How to Make an Appointment for an Inmate Visitation

Visiting prison is a new experience for many people. It helps to be informed.

Visiting an incarcerated friend or family member requires planning. The visitation laws and hours differ from state to state and penitentiary to penitentiary. Almost all prisons require an appointment for inmate visitation, and rules vary about which individuals are permitted to visit a prisoner. The type of visitation that's allowed also varies depending on the relationship with the inmate. Visitors must be prepared to provide a valid driver's license, passport or photo ID. In some cases, those under 18 are not permitted.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

1. Research the visitation rules and regulations of the prison where the inmate is detained. Call the corrections facility or visit their website, as many prisons and police stations have websites that detail visiting hours, identification requirements and age restrictions. When calling, ask about the different types of visitations that are available, such as no-contact visits, contact visits and overnight visits.

2. Based on the information you have gathered, decide which type of visitation you would like to have with the inmate. Speak with the inmate over the phone to see if you need to be placed on an approved visitors list. You may need to fill out a visitor's questionnaire or clear a criminal background check.

3. Know the rules. Prison dress codes for visitors usually prohibit sexually revealing clothing and items depicting an affiliation with a gang.

4. Call the institution to book an appointment. On the day of the visit, confirm that inmate visitation is still available. If the prison is in lockdown, your visit will be delayed or canceled.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not attempt to bring any contraband into the prison, as this could lead to barred visitation rights or criminal prosecution.

References

• The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation