Finding out who visited an inmate sometimes can be a complex process. You must follow specific procedures and comply with the rules and regulations arranged by the correctional facility. Need to note that the ability to access visitation records may vary from one facility to another facility. It is very important for you to understand the guidelines and requirements specific to the facility where your inmate is held. Well, here we will share a guide on how to find out who visited an inmate. Make sure you read this entire text until the end to get the information.
Finding Out Who Visited an Inmate – Here’s Way
Apparently, there are a few ways to find out who visited an inmate.
Way 1: Contact the prison/jail/ Correctional Facility
The first way, you can check or contact the prison, jail, or correctional facility where your inmate is being held. You will be able to contact the facility via phone or email. Do not forget to provide necessary information such as the inmate’s full name and inmate ID number. In addition, you can also typically will be asked about your relationship to the inmate.
When you are contacting the facility, ask them whether they maintain a visitor log or visitation records and whether those visitation records can be accessed by individuals other than law enforcement or authorized personnel. Usually, the facilities have a visitor log or visitation records that you can access so that you can find out who visited your inmate. Surely, each facility has its own rules and policies. So, it is very important to understand what information is available to the public.
Way 2: Ask the inmate who has visited them
The second way, you can ask your inmate directly about who has visited them. Ask your inmate about who has visited them recently. And, you can also ask your inmate about who has been added to their visiting list. As we know that someone can visit the inmate if the inmate adds them to the inmate’s visiting list. Of course, there is a list of who inmates can add to their visiting list. It means that not all individuals can add to an inmate’s visiting list.
Way 3: Search Public Records
The third way is to search public records. Lots of states have online databases that allow you to search for inmate visitation records. So, you will be able to find out who visited your inmate. Also, you can try searching local newspapers or news websites for articles regarding the inmate’s case. These include information about who has visited the inmate. However, you need to note that not all inmate visitation records are public. There are several states that have laws which protect the privacy of visitors. Thus, you will not be able to access this information. Aside from that, there are also several prisons, jails or correctional facilities that have their own policies about the visitor logs or inmate visitation records and who can access them.
Way 4: Consult Legal Assistance
If you encounter trouble finding information about who has visited an inmate, or require further guidance, then you can consult with an attorney or advocacy group who specializes in correctional law or inmate rights. They will be able to give you additional resources or guidance on how to access the information. Aside from that, if you need to get a court order or if there are legal implications surrounding the request, an attorney or advocacy group will help you.
How to Find Out If You Are on an Inmate’s Visiting List?
If you want to find out whether you are on an inmate’s visiting list or not, you can ask it to the inmate via inmate mail or during a phone call. Remember that you will not be on an inmate’s visiting list if you have not filled out a visiting application form. If you have filled out a visiting application form and sent it back to the facility, then the inmate will be informed of the prison administration’s decision.
If your visiting application form is approved, you will not be informed. Instead, the inmate will receive a message from the staff of their facility and then inform you. If your visiting application form is denied, the Department of Corrections (DOC) or the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) will send you a letter explaining reasons why they reject your visiting application. Usually, a visiting application form is denied for those who are currently on probation or parole, those with a criminal history, and those who did not have a relationship with the inmate. Surely, each facility has its own rules regarding who is not permitted to visit the inmate.
Who Can Inmates Add to Their Visiting List?
Here is a list of who inmates can add to their visiting list:
Immediate Family:
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- Mother
- Father
- Spouse
- Children
- Brothers
- Sisters
- Step-parent(s)
- Foster parent(s)
Relatives:
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- Grandparents
- Aunts
- Uncles
- Cousins
- In-laws
Other types of approved visitors:
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- Attorneys
- Parole advisors
- Clergy or other religious group members
- Foreign officials
- Members of civic groups
- Employers (former or prospective)
- Sponsors
- Friends (No more than 10)
For note: An inmate visiting list does not exist yet when an inmate first enters the facility or is transferred to a new facility. In this case, immediate family members may be allowed to visit, as long as they can be verified by the information contained in the inmate’s Pre-Sentence Report. But if there is little or no information available about them, then a visit will not be allowed. Thus, to ensure your visit will be allowed, you must always call the facility ahead of time.
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.
