens that allows a user to view an offender record but not to make additions or changes. This is assigned to staff members on a screen-by-screen basis as needed by a TAG application administrator.
A special TAG screen that looks up information (queries) but does not allow updates (changes or additions) to offender records.
A TAG command to move from an existing record or list of records to a new blank record, to enter new information. This avoids having to scroll to the end of a list of records.
Any location at which the Agency houses offenders.
A TAG report that provides information on many offender records within one caseload at the same time. Another term for caseload-specific report.
A cTAG term for the offender intake or admission process.
A keyboard shortcut to execute a TAG command or to move directly to a TAG screen from the main menu (see hot key).
A code table accessible from many fields in TAG screens, that lists all valid entries for that field. All fields with a list of values have a list of values button immediately to their right. Also, the hint text indicates if the field the cursor is now in has a list of values. These values are maintained by your application administrators.
Operating the TAG production database to conduct official business with real offender records (instead of the training database).
When TAG Imaging is in live mode for image capture, the monitor acts as the camera viewfinder, displaying whatever the camera is recording that instant. You can then freeze an image on the monitor to confirm it is of acceptable quality before you save it.
The TAG index screen from which all other TAG screens are accessed. This is the first screen that appears after you have successfully logged on.
A screen used by TAG application administrators to maintain code tables for lists of values and other aspects of system setup.
On TAG screens, the line at the very top showing menu items for TAG commands or screens.
A TAG command to move the cursor ahead to the next screen block.
A TAG command to move the cursor ahead to the next record in a series of stacked records.
A record of gangs or gang factions whose members should be kept apart.
In TAG Trust Accounting, an outstanding offender debt, that can originate both inside the facility (restitution) or outside (child support, court-mandated payments). An automatic deduction or removal of funds can be set up from offender receipts or income to satisfy this debt.
TAG terminology for an offender rule violation while in custody, that may or may not require disciplinary action.
A TAG report that provides information on one offender record only. An example is the Booking Summary for an offender.
A TAG screen that accesses one offender record at a time for viewing or update. All offender-specific screens have a header block.
cTAG terminology for an offender office assignment.
TAG can calculate such things as appropriate supervision levels or earliest possible release dates. A user of TAG can override the system’s result.
A search of the TAG database for an offender using a partial or incomplete spelling of an offender name.
Every user ID on TAG has its own password as a security feature. Your password protects your User ID from being used by anyone else on the system.
In TAG Commissary, the method of stock control, in which the exact number of units of each product are continually tracked.
In TAG Trust Accounting and Commissary, the recording of transactions to the general ledger. Postings are user-definable.
A TAG command to move the cursor back to the previous screen block.
A TAG command to move the cursor back to the last (previous) record in a series of stacked records.
Operating TAG live to conduct official business with real offender records (instead of the training database).
When TAG is in query mode, you can search the database for information. The type of information you can search for depends on which screen you are on. Most information searches in TAG are by exact search—you must use the precise spelling of the item. The exception is any query made in the central case file, where you can do a partial, soundex, or exact name search for offenders.
Codes that are maintained on the Maintain Reference Codes screen (one of several TAG code tables.) These codes are displayed in lists of values throughout the system.
A TAG command to delete the entry in a field.
An available option when printing a report, such as the number of copies or a certain date range.
A TAG screen that only prints pre-defined TAG reports.
Saves your entries by “committing” them to the database.
TAG can calculate such things as appropriate classification levels by compiling a numeric score. A user of TAG can override the system’s result.
The access to TAG screens that is granted to staff members on a need-to-know basis by an application administrator.
An event during an offender’s custody, such as an escape or a successful appeal, can require an adjustment of the offender’s sentence. Sentence calculation may be performed again to determine the correct earliest possible release or parole date and sentence expiry date.
A calculation by TAG of an offender’s earliest possible release or parole date and sentence expiry date, based on the legal documents recorded on the system.
In TAG Trust Accounting, the general ledger account where all trust receipts are posted to during a shift. The money in the Shift Account is moved to the Cash on Hand account at shift-end, after amounts have been verified.
In TAG Trust Accounting, the time when all trust accounting activity is suspended so you can perform shift-end procedures such as cash reconciliation.
A search of the TAG database for an offender if the correct spelling of the name is not known, using names that sound similar to the offender’s.
On many TAG screens only one offender record can be displayed at one time. If multiple records are open, (for instance, as the result of a search), these records are stacked and you can view them one at a time.
The order of the day, month, and year in a date varies for each TAG client. The order (date format) that the client chooses is used throughout the client's documentation, so is the client's standard date format. In this documentation, the standard date format is month/day/year (MM/DD/YYYY). Ask your TAG administrator what standard date format your facility uses, and type in that format when you enter a date.
TAG indicator of an offender’s status. There are four possible states for an offender: active-in, active-out, inactive-out and inactive-trn.
On TAG screens, the bottom strip of information showing the hint text for the field you are now in, and the count indicator.
In TAG Trust Accounting, offender trust accounts can be divided into sub-accounts to represent different ways that the offender is allowed to accumulate funds.
Whenever you exit a screen containing an offender record, TAG places that offender’s unique ID number into system memory. The next time you go to an offender-specific screen, that same record automatically appears in the header block.
On TAG screens, the row of buttons at the top of the screen for commands.
Operating the TAG training database to practice using the system with mock offender records (instead of real offender records in the production database).
A parallel database to the TAG production database (live mode), that allows you to practice using TAG with mock offender records.
The unique number given to identify every accounting transaction recorded in TAG. Also known as the general journal number.
In TAG Trust Accounting, the name for the accumulated balance of all trust account money. Most of the trust fund is usually held in a chartered bank.
A number that identifies an offender record. Once a person has a unique ID#, it is theirs for life, and no other offender can be assigned that number. Each jurisdiction may have a different name for this unique ID#. At prisons, a term often used is DOC# (Department of Corrections Number). At jails, a term such as MID# (Master ID Number) is often used.
A security level on TAG screens that allows a user to make changes to an offender record. This is assigned to staff members on a screen-by-screen basis as needed by a TAG application administrator.
Any person operating any part of TAG.
A set of TAG screens that corresponds to specific job functions (for example, TRUST USER for trust accounting clerks, and TRUST ADMIN for a trust supervisor or application administrator). Within a user group, screens can be given update authority or inquiry access. Staff members are then assigned to the user groups they need to conduct their duties.
A unique identifier for each staff member allowed to use TAG, created by the application administrator for a facility. The system’s audit trail tracks all system activity by user ID. The name given to the unique ID number is determined by your facility.
Data verification is often required for certain types of offender information. It is carried out by a staff member with the proper security clearance.
When performing a search, the % character acts as a wildcard, representing any letter or letter combination. For example, an offender search on last name AB% would return all last names beginning with the letters AB followed by any letter combination. Some possible items returned from this search would be ABE, ABSOLOM, and ABRAHAM.
The name that TAG displays when you access an offender record. The working name generally is the name the offender is admitted with. It should be the offender’s legal name, correctly spelled.