What to wear when visiting someone in prison
I go onto a lot of support boards and information sites and I picked up a few tips from people who have had the chance to visit their loved one in prison. Here are a few tips.
- Do not wear white or anything that is see thru.
- Do not wear tight clothing.
- Do not wear a tank top under your clothing. Especially if you have a sweater or zip up jacket on. They think that you may take off the sweater or jacket and tanks are not allowed.
- DO bring a couple of changes of clothes in the car. If you do not have a change of clothes and for some reason they do not like what you are wearing you will waste a trip.
Rules for Visiting a Florida Inmate
I got this information from the FDOC website. I am dying to visit my boyfriend and have not had the chance yet. I do know that there is quite a process for visitation. Be sure to follow the rules or your visiting privileges may be lost. Your loved one will send you an application. You can either mail it back to them or I suggest that you mail it to the classification department at their facility.
How do I Apply for Visitation?
3. Can I visit on a holiday?Regular visiting is permitted on the following holidays:
4. What are the Visitation Rules?
For the complete rules governing visitation, please see Florida Administrative Code, Chapter 33, Section 601.711-737.
7. If I experience a problem during my visitation, whom should I contact?You should ask to speak to the officer in charge (OIC) at the visiting park. If you are unable to resolve the issue, you may contact the on-duty warden.
8. I have been a pen pal with an inmate for quite awhile. May I visit the inmate?Yes. You must submit an application for consideration. However, we urge the public to be cautious before establishing social or pen pal relationships with inmates. Please visit our web-site at www.dc.state.fl.us/activeoffenders to verify information about Florida inmates before engaging in correspondence with them.
9. Who do I contact about visitation?You must contact the Classification Officer at the inmate's current facility (see the Statewide Facility Directory for address information).
10. What about Special Visits?
How do I Apply for Visitation?
- Complete a visitation application:
The inmate you wish to visit must send you an application. An application must be completed by all visitors 12 years of age or older. The application form consists of two parts: Form numbers DC6-111A and DC6-111B. You complete and submit the DC6-111A. The DC6-111B is a visitor information summary which should be reviewed and retained by the visitor. - Where do I mail the visitation application?
Completed applications (DC6-111A) should be mailed to the Classification Department at the inmate's current location (see theStatewide Facility Directory for address information). - How long does it take to process a visiting application?
It takes approximately 30 days to process an application from the date it is received. - Can more than one visitor fill out the same application?
No. Each person wishing to visit must fill out a separate application. - Who will notify me if I am either approved or disapproved to visit?
When a decision is made regarding your application, a notice is given to the inmate. The inmate will notify you either by phone or correspondence. - What are some of the things that can disqualify me?
To list a few, a criminal history, providing false or inaccurate information on a visiting application, mailing an incomplete application, etc. Possessing a criminal record will not automatically disqualify you for visitation. The nature, extent, and recency of criminal offenses are taken into consideration. However, as of January 8, 2007, offenders must be discharged from community supervision for at least one year prior to being eligible for consideration. - Can I be on the approved visiting list of more than one inmate?
A visitor will not be permitted to be on more than one inmate’s approved visiting record unless they are immediate family members. If you are already on the approved list of a non-family member, you may be added to the list of a family member. However, you may not be added to the list of a non-family member if you are already on an approved visiting list, family or otherwise.
3. Can I visit on a holiday?Regular visiting is permitted on the following holidays:
- New Year's Day
- Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr. (third Monday in January)
- Memorial Day
- Independence Day
- Labor Day
- Veteran's Day (November 11th)
- Thanksgiving Day
- Friday after Thanksgiving; and
- Christmas Day
4. What are the Visitation Rules?
- Can I just show up at the institution to visit an inmate?
No. You must fill out a visiting application and wait for the inmate to notify you. - Can I give anything to the inmate during our visit?
No. With the exception of foods purchased inside the visiting park, you may not exchange or give anything to the inmate. You may contact the on-duty warden to request a special exception to this rule.
- Can I bring an approved minor/child even if I am not the parent?
Any minor 17 years of age or younger who cannot furnish proof of emancipation must be accompanied by an approved adult on the inmate's visiting list. Further, if you are not the parent, you must present a notarized document from the parent or legal guardian, not an inmate, giving you permission to bring the minor/child in to visit, regardless if the minor is approved. The visitor bringing the minor to visit cannot notarize the document. - What baby items can I bring into the visiting park?
A maximum of five (5) diapers, three (3) clear plastic baby bottles or two (2) sipper cups for toddlers, one (1) clear plastic baby pacifier, three (3) clear plastic jars of baby food with the original seal intact, and baby wipes or towelettes (in a clear plastic bag). Also, you may bring in an infant baby carrier (subject to search), one (1) set of infant clothing, and one (1) non-quilted baby blanket to keep the infant warm. - What clothing should I NOT wear to the institution?
It's always a good idea to dress conservatively. The following is a list of some of the clothing deemed inappropriate: Tank tops, skin tight or spandex clothing, shorts that are more than 3 inches above the knee, skirts, fish net style clothing, clothing with offensive language/pictures, military style camouflage clothing to include jungle (green), urban (grey or black), and desert (tan or brown), and see thru clothing. - How much money can I bring in during my visit?
Up to $50.00, in $1.00, $5.00, $10.00 and $20.00 denominations only or silver change, per visitor, regardless of age, to purchase snacks and beverages from visiting park canteens or vending machines. All snacks and beverages shall be purchased and consumed in the visiting area. A small wallet or pouch may be used for containing the bills and any change received from the canteen or vending purchases. - What else may I bring into the visiting park?
You may bring a vehicle key necessary to operate your vehicle. However, keyless entry devices are not permitted unless the duty warden or designee determines that the device is the only means for the visitor to access the vehicle and it does not pose a threat to institutional security. - What If I need my prescription medication?
You may bring in medication, but only the dosage necessary. The medication must be in the original prescribed container and must be clearly marked. However, certain restrictions apply and the department reserves the right to prohibit certain prescriptions which may pose a threat to institutional security. - What if I require injections for medical purposes?
If you have a medical condition, such as diabetes, which requires injections, you will be permitted to depart the visiting park and take the necessary medications. Needles and syringes must be secured in your locked vehicle and are not permitted inside the visiting park for security reasons. Do not dispose of needles and syringes on institutional grounds.
For the complete rules governing visitation, please see Florida Administrative Code, Chapter 33, Section 601.711-737.
7. If I experience a problem during my visitation, whom should I contact?You should ask to speak to the officer in charge (OIC) at the visiting park. If you are unable to resolve the issue, you may contact the on-duty warden.
8. I have been a pen pal with an inmate for quite awhile. May I visit the inmate?Yes. You must submit an application for consideration. However, we urge the public to be cautious before establishing social or pen pal relationships with inmates. Please visit our web-site at www.dc.state.fl.us/activeoffenders to verify information about Florida inmates before engaging in correspondence with them.
9. Who do I contact about visitation?You must contact the Classification Officer at the inmate's current facility (see the Statewide Facility Directory for address information).
10. What about Special Visits?
- How do I get a special visit?
Contact the institution and speak with the inmate's Classification Officer. Special visits are not given routinely but are reserved for extenuating circumstances and are granted at the discretion of the Warden. - Do I still need to fill out a visiting application even if the warden already granted me a one-time special visit?
Yes, unless you were already approved to visit.
First visit to desoto annex
I wrote a blog post about my first visit but I thought I would leave some information here as well.
My first visit was much better than I expected. I wore jeans, sweater and flip flops. Make sure you do not wear shorts, I did see someone get turned away because they were wearing shorts. I think as long as you follow their rule, you will have no problem.
I got there around 9:30. The line was not extremely long but there were some people in front of me. It took about a half hour to get in. When you first get there, you go through a metal detector. You then have to show your ID to make sure that you are approved. Then they take an electronic hand print and a picture. Next you go into a room to be searched. Nothing crazy, just making sure you are not hiding anything. I was able to handle the search with no problem.
After the search, they bring you into the visiting room which is a cafeteria.You give an officer your paper and they call for your loved one. The wait for him to come was only like 10 to 15 minutes. Seeing him walk through the door is wonderful!
There are a number of tables, vending machines and a window where you can buy food, snacks and drinks. The line can get pretty long, but the wait is not long. All the food is microwaveable. It is not horrible. It is something that you would pop in for a quick meal at home.
You can go outside if you like or stay inside. There is a little children's area with books and some toys. Quite a few people had their kids with them. You can buy cards if you like and play or you can just talk. You do get a hug and a kiss which is really nice. You can put your hands on them to touch them. You can take pictures, they are inexpensive, which you can take home.
Overall the experience was very relaxed and put my mind to rest. The hardest part is walking out the door while he walks through the other door. That is when I broke down, on the way out. I wanted to take him with me. But for now this is how it is. He looked good, I know he is being strong, but he should have been walking out that door with me. Anyway, if you are nervous about your visit you can relax a little. It is not a horrible experience and not as scary as you may imagine.
My first visit was much better than I expected. I wore jeans, sweater and flip flops. Make sure you do not wear shorts, I did see someone get turned away because they were wearing shorts. I think as long as you follow their rule, you will have no problem.
I got there around 9:30. The line was not extremely long but there were some people in front of me. It took about a half hour to get in. When you first get there, you go through a metal detector. You then have to show your ID to make sure that you are approved. Then they take an electronic hand print and a picture. Next you go into a room to be searched. Nothing crazy, just making sure you are not hiding anything. I was able to handle the search with no problem.
After the search, they bring you into the visiting room which is a cafeteria.You give an officer your paper and they call for your loved one. The wait for him to come was only like 10 to 15 minutes. Seeing him walk through the door is wonderful!
There are a number of tables, vending machines and a window where you can buy food, snacks and drinks. The line can get pretty long, but the wait is not long. All the food is microwaveable. It is not horrible. It is something that you would pop in for a quick meal at home.
You can go outside if you like or stay inside. There is a little children's area with books and some toys. Quite a few people had their kids with them. You can buy cards if you like and play or you can just talk. You do get a hug and a kiss which is really nice. You can put your hands on them to touch them. You can take pictures, they are inexpensive, which you can take home.
Overall the experience was very relaxed and put my mind to rest. The hardest part is walking out the door while he walks through the other door. That is when I broke down, on the way out. I wanted to take him with me. But for now this is how it is. He looked good, I know he is being strong, but he should have been walking out that door with me. Anyway, if you are nervous about your visit you can relax a little. It is not a horrible experience and not as scary as you may imagine.
Disclaimer: Images throughout this blog and website are not owned by me. I acquired them on Google images.
I am not a lawyer or offering legal advice. Site is for informational purposes only.
I am not a lawyer or offering legal advice. Site is for informational purposes only.