Visiting an inmate in Oregon

Visiting Applications and Rules for Visiting Oregon Inmates

Family members and friends are encouraged to attend visitation sessions with their inmate.  Offenders who have positive relationships with people on the community are much more likely to be successfully rehabilitated and not return to prison.  The following information explains how you visit an inmate in prison in Oregon, the steps you need to take, the paperwork you need to fill out and what you should expect.

  • The first step of visiting an inmate in Oregon is requesting the inmate add you to his or her visitation list.  The inmate will then send you a visitors application for you to complete.
  • You may also print the Oregon Visiting Application, completely fill it out and mail it to:
    • Inmate Services Unit
      2575 Center Street NE
      Salem, OR 97310
  • You can also fax your completed application to the fax number printed at the bottom of the application.
  • Once you submit the application a background check will be performed.  It can take up to 60 days for the application to be processed.  The inmate must inform you of your applications status, so stay in contact with them and direct all inquiries regarding your applications status to them.  Staff members will never divulge this information over the phone.
  • Inmates are allowed up to twenty people on his or her list of approved visitors.  Children under 13 do not count towards the 20 person limit.
  • When entering the institution for visits you will need to sign in.  If you are 16 years or older you will need to provide a valid identification, which includes a State issued driver's license, a state issued ID, military ID, or passport.  Minors 15 years of age and under are required to have identification in the form of a birth certificate, or social security card.
  • All visitors must pass through a metal detector and may be searched in order to enter into the visiting area.  Additionally, you car may be searched once it is on institutional grounds, and the facility may utilize canine units to aid in the search.
  • Do not enter the facility with weapons, ammunition, etc. as this is illegal and will result in criminal charges being filed against you.
  • Cell phones, cameras, recording devices, music devices and electronics are prohibited from entering the facility, leave these items in your car.
  • Tobacco and Tobacco related items, including matches and lighters are not allowed to enter into the facility, these items must also be left in your car.

Additional information you should know when visiting an inmate in Oregon:

  • You can bring up to $15 in quarters with you to purchase items from the vending machines in the visiting area.
  • If you are traveling with an infant or small child you are allowed to bring a large clear Ziploc bag with two diapers, a single clear plastic bottle, one pacifier, one single later blanket, and a small amount of baby wipes.
  • Most facilities will stamp your hand with a special ink only visible under black light as an added security measure.
  • Any inmate convicted of a sexual crime involving minor children are not allowed visits from any minor with the exception of their own biological child.
  • If you are visiting with children they must remain in your control at all times.  Failure to supervise and control your children will result in the termination of your visit.
  • If you are loud, disruptive, argue, fight, or fail to listen to the directions of the staff your visit will be terminated.

Dress Code/Contact Rules for Visitors of Oregon Inmates

Everyone who visits an inmate in an Oregon prison must follow a dress code.  The dress code is strictly enforced, and failure to adhere to it will result in you being denied visitation.  We suggest you always bring a change of clothes and leave them in your car, this will enable you to quickly change in the event an article of clothing you are wearing is deemed to violate the dress code.

  • In general, you should wear conservative clothing.
  • Shoes and undergarments must be worn at all times.
  • Blue denim or any clothing that closely resembles the inmate's clothing is prohibited.
  • Camouflage, military uniforms, doctors and nurses scrubs are forbidden from being worn.
  • Clothing that has a gang affiliation, or that has offensive language or images is not allowed.
  • Clothing that is suggestive, low-cut, revealing, skimpy, has cut-outs, or holes is prohibited from being worn.  This includes clothing that exposes the midriff, shoulders, back, cleavage, thighs or any other excessive skin.
  • Tight clothing such as spandex, leggings, tube tops, halter tops, and tank tops are not allowed.
  • Clothing that is sheer, or see through, including fishnets are prohibited.
  • Dresses, skirts, shorts, and pants may not be shorter than two inches above the middle of the kneecap.  Wrap around skirts, and clothing with slits above the knee are prohibited.
  • Hats, bandanas, sunglasses, or any clothing that covers the face is not allowed with the exception of religious garb with can still be removed and searched.

If you have a question about visiting an inmate in Oregon, or have already visited your inmate and would like to share your experience, or know of some other useful information about visiting an inmate in Oregon, please leave a comment below.