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WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN VISITING A LOVED ONE IN JAIL

Visiting your loved one at a county jail can be a stressful and emotionally trying experience. For most people, the process is completely unfamiliar, which adds to the anxiety of the situation. Knowing what to expect, and planning ahead, will help to calm your nerves and ensure that your visit goes as smoothly as possible.

1. MAKE SURE YOU HAVE UP-TO-DATE, ACCURATE INFORMATION.

Most jails in the U.S. are operated by local sheriff’s departments. Contacting the sheriff’s office in the county where your loved one is incarcerated is the best way to get up-to-date and accurate information regarding visitation. Many jails have easy to navigate websites which provide the public with vital information like visitation hours and other regulations.

2. SCHEDULE YOUR VISIT.

The inmate visitation schedule is likely arranged by last name, inmate number, or housing location within the facility. Make sure to check with your local sheriff’s office to find out when your loved one will be available for a visit. Inmates are typically granted at least one social visit per week, but they may be responsible for setting up the session in advance themselves. This may be done from a kiosk within their cell block or by submitting a form to the jail administration. Make sure that your loved one has requested and been approved for your visit at least 24 hours in advance of your planned session. The jail will limit inmates to a certain number of visits per week and usually no more than one visit per day. Therefore, you may want to coordinate a schedule with other potential visitors. Visitation is usually done during the evenings and on weekends. Inmates who are segregated for health reasons, security concerns, or rule violations may have significantly reduced visitation opportunities. While visits are generally limited to just one adult per session, many jails will allow you to bring one minor child as well. Make sure the child is well behaved and mature enough to handle the adult-like atmosphere of a jail visit.

3. ARRIVE EARLY.

Make sure to arrive at least 15 minutes early for your scheduled session. Most county jails are overcrowded and understaffed, and there are very often long lines entering visitation rooms.

4. BE SMART ABOUT WHAT YOU BRING WITH YOU.

Make sure you have a valid state I.D. with you at check in.

Many local jails do not allow cell phones into the building. The best practice is to leave your technology at home or in the car. Some jails have lockers to store your belongings during the visit, so it’s a good idea to bring coins.

Security is tight for all jail visitors. You will almost certainly have to pass through a checkpoint with metal detectors and armed guards, so avoid wearing jewelry, underwire bras or body piercings. Check carefully what you carry. Do not bring contraband of any kind — no knives, razors or weapons. Do not try to bring your loved one food or cigarettes without prior permission. Many jails scan or vacuum visitors for drug residue. Some jails randomly search visitors’ cars in the parking lot, so you may want to clean out the car before you leave home.

5. KNOW THE RULES AND FOLLOW THEM.

Do not ask for or expect special treatment. Instead, learn the rules beforehand and follow them. Be patient and polite to the corrections officers. The officers may not always show you the same courtesy, but try to remember that they have a difficult and stressful job. If you believe you are not being treated appropriately, explain how you called ahead to inquire about the rules, what you were told, and what you need. Politely ask to speak with a supervisor.