How to Prepare to Visit Someone on Death Row

The guidelines for visiting a person on death row are put in place to protect the visitor, the staff and the prisoner. While restrictions may vary slightly from one jurisdiction to another, the basics are quite similar.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Computer with Internet access
• Appropriate clothing
• Telephone

Follow the Rules

1. Understand that the rules to visit someone on death row require that you prepare ahead of time.
2. Contact the prison by phone regarding visitation rules, or view the information online. Waiting until you arrive may result in a lost opportunity for a visit.
3. Be aware of the visitation hours and the time limits for each visit. You will most likely be required to get your name on the approved-visitors list.
4. Recognize the number of visitors allowed during a week or month. In addition, there may be a limit on the total hours allowed during a given period.
5. Prepare to show valid photo identification. Examples include a driver's license, passport or employee-identification badge.
6. Expect to be screened by a metal detector and possibly searched prior to entering the facility. The search may include your vehicle.
7. Determine if the facility has a dress code, such as a ban on halter tops, shorts, tank tops or transparent material. Children may be excluded from the dress code in some facilities.

Know How to Behave

8. Alert the American Civil Liberties Union's National Prison Project if you feel the conditions of confinement are inhumane (see Resources below).
9. Avoid contact (either eye or physical) with other inmates, as contact may provoke a confrontation resulting in your immediate removal and the refusal of future visits.
10. Keep children in control (if they are allowed to visit). They should be held or kept close at all times. The visit will likely be ended if they become loud or rowdy, so consider leaving them with someone.

Tips & Warnings

• Prepare for your visit well in advance and schedule visits at least a month ahead. Some prisoners may already be scheduled for their limit.
• Prisoners appealing their convictions are entitled to legal representation.
• Failure to follow the guidelines will likely result in you being barred from any contact with the prisoner.
• Alcoholic beverages, drugs, dangerous weapons and any type of escape implements are forbidden.