What is a detainer in the context of criminal justice?

A detainer in the context of criminal justice refers to an official request to hold an offender for another agency. This typically occurs when law enforcement or a correctional facility wants to ensure that an individual in their custody will be held until another jurisdiction can take action, such as filing charges or executing a warrant. The purpose of a detainer is to prevent the individual from being released before that other jurisdiction is able to process the necessary legal actions.

Understanding this definition is crucial for criminal justice professionals, as it helps them navigate procedures related to inter-agency cooperation and the management of offenders who may have outstanding charges or warrants in different jurisdictions. It highlights the importance of communication and coordination among various law enforcement entities to ensure that justice is appropriately served.