Visiting Someone in Jail
Guide to Visiting a Prison Inmate for the First Time
What is it like to visit someone in jail? Knowing what to expect will make the experience easier on everyone involved.
Visiting friends or family members who have been incarcerated can be a traumatic, emotional experience. It can also do a world of good for the individual who is in jail. The first visit to a correctional facility can especially be an intimidating event. This guide will help visitors to prepare for the day ahead.
Call ahead.
Telephone the facility ahead of time to ensure that there has been no unscheduled lock-down of the area in which you intend to visit. The facility could be several hours away from home, and it would be an awful waste of time to travel that distance if a visit is not possible that day. Visiting hours are usually very specific, so make sure that you find out what times you will be permitted to visit the jail.
Don’t bring gifts.
Visitors will not likely be permitted to bring gifts to inmates. Indeed, physical contact is not usually permitted. When you call the facility, take advantage of the opportunity to find out about the policies with respect to giving money to inmates. Arrangements might be made to make a deposit to an inmate’s account, which he or she can spend later on snacks, etcetera.
Leave personal belongings behind.
Visitors are required to lock up personal items, including jackets, wallets and purses, before being permitted to enter the detainment area. If weather permits, leave these items at home or inside your vehicle. Bring only your photo identification for check-in.
Check in.
Visitors are required to check in at a reception area. You will be required to state your name and relationship to the inmate before being permitted to visit him or her. You may be provided with a visitor’s badge that must be worn at all times while inside the facility.
Visitors may be required to walk through a metal detector before entering the area where inmates are held. Avoid wearing steel-toed shoes, metal belts and excessive jewelry. The same standard is held as when boarding an airplane. You may be required to remove items of clothing such as shoes and accessories before being permitted to visit.
Visiting.
When you visit a friend or family member in jail, you will be able to converse with this person via a telephone receiver while you look through a glass wall at him or her. Your conversations may be recorded, and might take place within earshot of other visitors or facility staff members. Privacy comes at a premium.
The first visit to a correctional facility to visit someone who is incarcerated there can be a physically difficult and emotionally draining experience, especially for close family members. Preparing oneself for the visit is a good way to ensure your visit goes smoothly, and that you will know what to expect. For more information, visit the Correctional Service of Canada Families of Offenders Portal or the Federal Bureau of Prisons Inmate Matters.
