Visiting Challenges

• Visiting rooms are often too small and overcrowded; there are long lines (that often move very slowly) to get in at some prisons and there are some days when some visitors just do not get in at all. Call us for information on how to get in to visit the most smoothly.
• Some prisons allow only 3 visitors and children are counted in that number. What do you do if you want to visit and have 3 children to bring along? Generally you have to request special permission, in writing, from the superintendent of that prison--but some prison superintendents will not give that permission. Call us to discuss how to handle this.
• Know your loved one's visiting days! Many prisons do not allow visits every day. If you arrive at a prison and find that it is the wrong day, you can ask to speak to a Sergeant, Lieutenant or anyone higher in authority. You may get in, you may not. We suggest you try--calmly. We hope that DOCS will develop better visiting policies which will allow for visitors' mistakes occasionally.
• Some prisons are not clear about where to park so call us first if that concerns you.
• Identification--make sure each adult has valid photo ID and that it has not expired. If your driver's license expired yesterday, you may not be allowed to visit--even if you are there every week and the Correctional Officers know you.
• Dress conservatively if you want to be sure you are allowed in to visit. Although you will see people (primarily women) dressed provocatively and you will wonder why the dress code is not being enforced, you may be the one denied entrance if you have on a sleeveless top, short shorts, V-neck blouse, etc.
• Take change in with you--the machines that change $1, $5 and $10 are often out of service and the COs do not give out change. Those machines generally do not change $20.
• Prison visiting room vending machines are notorious for being broken, being very expensive and serving horrible food that is high in calories, fat, carbohydrates/sugar. There is often very little to eat that is healthy--no milk for children, no fresh fruit or salads, nothing for vegetarians or those with other special needs. Since you may be in line and then in the visiting room all day, we suggest you travel with your own food to eat just before and just after your visit (you cannot take it in with you).
• Handicapped parking, handicapped entrances and handicapped facilities are often very problematic, especially at the oldest prisons. Diabetic visitors who need insulin are often required to leave it in another building and leave the visiting room to go get it as needed.