Jail & Prison Inmate Visitations
Although most jails and prisons have different rules and regulations that govern their visitation, they are similar in structure and general policy guidelines.
The following outline of information will serve as a generic template for any of your future inquiries. Visitors and inmates must abide by the rules & procedures in order to participate in visitation. The mission of the facility is not to hinder the visitation of your loved ones.
First, inmates must complete a visitation form or list which can have three visitors listed per calendar month. This form/list may be obtained by the presiding corrections officer. As a general rule, only those listed on this form will be permitted to visit.
Upon a visitor’s initial visitation, he/she must complete a visitation form. This information will be checked for any outstanding warrants. All visitors are required to present a current, valid photo identification or driver's license. Visitors will be subject to search prior to entering or leaving the jail.
Any clothing worn by a visitor that is deemed inappropriate by staff will not be allowed to visit. Cellular phones, cameras, purses, bags, tobacco products, lighters, mace, chemical sprays, or any firearms (weapons) are not allowed in the prison or jail.
Visitors under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Visitation is typically one or two visits (weekly) for 30-60 minute durations. Only at the discretion of the shift supervisor, special requests may be granted for extensions.
Business activities shall not be conducted by an ex-offender. Assignment of power of attorney for this purpose must be enacted.
Visits shall be non-contact. Visual & auditory monitoring will be actively administered by the supervision of staff.
An attorney visiting area is available in each housing pod to ensure privileged communications between inmates and their attorneys. Visiting hours are determined by cell &/or pod assignments.
It is the responsibility of the inmate to instruct the visiting parties with the allotted times available for visiting. All other official visits may be scheduled at the officer's discretion.
Article by Mark Seay
TimeServedMinistry.org
Mark Seay is a religious volunteer for a local jail, and a graduate of Clemson University. He and his wife, Lynn, have two daughters and a grandson.
