There are few experiences as sobering as having a loved one on an inmate list. It’s a painful experience to have someone you care about as a listing on an inmate search in a database. If you care about someone who has been incarcerated, inevitably, the time comes to see them in person. But with the many rules and regulations, knowing how to visit an inmate presents a challenge if unfamiliar with the process. Fortunately, some clear steps are needed to make the visit smoother.
Before the Visit
The smartest thing a visitor can do is arrive prepared. That means taking every step possible before the visit begins. The visit will go better with a clear understanding of the process in advance.
Verify the Location and Availability
First, make sure you have the correct location of the inmate. You can easily accomplish that with an inmate search at a website or with the information provided by the arresting agency. Many cities have multiple facilities.
Next, ensure that you or the person visiting is on the approved list. Only a certain number of people 18 and older can visit incarcerated people, generally relatives. Make sure that you’re one of them.
Dress Appropriately
It’s essential that you are dressed appropriately for the visit. Avoid revealing or provocative clothing. Attire that too closely resembles prison uniforms is also forbidden. If you fail to meet the dress code, the visit may be denied, and you will be sent home.
Be Aware of What You Can Bring
Be careful what you bring. Prisons are incredibly restrictive on what items are and are not allowed. Bringing contraband to prison can end your visit and prevent further visits. While it varies from prison to prison, generally visitors are only permitted identification, a car key, glasses, and vending machine money. Banned are all illegal substances, as well as medication and tobacco. Also forbidden are any electronic devices. Items such as outside food and gifts may vary depending on the location.
Be On Time
Punctuality is a must. With the intense levels of security necessary for visits, there’s a reason these visits are scheduled when they are. Fortunately, it’s easy to find visiting hours at websites like the Federal Bureau of Prisons. Show up on time, and the visit will go smoothly.
At the Visit
The experience of visiting an inmate can be a remarkable chance to bond. For an inmate, it’s an opportunity to connect with the outside world and see someone they value. For a visitor, it’s reassuring that someone they’re concerned about is okay. These are some ways to make the experience a positive one.
Be Prepared
First, know what’s coming during your visit. Arrive early for 15-20 minutes of paperwork and a search of your person, including a metal detector scan or a pat down. For initial visits, it’s advised that children be left to avoid any unpleasant experiences if the situation is less than ideal for them. You can handle the visit better with an awareness of how the visit will go.
If children are in attendance, supervise them carefully. Prison isn’t an ideal environment for children, but the need for inmates to see younger relatives and vice versa can’t be overlooked. Watch them closely to see if they behave respectfully. Ideally, impress upon them before the visit begins the gravity of the situation. With their best behavior, the visit will go much smoother.
Be Polite
It’s crucial to treat any and all you encounter with the utmost respect. This can be staff, inmates, or any other person you face. The visiting experience needs to be as smooth as possible, and in a highly charged environment like a prison, conflict can cause serious trouble.
Know the Policies of What Is Acceptable
Be aware that physical contact is limited at these visits. Often this is a method of passing contraband, so prisons rightly limit contact to a handshake, hug, or, at most, a tasteful affectionate kiss. It’s a painful feeling to only have a slight bit of contact in these moments, especially after time apart. But these rules have to be in place for a good reason.
Be Present
But nothing is as important as maximizing your moments during the visit. It’s vital that you listen closely to the inmate you’re visiting with. This is a rare chance for them to express themselves to someone who cares. Give them their space. It’ll be a gift to them.
With these steps, a visit to an inmate can be a richly rewarding experience for all.
After the Visit
When the visit ends, it’s crucial to handle the aftermath well. Stay in touch to ensure future contact with the prisoner. There are mutual benefits to contact between visits as it allows the relationship to stay strong for both parties. Plan carefully for a future visit—and stress aid for when the prisoner leaves. One of the key roles a visit provides an inmate is a reminder of the support system awaiting them on the outside. Communication reinforces this.
From the inmate to the visitor, knowing how to prepare for an inmate visit is highly valuable. Whether checking the inmate list with an inmate search or arriving with a keen understanding of the rules of the prison system, preparing for a visit with an incarcerated loved one allows the experience to be deeply enriching for both parties. For more information on how to visit an inmate, check out our website.
