Visiting an Inmate

I’ll give you the short answer version but you will definitely need to check out each correctional facility’s website for details as guidelines vary.

First – You have to get visitation approval by the prisoner. Then you must get approved by the facility who might do a background check and will then send you a Visitor I.D. number.

Second – Schedule your visit. Each facility has different visitation hours. For example, R.J. Donovan in San Diego, CA has visiting hours on Friday (12 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.), Saturday (8:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.), and Sunday (8:00 a.m. – 2:30 a.m).

You can start scheduling your visit via the website 8 days before. It’s likely that on Saturdays and Sundays there’ll be more families and children visiting, so book your reservation for those days on the early side.

Third – Become familiar with visitation guidelines, especially any clothing restrictions. For example, some prisons might not allow blue denim pants and white tees because that’s what the prisoners wear.

Some prisons won’t allow colors associated with gangs. There are also suggestions and restrictions regarding female attire.

Fourth – When you arrive at the prison, be prepared for a TSA-type check-in. Make sure you have your Visitation I.D. number plus the prisoner’s I.D. number and not just their name.

You aren’t allowed cell phones, wallets, food and most other personal items. These items should be left in your car or at the Visitation Desk. Expect a limit on the amount of cash you bring and bring mostly $1 dollar bills if you expect to use the vending machines.

Fifth – Sometimes there’s a token machine at the Visitation Desk. This is for the photographer who’s often available during your visit and who can’t accept cash. He/she won’t take photos without tokens.