Visit an Inmate
Visitation Rules & Procedures differ based on the facility. Review the rules & procedure and visitation hours for each facility below.
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The face-to-face visitation schedule effective May 1, 2023 is as follows:
Sunday - Tuesday: Units 5,6,7,8 & 9 Thursday - Saturday: Units 3 & 4 8:30 am - 9:30 am 8:30 am - 9:30 am 10:30 am - 11:30 am 10:30 am - 11:30 am 12:30 pm - 1:30 pm 12:30 pm - 1:30 pm 2:30 pm - 3:30 pm 2:30 pm - 3:30 pm - Visits are to be scheduled in advance by calling (302) 577-5837; Monday thru Wednesday. Visits will be scheduled for the following week and will take place Monday - Sunday.
- Video visit may be paid for and scheduled through the following link Schedule Video Visit. Most inmates may have one (1) video visit in addition to a face-to-face visit each week in fifteen (15) or thirty (30) minute increments.
- Effective immediately, if you want to schedule a visit, the Visitation phone line will only be available Monday through Wednesday from 9:00 A.M. - 3:00 P.M. The number to call for scheduling a visit is 302-577-5837.
- Inmate visits last up to 1 hour
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Effective April 3, 2017 visits will be as follows:
- Split visits will no longer occur at BWCI.
- Any child under the age of 18 will be accompanied by an adult
- Depending on the circumstances, visits can be either Contact or No-Contact
- Visitors' attire should be in good taste and grooming when entering the institution. Correctional staff will determine whether the visitor's clothing is appropriate based on the following guidelines: bathing suits; body suits; strapless or low cut, revealing tops; sleeveless shirts; tube tops; and any type of revealing clothing not adhering to the normal standards of decency will not be permitted. Dresses, skirts, culottes, and/or walking shorts must be no shorter than two inches above the knee, as measured from the bend in the back of the knee with the waistband in the normal position. Spandex pants, shorts, and leggings are not permitted alone. Leggings may be worn under a skirt. Any see-through material is not permitted.
- No open-toe/open-heeled shoes, Crocs, or hoodies are permitted.
- Visitors are permitted to bring car keys and identification only.
- Visitors may bring money with them to deposit funds on an inmate's account via a kiosk in the lobby, and/or to purchase a debit card that is authorized to access vending machines with approved items to share with inmates during visits.
- A picture identification is required for all visitors. Usually a driver's license or other form of I.D. can be used. For individuals under 16-years old, any picture I.D. would suffice.
- All visitors are subject to a metal detector search at the time of each visit. When deemed necessary, the security staff may request a more intense physical search. Should the visitor refuse to comply, they will be denied entrance and ordered off of the property.
- Talking to any inmate through institution windows or fences, or having conversations with any inmate other than in the assigned visiting area is strictly prohibited. Visitors must go directly to and from the visiting room/waiting area.
- Smoking is not permitted by visitors inside the compound.
- No property may be exchanged between an inmate and his visitor(s). All cards, letters, etc., must be sent out through the mail.
- Only one (1) inmate may be visited at a time. Cross conversations between other visitors and/or inmates is not permitted.
- Visitors and inmates alike should show respect for others visiting and keep all conversations in a low tone. Loud conversations, foul language, arguments, or fighting will result in cancellation of your visits and disciplinary action. We reserve the right to turn away any visitor due to intoxication, failing to obey the directions of officers, or generally misbehaving.
John Brennan, Deputy Warden
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Visits are scheduled for Monday thru Sunday:
- 9:00 am
- 10:00 am
- 11:00 am
- 12:00 pm
- 1:00 pm
- 2:00 pm
- 3:00 pm
- Visits are scheduled one week in advance by contacting 302-575-0330. The visitation scheduling desk is open Monday through Friday 7:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
- Children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a legal guardian or person over the age of 18. Children ages 14 to 18 years of age must have picture identification (driver's license, state-issued ID, school ID, passport, etc.) All identification must have a current picture, date of birth and full name.
- You must provide the SBI# and/or DOB of the offender when scheduling a visit. You must also provide the birth dates, addresses and telephone numbers for any visitors you are scheduling. If you cannot supply this information the visit will not be scheduled.
- Visits cannot be changed, cancelled or confirmed. Please verify your visit day and time before you end the phone conversation.
- Visits are one (1) hour long.
- Visitors must arrive 15 minutes prior to the start of the visit.
- Visitors' attire should be in good taste and grooming when entering the institution. Correctional staff will determine whether the visitor's clothing is appropriate based on the following guidelines: bathing suits; body suits; strapless or low cut, revealing tops; sleeveless shirts; tube tops; and any type of revealing clothing not adhering to the normal standards of decency will not be permitted. Dresses, skirts, culottes, and/or walking shorts must be no shorter than two inches above the knee, as measured from the bend in the back of the knee with the waistband in the normal position. Spandex pants, shorts, and leggings are not permitted alone. Leggings may be worn under a skirt. Any see-through material is not permitted. Once a visit is denied by staff for clothing infractions, the visit is cancelled for that day. Visitors cannot return to their car and change clothing and then regain admittance. No open toe/open heeled shoes, Crocs or hoodies are permitted.
- Visitors are permitted $5.00 in currency.
- Visitors are permitted to bring car keys and valid form of identification only. If a visitor is bringing a small child (baby, infant or toddler) one diaper, two diaper wipes and bottle are permitted. All other items must be secured in your vehicle. You cannot leave any unauthorized items in the front lobby. As of August 5th, 2013 Money Orders are no longer accepted at the time of visit.
- Talking to any inmate through institution windows or fences, or having conversations with any inmate other than in the assigned visiting area is strictly prohibited. Visitors must go directly to and from the visiting room/waiting area
- All visitors are subject to a metal detector search at the time of each visit. When deemed necessary, the security staff may request a more intense physical search. Should the visitor refuse to comply, they will be denied entrance and ordered off of the property.
- Smoking is not permitted in the facility or on any state property.
- No property may be exchanged between an inmate and his visitor(s). All cards, letters, etc., must be sent out through the mail.
- Only one (1) inmate may be visited at a time. Cross conversations between other visitors and/or inmates is not permitted.
- Visitors and inmates alike should show respect for others visiting and keep all conversations in a low tone. Loud conversations, foul language, arguments, or fighting will result in cancellation of your visits and disciplinary action. We reserve the right to turn away any visitor due to intoxication, failing to obey the directions of officers, or generally misbehaving.
- All inmate visitors may be subject to a background check prior to entering any level 5 facility. If any past felony, misdemeanors, active warrants or present probation is found during these checks, you may be barred from visiting for a specific amount of time. (Incarcerations 10 years from date of release and probation 5 years from date of release)
- Failure to adhere to the Facility rules, regulations or visitation policy may result in your visitation privileges being suspended indefinitely.
- Anyone traveling 100 miles or more may request a two-hour visit once per month. This request must be made in writing by sending a letter to the Warden's Office.
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Visits are scheduled Monday through Sunday during the following times:
- 9:00 am
- 10:00 am
- 11:00 am
- 12:00 pm
- 1:00 pm
- 2:00 pm
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To schedule a visit, call the institution the week prior to the requested visit. The visit scheduling desk is open Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., excluding state holidays. Please call:
- 1-800-282-8602 for offenders whose last name begins A-J; or
- 1-800-722-0252 for those offenders whose last name begins K to Z.
- Visits must be scheduled in advance. Call Monday through Friday to visit the following Monday through Sunday.
- Visitors must be at the facility a minimum of 30 minutes before the start time of the scheduled visit, or you will be denied access.
- Visitors' attire should be conservative and well-groomed when entering the institution. Correctional staff will determine whether the visitor's clothing is appropriate based on the following guidelines: bathing suits, body suits, strapless or low-cut tops, revealing tops, sleeveless shirts, tube tops, and any type of revealing clothing not adhering to the normal standards of decency will not be permitted. Dresses, skirts, culottes, and/or walking shorts must be no shorter than two inches above the knee, as measured from the bend in the back of the knee with the waistband in the normal position. Spandex pants, shorts, and leggings are not permitted alone. Leggings may be worn under a skirt. Any see-through material is not permitted.
- Visitors are permitted to bring one car key and photo identification with full address. (The address must be the same address used when the visit was scheduled)
- Visitors must have a photo identification with complete, current address for any visitor aged 16 and over.
- Visitors with infants are permitted to bring in one plastic baby bottle, one diaper, one small blanket, and two disposable wipes. All items should be in a clear baggie. No other items are allowed.
- All items such as jackets, gloves, hats, and keys are to be placed in a container for x-ray before departing the Gatehouse area for your visit. All visitors are also subject to a metal detector search of their person at the time of each visit. When deemed necessary, the security staff may request a more intense physical search. Should the visitor refuse to comply, they will be denied entrance and ordered off the property.
- Talking to any offender through institution windows and fences or having conversations with any inmate other than in the assigned visiting area is strictly prohibited. Visitors must go directly to and from the visiting room/waiting area.
- Smoking is not permitted on state property including in vehicles located in the JTVCC parking areas.
- No property may be exchanged between an offender and his visitor(s). All cards, letters, etc., must be sent through the Pigeonly mail system.
- Only one offender may be visited at a time. Cross conversations between other visitors and/or offenders is not permitted.
- Visitors and offenders alike must show respect for others visiting and keep all conversations in a low tone. Loud conversations, foul language, arguments, or fighting will result in cancellation of the visit and disciplinary action. We reserve the right to turn away any visitor due to intoxication, failing to obey the directions of officers, or generally misbehaving.
- Visitors who commit serious violations of visiting rules will be barred from future visitation.
Jon Beck, Deputy Warden
Jason Schaffer, Deputy Warden
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Visits will be scheduled by the visitor one week in advance by telephone.
Visits are by appointment only and the visitor must report to the
front door thirty (30) minutes prior to the scheduled visiting time.
Any person requesting visitation privileges that has served time at
SCI as an inmate or worked for the DOC as an officer or any other
service contractor may be denied entry to the institution for the
purpose of visiting. Each case is subject to review by the Warden.
The inmate being visited is responsible for confirming his scheduled
visiting time with their visitor.
NOTE: Once a visit is scheduled it will not be changed. -
Visitors under the age of eighteen (18) must be accompanied
by a parent, legal guardian, or an adult twenty-one (21)
years of age or older. All visitors are subject to a metal
detector and pat down search along with an x-ray scan at
the time of each visit. At times a K-9 drug scan will be conducted.
When deemed necessary, the security staff may request a more
intense physical search. Should the visitor refuse to comply,
they will be denied entrance and ordered off of the property.
NOTE: Up to three total visitors are permitted per scheduled visit. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Inmates are allowed one 45-minute visit per week. - There are two types of visits available: Open visits are relaxed and informal, physical contact is possible. Closed visits are formal, for security reasons, and physical contact is not allowed. The institution determines which type of visits inmates may have.
- Any visitor carrying an infant into the visiting room will be permitted to carry one (1) diaper, one (1) bottle, wipes in a clear plastic baggie, and one (1) pacifier for the infant.
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Only the following items are allowed into the institution:
photo identification, including DMV vehicle IDs, passports,
government issued IDs; two car keys; wedding band/engagement ring;
medical alert necklace/bracelet; and life-saving medication.
NOTE: If an item is not on this list, it will not be allowed in. - Visitor's attire should be in good taste and grooming when entering the institution. Correctional staff will determine whether visitor's clothing is appropriate based on the following guidelines: bathing suits; body suits; strapless or low cut, revealing tops; sleeveless shirts; tube tops; and any type of revealing clothing not adhering to the normal standards of decency, including bare mid-drifts, will not be permitted. Dresses, skirts, culottes, and/or walking shorts must be no shorter than two (2) inches above the knee, as measured from the bend in the back of the knee with the waistband in the normal position. Spandex pants, shorts, and leggings are not permitted alone. Leggings may be worn under a skirt. Any see-through material is not permitted.
- Talking to any inmate through institution windows or fences, or having conversations with any inmate other than in the assigned visiting area is strictly prohibited. Visitors must go directly to and from the visiting room/waiting area.
- Smoking is not permitted by visitors on the property including in vehicles located in the SCI parking lot.
- All visitors will place hats, gloves, belts, coats, jackets, shoes, IDs, keys and any other carried items in the designated container to be sent through the x-ray machine.
- The visitor and inmate will sit in a place designated by the Visiting Room Officer. No change in location is permitted. Meeting outside is not permitted.
- The inmate may briefly embrace and kiss his visitor(s) at the beginning and end of the visit. They will then be seated. If the visitor is alone (single visitor), they are required to sit across the table. The holding of hands is permissible so long as the hands are kept on top of the table and near the center at all times. Any actions or gestures beyond the established policy will necessitate disciplinary action for the inmate and/or loss of visitation privileges for the visitor.
- No property may be exchanged between an inmate and his visitor(s). All cards, letters, etc., must be sent through the mail.
- Only one (1) inmate may be visited at a time. Cross conversation between other visitors and/or inmates is not permitted.
- Visitors are not permitted to leave the Visiting Room during a visit except for an emergency or illness, and they may not return to the visit.
- Visitors and inmates alike should show respect for others visiting and keep all conversations in a low tone. Loud conversations, foul language, arguments, or fighting will result in cancellation of the visit and disciplinary action for the inmate. We reserve the right to turn away any visitor due to intoxication, failing to obey the direction of officers, or generally misbehaving. This is to include control of the behavior of all minor children on the grounds of SCI by their accompanying parent or guardian. Any violation of this may result in suspension and/or termination of visiting privileges.
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Special visits are limited to those who meet the following criteria:
- First, special visits will be given to those who have a truly special need, such as the death of a family member or a sick relative which must be substantiated by letter or phone call by the person who wants to visit.
- Second, if a visitor has traveled 150 miles or more, they may be eligible for a special visit.
- This special visit will only be permitted every six (6) months; unless a serious emergency arises that can be substantiated with documentation.
- Sentenced inmates on the compound are granted one and a half (1.5) hours visiting time a week. This is used in one (1) visit or broken into two (2) forty-five (45) minute visits.
- Inmates housed in Pre-Trial are granted one (1) forty-five (45) minute visit per week.
- NOTE: Inmates and Visitors may lose visiting privileges for violation of institutional rules.
Public transportation to and from SCI is available via the DART bus which has a bus stop (route 206) on SCI grounds near the facility entrance.
Visitors can call to make an appointment at (302) 856-5545
Monday thru Friday
- 8:00 am to 3:00 pm
Marvella Wise, Deputy Warden