- Posted by Willam Terek
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Visiting an inmate, Everything you need to know - Faqs, application , dress code , prison conduct
First-time experience of a visit to prison can be nail-biting, frustrating, and confusing. There are many questions regarding the process and conduct of the prison.
- What should I wear?
- What identification documents to bring?
- What can I bring to prison?
- Can I bring something for an inmate?
- How to apply for a visit?
- What are the timings?
Understanding Prison Security Levels
Prisons in the United States are divided into different security levels: minimum, medium, maximum, and supermax. The level of security determines the restrictions on both inmates and visitors. Minimum-security prisons may offer more relaxed visitation rules, while maximum-security and supermax facilities have strict guidelines and limited contact. Before your visit, check which security level the facility falls under to better prepare for its visiting procedures.
Types of Prison Facilities
There are various types of correctional institutions, including federal prisons, state prisons, county jails, and detention centers. Each facility may have its own set of rules and procedures. Federal and state prisons often have more resources and structured visitation processes compared to county jails. It's important to verify the type of facility and review specific guidelines before planning your visit.
Possible Modes Of Communication With An Inmate
Due to advancements in technology, people are not far from you anymore. Why should inmate visitation be any different? Various modes of communication are now offered by prison tech companies such as Securus Tech, Global Tel Link (GTL), Federal BOPs, etc. Some modes of communication that are possible with inmates are as follows:
- Link Calls / Telephone calls: Most preferred way of communication to date, but they are highly costly.
- Prison Fax system: Sending a fax has been in trend since the 1970s, and is still a preferred way of communication to send documents and letters.
- Letters and Postcards: Sending postcards or handwritten letters can never get out of fashion. It shows how much you can do for someone.
- Direct Or Indirect Visitation
- Chats with tablets provided to inmates.
Types of visitation
- In-person Contact Visitation: This is the most satisfactory way of visitation, where you are allowed to sit face to face with the inmate. You can give them a hug or touch them, or hold their hands. Don't cross the line, or else you might be banned from future visitation.
- Non-Contact Visitation: Due to security reasons, sometimes inmates are restricted to visitation where you can see them through a glass partition and chat by phone, sitting opposite each other. Though this might not be a satisfactory experience, seeing your loved ones can still be very heartwarming.
- Video Visitation: Due to the advancement of technology, some prison facilities are now supporting video visitation. It's still not widely accepted across prisons. If your inmate's facility supports video visitation, it can be very convenient. The technologies used are generally VoIP services such as Skype or IMO. Securus Tech has been the pioneer of video visitation. Head over to their site to know more.
Explanation video of visitation process
How To Prepare For A Prison Visit
Inmate's Visitor List
First question that comes to mind before planning a visit is where to start! So start by calling your inmate's prison facility and get on a call with them to see if they have an Inmate Visitor List. If so, ask your inmate to add you to their list. Search for prison phone number here.
Visiting Application
This is the most common step to get you started with the visitation process. Not all facilities require you to fillout an application, but 90% of them do. This is a set of common questionnaire items, such as Name, Relationship with the inmate, Identification, and Background of conviction. This is the most important part of the visiting process. Falsifying the application declaration will result in rejection and a ban on future visits.
We have compiled a complete list of visiting application forms and online forms for you,
View All Application Forms.
Run Your Background Check
Why My Visiting Application Got Rejected?
The prison in charge/warden has the authority to reject your application at any time or ban you from further visits. The following are some of the common reasons why your application got rejected:
- Filling out false information about yourself, don't even think about it, prisons run a background check.
- If you are a convict yourself, or have outstanding warrants.
- If you are related to the crimes committed by the inmate, Or If you have been a victim of the inmate
- If you have been violent in your previous visits, or get too touchy with your inmate, your application may be rejected.
- If you are in probation, parole, or PTI
- If you are an inmate or you are in Protected custody.
- If you work in a correctional facility or are related to someone from the corrections department.
- In case of a lockdown of the facility.
Checklist for the day of prison visit
Dress Code for visitation
Wearing inappropriate attire for a public appearance can definitely get your visit rejected. So what's an appropriate dress code? If you go through our List of prisons, you will get detailed information for each prison. Here are some general dress codes you can follow:
- Wear shirts or dresses suitable for public places.
- Tank Tops, bare midriffs, cut-off shorts, jogging shorts, and biking dresses are not allowed.
- Wear Formal Shoes Or Sports shoes.
- Female skirts and dresses below knee length only.
- No head covers should be worn.
- Underwear is a must.
- Don't wear clothes that might be similar to staff or inmates. Or wearing a uniform of any sort might cancel your visitation.
- Shorts / Skirts above knee length, Sleeveless tops are not allowed.
- Avoid tight clothes.
- Men should wear Full / Half shirts, Full pants/jeans with a belt, and proper shoes on.
- Women can wear a full-length dress/skirt/jeans with a proper top or any non-revealing dress which will be appropriate for a large gathering of men.
Items you can bring to a prison
Items to bring for yourself
Money: You might bring a small amount of cash (50 - 100 USD) to buy snacks or a meal within the prison.Cellphones: Most of the prisons do not allow cellphones within the visiting area; you might need to keep them in the lockers provided.
Personal Belongings: extra clothing, water, snacks, medicines, etc., can be brought to a prison
Items you can bring for an inmate
- Money: You cannot directly handover the money to an inmate, you will need to deposit it into their account in prison (500$ Maximum)
- Clothes: You can bring some clothes for them to wear; most of the facilities allow inmates to wear their own clothes.
Identification to bring
In addition to identification, some prisons require visitors to undergo background checks or pre-approval processes. It’s advisable to call ahead or check the facility’s website for any additional requirements, such as proof of address or vaccination records. Make sure to carry any supporting documents that may be requested at entry, and ensure that all identification is up to date.
ID for Adults
All visitors aged 18 or older must bring a valid photographic ID. Below are a few valid IDs:- driving licence
- passport
- electoral identity card
- senior citizen's smart pass
- citizen's card
ID for Minors
For minors, any school/college ID or government-issued ID card also works. An adult must accompany all minors.Travel to a prison
Traveling to prison can be costly and time-consuming. But in the US, you cannot redeem expenses incurred while visiting a prison; many facilities provide snacks and water free of charge. You might get a free ride from the facility Entrance to the visiting area. For guidelines on visiting a prison and viewing maps, search for prisons.
Arrival at facility
For various reasons, you should always try to arrive early, at least 20-30 minutes before your visit time. Late entry is not allowed. Generally, pre-visit procedures take a long time. If you are entering a high-security prison, then you would like to enter 1 hour before visiting hours.
Visitation timing
Visitation timing is different for different prisons; it can vary considering several other factors, like:- Prison Type: Police Station, City Jail, County Jail, State Jail, BOPs all may have different visiting hours.
- Security Type of the facility can also be a reason to have different visiting hours and frequency
- Inmates Criminal Records: This might also influence the visiting frequency in some prisons.
- Different blocks of a facility can have different timings.
Search and Formalities
Upon entering the prison, you will undergo a security screening for prohibited items or weapons. Be sure to store any forbidden belongings in the designated locker. After exiting the locker room, you will face a second search before accessing the visiting area. Guards will clearly explain what items are permitted beyond this point. Attempting to pass any illegal items to an inmate will result in prosecution.
Lockers in prison
Your cellphones or valuables, such as jewellery, might not be allowed in the visiting area. Keep them in your locker safely and collect after visitation. Lockers are typically located near the entrance and are secured with either keys or digital codes. It's wise to remember your locker number and keep the key or code with you at all times during your visit. If you have questions about what can be stored, ask the staff for guidance.
Do's and Don'ts during a visit - Visitation Rules
• Remain calm and patient throughout your visit, as delays and waiting periods are common. • Be mindful of the privacy and dignity of other visitors and inmates. • Make sure to supervise minors at all times during the visit. • Avoid bringing any unauthorized materials, including books or gifts, unless explicitly permitted by the facility. • Do not attempt to record audio or video during your visit, as this can result in the suspension of visiting privileges. • If you feel unwell or experience an emergency during your visit, notify a staff member immediately.
- Follow proper dress code.
- Bring items that are allowed in prison.
- Behave properly with the guards.
- Follow the code of conduct as described by guards.
- Travel to the facility 1 hour earlier than the visit time.
- Listen to the instructions given by the guards, and follow them by all means.
- In case of contact visitation, don't get too touchy with the inmate.
- Do not consume alcohol or drugs before visitation. This will not only get you banned, but it might also get you arrested.
- Don't be violent or loud, it might get your visitation cancelled.
- Co-operate with the guards at all times.
- Leave all unallowed items in the locker.
- Bring your medicines and water.
- Don't click photos/selfies without permission. A few photographs are allowed to be clicked when instructed by guards.
What to know about prison guards and prison workers
Prison workers are trying their best to provide security to you and your inmate. Respect them in all situations. Follow the prison rules that make guards' jobs easier. They have the right to take necessary action, whether you act violently or not, according to the rules. During a visit, if there is a lockdown, follow the guards to get to a safe location. Can a guard shoot a visitor? They don't have the right to hurt civilians, but remember, once you cross the line, you become a criminal. They have the right to eliminate anyone to maintain the integrity of the prison security.
Understanding Inmate Rights During Visitation
Inmates are entitled to humane treatment and the ability to receive visits, subject to facility rules and security restrictions. During visitation, inmates typically have the right to communicate with their visitors, receive approved items, and have their privacy respected during personal conversations (within security guidelines). However, privileges may be revoked for rule violations by either the inmate or the visitor. If you have concerns about how an inmate is being treated during your visit, discreetly ask to speak with a supervisor or submit feedback after your visit through the appropriate channels.
Post-Visit Procedures
After visitation, you may be required to check out at the security desk and return your locker key or code. Some facilities conduct exit searches of both visitors and inmates to prevent the introduction of contraband. Make sure you collect all your belongings and follow staff instructions as you leave the premises. If you have questions or need assistance, facility staff are available to help.