Visitation by family and friends is encouraged and can be a positive influence during an inmate’s time in prison, as well as after the inmate’s release. Research has shown that an inmate who receives regular visitation adjusts much better once he or she is released from prison.
Directions and Mileage:
Correctional facilities are sometimes hard to find and may take longer to reach than you originally anticipated. Websites give directions to correctional facilities. Directions may also be obtained through Map Quest on the internet or by calling the correctional facility.
Who can visit:
With little exception, anyone can visit an inmate, as long as it is during visiting hours, the visitor has proper identification, and the inmate agrees to the visit. Visitors are required to sign a statement indicating that they have been advised of and agree to abide by the rules and regulations regarding visiting. Make sure you know how many visitors may.visit at one time. Each faciIity is different. Sometimes special arrangements for extra visitors can be made through a Superintendent’s Office, with several weeks or a month’s notice. You can call the facility to find out about special arrangements.
Most Special Permission Visitors are as follows:
The following individuals can only visit with special permission:
- • A person who is currently under Parole or Probation supervision.
- • A Department employee.
- • A current, active volunteer for the Department.
- • A current contract employee.
- • A person with pending or past criminal proceedings may be denied pending approval by the Superintendent.
If any of these conditions apply to you, permission should he sought by writing to the Superintendent well in advance. You must do this and receive approval before you can visit. The Superintendent may deny visiting privileges to visitors with criminal histories if they feel that the visitor’s presence could create a threat to the security and good order of the facility. Criteria to be considered shall include, but not be limited to, the purpose of the proposed visit, the former institutional adjustment of the ex-inmate, the nature of the pending criminal proceeding, and the time frame between release and the proposed visit.
In addition to the Superintendent’s approval, Probationers and Parolees also need written approval from their Probation or Parole Officer.
Visiting Days and Times: BEFORE YOU VISIT, MAKE SURE YOU KNOW THE VISITING SCHEDULE. BE THERE ON THE CORRECT DAY!!!!!!!!!!
Except in cases ofemergency and instances of termination, suspension, or revocation of the visitor’s privileges, the number, length and frequency of visits by each visitor will be limited only as necessary to accommodate all visitors who arrive during the scheduled visiting time.
Visiting days and times are different for each facility. They are influenced by the security level and population concerns of the facility. At many facilities, you may only visit on certain days of the week, for example, by last name (A-L) (M-Z) or by the inmate’s DIN.
As a general rule, maximum security facilities have visiting on a daily basis. Medium and minimum security facilities have visiting on weekends and holidays. Work Release facilities have visiting for inmates in restriction units only. Shock Incarceration inmates have visiting every other weekend. Contact the facility for the specific visiting schedule.
Visiting hours vary by facility. Some may even include evening hours. Many visiting rooms_hecome very crowded and often visitors are told they must leave because there are others waiting to get in. It is good to learn, in advance, as much as possible about the facility you are going to visit.
Contact the facility prior to your initial visit to determine the visiting policy.
Visitor Processing Areas and Visiting Rooms:
Processing is slightly different at every correctional facility. Some facilities have a Visitor Hospitality Center where you can wait, change clothes, get a cup of coffee, and relax until you are called for your visit. Visiting rooms vary. Some visiting rooms are like high school cafeterias with chairs, tables, and vending machines. Other visiting rooms have a counter that winds around the room where inmates sit on one side and visitors on the other side. The inmate will sit facing the Correction Officer’s desk. Often there are vending machines in the room or in a nearby room. There are restrooms in the area as well. It is always a good idea to bring change for the vending machines. Generally, once you are in the visiting room, you cannot leave without terminating your visit.
Depending on the correctional facility, activities for children vary. Most facilities have a specialized area where children can watch videos and play garnes. Normally, you can not take toys or stuffed animals into the visiting room.
Inmate Visiting Applications
Some of the reasons you may be denied to visit with an inmate:
- You have recently served time in a correctional facility
- You are on probation
- You are on bond awaiting a pending court case
- You have a protective order against you or the inmate
- You have an outstanding warrant
- You are a victim of the offender
- You have been deemed a safety or security risk