How to Conduct a Prison Tour

Conducting prison tours can be a way to educate the public about the prison system.

Conducting a tour of a prison requires a little preparation, but the experience can be a valuable one for all involved. Prisons usually have guidelines for visitors who want to tour the facility, and you should find out what these are well ahead of time. While you want to educate your group about the prison system and help them enjoy their visit as well, you must also know the basics about keeping them safe.

Instructions

1. Do your research. Go online and talk to prison officials to gather information about the prison. You not only need to understand the safety rules but will want to be able to impart information about the facility while leading your tour. For example, you might want to know the number of inmates, the average length of stay and what types of crimes are typically committed by the prison's inmate population.

2. About a week or two before the tour, mail or e-mail to the group relevant prison rules and regulations. It will be helpful to the tour members to know if items such as jewelry, cameras and cell phones are banned or restricted inside the prison.

3. When everyone in your group has gathered, remind the visitors of the prison rules. Explain what parts of the prison they will see and what they can expect to happen on the tour. Include information about what to do if there is a lockdown or other emergency.

4. Take a head count before you start the tour. Additional headcounts taken during the tour will help you determine if someone is lagging behind or missing from the group.

5. Aim to keep the group closely assembled throughout the tour. Remind members that it is important for their safety and well-being that they all stay together. Let the participants know what to do if they become separated from the tour.

6. Discuss what each section of the prison is used for as you walk along. Share with your visitors the interesting information you gathered before the tour. Keep the group entertained, but remain professional and factual. The more information you can provide, the more successful the tour will be. But if you don't know something, don't be afraid to say so.

7. Welcome the involvement of the group members. Ask them if they have any questions. This may be done at certain intervals during the tour and once the tour is complete.

References

• Department of Corrections: Florida State Prison Tour Guidelines