Do you want to visit an inmate? You may want to visit a family member or a friend who is incarcerated and now you may have no idea about the things that you have to prepare. If you want to visit an inmate, it is important for you to know what should and should not do there. So, here is the explanation about visiting a prisoner for the first time that you need to know according to some online sources such as Pigeonly site, Pelipost site, Prison Insight site, Prison Fellowship site and BOP site.
Things To Know Before You Visit an Inmate
There are several things that you need to know before you visit an inmate as you are able to read below according to some online sources.
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- You need to know whether you are permitted to visit the inmate.
It must be known by you because all prisons have rules dictating who is permitted to visit an inmate during specified hours. Usually, the people who are permitted to visit an inmate are immediate family members, friends, approved relatives, employers, attorneys, and religious leaders. On the BOP site, it is explained that people who can visit inmates are categorized into three:- Immediate family: father, mother, step parents, foster parents, sisters, brothers, spouse and children.
- Relatives: grandparents, aunts, uncles, in-laws, and cousins.
- Other types of approved visitors: foreign officials, no more than 10 friends/ associates, members of religious groups including clergy, members of civic groups, employers, sponsors, parole advisors, and attorneys.
- You need to know whether you are permitted to visit the inmate.
According to the Pigeonly site, if you are not permitted to visit an inmate, there may be a number of reasons such as if you have an outstanding warrant, you have an active order of protection against you, you are deemed a security risk, or you are currently on probation or parole.
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- You have to know the rules of dressing when you are visiting an inmate.
When you are visiting an inmate, you have to make sure that you wear appropriate clothing. If you do not obey the rules where you wear something which is prohibited, you may be able to be denied to visit the inmate. Depending on the specific facility, the dress code allowed varies, but the rules are usually non shorts, no hats or extraneous garments, no clothing that resembles inmates’ clothing, no revealing clothing like short skirts, tank tops or spaghetti straps. On the BOP site, it is explained that a number of clothing items which are usually not permitted are revealing shorts; halter tops; bathing suits; see-through garments of any type; crop tops; low-cut blouses or dresses; miniskirts; backless tops; hats or caps; leotards; spandex; sleeveless garments; skirts two inches or more above the knee; dresses or skirts with a high-cut split in the back, front, or side; clothing that looks like inmate clothing (khaki or green military-type clothing). If you are not sure about the clothing that you will wear when you visit an inmate, you are able to contact the facility where the inmate is incarcerated. - You need to know the specific rules in the facility.
Before you visit an inmate, you have to check the rules of the facility by accessing the website or calling the facility. It is important because there is the possibility that you bring something prohibited and you may be denied to visit the inmate because of the items that you bring. You also need to know the time for visiting because the facility is not always open 24 hours for visiting. Usually, there is a particular time for people to visit the inmates. - Make sure that you do not visit without telling the facility first.
You have to note that visiting a jail is not like visiting your grandmother’s house or mall where you can come anytime without having to tell them. If you want to visit an inmate, you have to schedule your visit ahead of time with the facility you are visiting. Usually, there is an approval process that you need to go through before you can schedule a visit. The facility also has limits on how often you are able to visit.
- You have to know the rules of dressing when you are visiting an inmate.
Things to Know During Visiting Inmates
After you know the things that you have to do or don’t do before visiting inmates, now you also need to know the things that you have to do and don’t do while you are visiting the inmate.
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- You have to visit the inmate on time.
When you have a plan to visit an inmate, make sure that you obey the rules including getting there on time. If you do not come on time, you may not be permitted to visit. There is also the chance that the visiting room is busy and full so that arriving early is recommended. You are able to arrive 15 to 20 minutes early. It is because you will have to fill out paperwork and be searched first. The searches that will be done include a pat down by an officer of the same gender and a pass through a metal detector. Usually, things like ID/ License, glasses, money, or diapers and bottles if you bring a child are permitted to bring. However, items like cigarettes or tobacco-related products, medication of any sort, anything that is considered or used as a weapon and illicit substances or materials are not allowed. If you want to bring children, you have to consider visiting alone first so that you are able to explain what to expect. - During visiting the inmate, you have to be respectful.
You have to show courtesy to all correctional staff, other visitors and also prisoners. It is done to ensure that everyone goes through a positive visiting experience. - You can show affection in moderation.
You are allowed to shake hands, hug, and do other affection in good taste at the beginning and end of a visit. However, the staff may limit physical contact to keep the visiting area orderly and to prevent the distribution of contraband. - You have to supervise children.
If you bring children, you have to supervise them and make sure that you do not lose your visiting privileges because of your children’s behaviours.
- You have to visit the inmate on time.
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