Which document is critical for verifying an inmate’s identity?

The correct choice highlights the importance of using a government-issued identification or booking paperwork for verifying an inmate's identity. This type of documentation is critical because it typically contains official information that is reliable and recognized by law enforcement and correctional institutions. Government-issued IDs, such as a driver's license or passport, provide an authentic means of confirming an individual's identity through photographs and personal details that can be cross-referenced with legal records.

Booking paperwork is also crucial as it is generated during the processing phase after an arrest, and it includes essential information such as the inmate's name, date of birth, charges, fingerprints, and sometimes a mugshot. This documentation is not only specific to the legal system but also serves to officially record the individual's presence in custody, making it indispensable for identification purposes.

In contrast, other options like a social security card, bank statement, or utility bill are less reliable. A social security card may not have a photo and can be more easily forged. Bank statements and utility bills serve as proof of address or financial transactions but do not confirm identity with the same level of authority or reliability as governmental documentation.