Entrance Rules and Procedures

Inmates and their authorized visitors will be expected to abide by the facility's rules and regulations and to follow the instructions and guidelines given by facility staff. Violation of these rules and procedures by visitors may result in the denial of a visit and the suspension or revocation of future visits.

See 'Termination, Suspension, and Revocation.'

ALL VISITORS shall be provided with written notification of the visiting rules; however, it will be considered sufficient notice if such rules are conspicuously posted.

Identification

Visitors to a correctional facility will be required to furnish proof of identification. Failure to produce adequate identification shall result in the denial of a visit. Prior to visiting, visitors shall sign appropriate visiting forms as required by the facility. These records will be maintained by the facility.

Adequate identification shall consist of any of the following:

• Picture ID
  
  
• Signature Card (credit card, social security card, employment ID, welfare card, drug program card, Armed Services I.E., driver's license, motor vehicle registration, or any other similar document with the visitor's signature on it).
  
  
• Birth or baptismal certificates shall not be considered adequate identification for an adult visitor; however, they may be used as identification for a minor child. Absent any other creditable documentation, an adult approved to visit may vouch for the identification of a minor.
  
  
• To participate in Family Reunion Program visits, a spouse must possess documentation of a valid marriage license or a declaratory judgment stating the validity of an out-of-state common-law marriage.

Each visitor may be hand stamped upon entry to a facility to aid in the identification of visitors leaving the facility.

Contraband

All visitors shall be searched upon entry to a facility to aid in the identification of visitors leaving the facility.

• Any article or thing the possession of which would constitute an offense under any law applicable to the public.
  
  
• Any article or thing which is readily capable of being used to cause death or serious physical injury, including but not limited to a hand gun, shoulder gun, cartridge, knife, explosive, or dangerous drug (including marijuana).
  
  
• Any article or thing that is introduced into a correctional facility under circumstances evincing an intent to transfer same to an inmate without the permission of the Superintendent or his designee; or
  
  
• Any article or thing that is not specifically authorized to be possessed by an inmate in a State correctional facility pursuant to the rules of the Department or the local rules of the facility (alcohol and money are among the items inmates are not permitted to possess).

Sobriety

Visitors appearing to be intoxicated or under the influence of drugs will not be admitted to a correctional facility.

Attire

Visitors appearing in inappropriate attire will not be admitted to a correctional facility. The following are unacceptable: see-through clothing, bare midriffs or backs, plunging necklines, short-shorts, or athletic shorts, bare feet, and bathing suits. If in doubt, the visitor should not wear a questionable item of clothing.

Medication

Visitors having medication in their possession shall declare it and relinquish it to the gate officer.

• Medication shall be identified and stored in a secure area.
  
  
• If a visitor needs the medication during the visiting period, it may be obtained as directed by the facility.

Packages

Prior to a visit, a visitor may leave a package only for the inmate they are visiting. Only authorized items will be allowed, and the package contents will be searched prior to delivery to the inmate. (Refer to Packages Directive #4911).

Money

Visitors may leave funds for deposit only to the account of the inmate they are visiting. Funds may be received in cash, check or money order, but shall be limited to $50 per inmate per day, regardless of the number of visitors transmitting funds. The Deputy Superintendent of Administration shall employ appropriate fiscal policies and procedures to insure accountability of monies received.

Small Children

A visitor arriving with a small child will be allowed to take a diaper bag, three (3) diapers and plastic baby bottles into the visiting room, provided all articles are thoroughly searched beforehand. If possible, a suitable area within the perimeter of the visiting room should be provided for the changing of diapers.