Visiting Applications and Rules for Visiting an Inmate in Massachusetts
One of the hardest parts of having a friend or family member incarcerated is the breakdown of communication. Visiting an inmate is one way you can maintain a healthy relationship, and is something that all inmates look forward to. One of the problems faced by prisons is that people often feel discouraged and overwhelmed when they think about visiting a correctional facility. To make it more accessible and easier for everyone, we have assembled the most important things you should know before you visit your inmate in Massachusetts.
- When you visit an inmate you will fill out a visitors request form, available at the facility to be filled out thirty minutes prior to your visit. In addition to the visitors request form, you will need to provide a valid photo ID. Acceptable photo ID's include a valid driver's license, a valid state ID, or a passport.
- All minor's who enter the facility will need to be accompanied by a parent or guardian, and will need their birth certificate with them. If the child is accompanied by an adult who is not the parent or guardian they must complete a Minor Consent Form, and bring a copy of the minor's notarized birth certificate. The Minor Consent Form must be submitted in advance and approved by the superintendent of the facility.
- Never bring a gun or any other weapon onto institutional grounds, this rule must be followed by law enforcement too.
- All visitors will be searched and must pass through a metal detector. Your car may also be searched once it is on the property of the institution.
- Canine units may be utilized to help prevent contraband from entering the facility.
- Do not bring cell phones, cameras, recorders, music devices, or any other electronics into the correctional facility.
- All tobacco and related products should be left in your car, including lighters.
Some additional information you may want to know when visiting an inmate in Massachusetts:
- If you are traveling with an infant you are allowed to bring two clear plastic bottles filled with formula, milk, water, or juice, a single empty sippy cup, two diapers, a small amount of wipes in a clear plastic bag, a single small blanket, a single pacifier, two plastic jars/pouches of baby food, a single plastic spoon and bib.
Dress Code/Rules for Visitors of Massachusetts Inmates
Everyone who visits an inmate in Massachusetts must adhere to the dress code. The dress code exists for the safety of visitors, inmates, and staff. Failure to follow the dress code will result in a refusal of entrance into visitation. Ultimately it is up to the staff to determine if what you are wearing is appropriate or if it violates the dress code, because of this we suggest you always bring a change of clothes with you and leave them in your car. This enables you to quickly change if a member of the staff objects to an item of clothing you are wearing.
- You must always wear shoes, bare feet are not allowed. Work boots are not allowed to be worn.
- Any clothing that closely resembles the inmates clothes or the staffs clothes is prohibited. Uniforms such as military or doctors/nurse scrubs are restricted from being worn as are any fatigue or camouflage clothes.
- Bathing suits, clothing with excessive pockets, drawstrings, or excessively baggy/hooded clothing is not allowed.
- You may not wear two pairs of clothing/double layered.
- Hair accessories such as bobby pins, barrettes and ribbons are not allowed.
- If you are visiting a facility that has inmates who wear blue or black jeans you will not be allowed to wear them.
- Earrings, facial and body jewelry, necklaces, watches, bracelets, and other jewelry is not allowed.
- Any clothing that exposes the midriff, back, shoulders, cleavage, thighs or other excessive skin is not allowed.
- If the clothing is tight such as spandex, leggings, tube tops, tank tops, or is sheer or see-through it cannot be worn.
- Skirts, shorts, and dresses that are above the knee or have a slit above the knee are not allowed.
- You may not wear sweatshirts, sweatpants, or exercise clothing of any kind.
- If your clothing contains offensive language or images you will not be allowed to visit.
- Electronics of any kind, including cell phones, cameras, recording devices etc. are not allowed to enter into the facility.
If you have a question about visiting an inmate in Massachusetts, or have already visited your inmate and would like to share your experience, or know of some other useful information please post it below.