When you visit an inmate, you probably do not want to visit the inmate alone. You may want to visit the inmate together with your family or friends. However, when it comes to visiting an inmate, you need to know that there are some restrictions including about the number of people that can visit the inmate at one time.
The Number of Visitors Can a Prisoner Have at One Time
According to the Prisoners Family site, usually the maximum number of visitors a prisoner can have at one time is three adults. The number of children who can visit an inmate at one time varies from facility to facility so it is better for you to ask the staff of the facility first if you want to take your children. However, it is important for you to note that a child who is 10 to 12 years old is considered an adult, but it depends on local policy.
However, according to the Michigan Department of Corrections, a maximum of visitors who can visit a prisoner at one time is four visitors and the visits will be limited to two hours.
Meanwhile, according to the Citizens Information site, a maximum of visitors who are allowed to visit an inmate at one time is 3 visitors and the visitors can include up to 2 children under 18.
So, from various information collected from some online sources shown above, we are able to conclude that every facility probably has different rules about the maximum number of visitors that an inmate can have at one time. So, it is better for you to contact the facility where the inmate is incarcerated first to make sure about it before you visit the inmate.
The Number Of Visits That An Inmate Can Have
Now, how about the number of visits that an inmate can have? From prison to prison, the rule about the number of visits that an inmate can have varies and it depends on whether the inmate is being held on remand or has been convicted. If the inmates are being convicted, usually they are permitted 3 to 4 visits a month and it can increase as the inmate progresses through the system. If the inmates are being remanded, usually they are permitted to be visited a minimum of 90 minutes per week up to a maximum of seven visits per week.
So, for making sure of it, it is also important for you to contact the facility where the inmate is incarcerated. Alternatively, you are able to access the website of the facility because usually the information about it is presented on the website.
The Rules of Clothes for Visiting Inmates
When you are visiting an inmate, you have to note that you cannot wear anything that you want because there are some rules that you need to obey. As explained on the BOP site, when you are visiting an inmate, you are required to wear clothing which is appropriate for a large gathering of men, women and your children. If you wear clothing which is not appropriate such as provocative or revealing clothes, there is a possibility that you will be denied to visit the inmate.
According to the BOP site, here are the clothing items which are generally not permitted. However, it is better for you to consult the visiting policy first for the specific facility as to what attire and items that are allowed in the visiting room.
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- revealing shorts
- halter tops
- bathing suits
- spandex
- miniskirts
- backless tops
- hats or caps
- see-through garments of any type
- crop tops
- low-cut blouses or dresses
- leotards
- sleeveless garments
- skirts which are two inches or more above the knee
- skirts or dresses which have a high-cut split in the back, front, or side
- clothes that resemble inmate clothes (khaki or green military-type clothing)
The Importance of Scheduling the Visiting Time with Inmates
Do you want to visit an inmate? If so, you need to make sure that it is the appropriate time because correctional facilities are not always open for 24 hours for visiting. It is also important for you to know the rules and also prepare anything before you go and if you do not know about it, you can access the website or contact the facility.
On the BOP site, it is explained that all institutions have visiting hours on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays and most have them at other times during the week. The most popular time to visit is on weekends so that prisons may decide to limit visits to Saturday or Sunday and the day will vary for each inmate. There are also other factors that are able to affect the days and times you can visit including the location of the prison, availability of visiting space, the prison type, and inmate visiting needs. It is important for the inmate to tell you about the visiting schedule for that prison. However, if the inmate does not tell you or you may have any questions related to visiting inmates, you are able to contact the facility where the inmate is incarcerated.
Permitted People to Visit Inmates
On the BOP site, it is explained the people who can be added by inmates to their visiting list which include:
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- Immediate family: father, mother, sisters, brothers, step parents, foster parents, spouse and children.
- Relatives: grandparents, uncles, aunts, in-laws, and cousins.
- Other types of approved visitors: foreign officials, no more than 10 friends/ associates, employers, members of religious groups including clergy, members of civic groups, sponsors, parole advisors, and attorneys.
According to the New York Department of Corrections and Community Supervision site which can be accessed at https://doccs.ny.gov/visits, there are some visitors who can visit only with special permission and those are listed below.
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- People who are currently under community supervision or probation.
- Department employees.
- Current, active Department volunteers.
- Current contract employees.
- People who have pending or past criminal proceedings may be rejected pending approval by the Superintendent.
If you have any of the conditions above, you have to seek permission by writing to the Superintendent in advance of your plan to visit to get approval.
A bookworm and researcher especially related to law and citizenship education. I spend time every day in front of the internet and the campus library.
