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GDC – Jenkins Correctional Center – CoreCivic basic information to help guide you through what you can do for your inmate while they are incarcerated. The facility's direct contact number: 478-982-6300
This facility is for adult inmates.
The inmates housed at GDC – Jenkins Correctional Center – CoreCivic located at 3404 Kent Farm Drive in Millen, GA are placed according to their custody level and are incarcerated by a private company contracted by a government agency and are paid a per diem or monthly rate, either for each inmate in the facility or for each bed available. The facility is well-trained and well-staffed. This doesn't come without some controversy as the "price of incarceration" is big business and critics claim there is a monetary benefit to keeping people locked up. The flip side is this facility undergoes rigorous inspections and are some of the be maintained in the US.
For inmates that show a willingness to learn new things, there are educational and vocational training programs here that will prepare them for a successful reentry when released.
GDC – Jenkins Correctional Center – CoreCivic – Performance Incentive Credit (PIC) Program
Mail Procedures
The United States Postal Services (USPS) prohibits the mailing of any of the following:
• Potentially hazardous materials that are not properly marked and packaged;
• Perishable items that are not properly marked and packaged;
• Correspondence containing any vile, or obscene material, and matter inciting violence or terrorism;
• Solicitations that mimic billing statements, unless accompanied by a prominent disclaimer;
• Solicitations stating approval by the USPS or Postmaster General, or conformance to any postal law or regulation; and
• Correspondence that bears deliberate imitations of postal markings and/or postal trademarks (e.g. “Priority Mail”, etc.). Correspondents are personally responsible for the content of each item of correspondence they send through the USPS. Any violation of laws governing correspondence will be referred to postal authorities and to appropriate criminal authorities. The sender may be subject to civil or criminal penalties and/or federal prosecution for violation of postal laws.
Prohibited Correspondence:
Correspondence containing malicious, false, inflammatory, or other types of statements or information, the purpose of which is reasonably intended to harm, or intimidate an employee, visitor, or guest may be prohibited. Correspondence that could reasonably jeopardize legitimate penalogical interests includes, but is not limited to:
• Plans to escape;
• Plans for criminal activities;
• Plans to introduce contraband into or out of the facility;
• Plans for activities in violation of facility rules;
• Threats to the safety and security of facility order, discipline or rehabilitation;
• Information which, if communicated, would create a clear and present danger of violence and physical harm to a human being (including racially inflammatory material);
• Letters or materials written in code or a foreign language when the inmate/resident understands English (unless the Warden/Administrator or designee determined that the recipient does not read and write fluently in English);
• Correspondence which attempts to forward unauthorized correspondence to a third party;
• Obscene material;
• Correspondence which encourages deviate sexual behavior which is criminal, in violation of facility rules, detrimental to the rehabilitation of inmates/residents, or determined by the Warden/Administrator or designee to be detrimental to the safety and security of the facility (these materials include, but are not limited to, pictures, drawings, or photographs which display or suggest vaginal, rectal, or oral penetration by a person or object, ejaculation, bestiality, sadistic or masochistic behaviors, child pornography, or the suggestion of child pornography);
• Correspondence which may enable one (1) or more inmates/residents to ascertain the time(s), date(s), and/or location(s) of upcoming off-site appointments or transports;
• Personal identifying information (e.g. birth certificate, social security number, driver’s license number, etc.) of individuals other than the inmate/resident’s and his/her immediate family; and
• Other general correspondence for which rejection is reasonably related to a legitimate penalogical interest. Prohibited Items: Items normally contained in general correspondence that are considered to be prohibited include, but are not limited to:
• Maps of the city where the facility is located or surrounding communities;
• Polaroid photographs;
• Photo negatives/slides;
• Photo albums;
• Photos of current or former employees;
• Framed photos;
• Greeting cards larger than 8 X 10;
• Greeting cards containing electronic or other non-paper parts;
• Greeting cards constructed in such a way to permit concealment of contraband;
• Stick on labels or stamps that appear to contain contraband;
• Items that are glued, taped, stapled, or otherwise affixed to a page; and
• Any items prohibited by law, regulations, or contract.
• PER GDOC SOP 11B04-0001 INTERNET ARTICLES AND NEWSPAPER CLIPPINGS ARE PROHIBITED THAT PERTAIN TO ANY PORNOGRAPHIC MATERIAL.
GDC Inmate Services
The Inmate Services division is comprised of seven units:
Education
Why provide academic education to offenders?
Correctional Education Association for the United States Department of Education, Office of Correctional Education, concluded, “offenders who participated in education programs while incarcerated showed lower rates of recidivism after three years”–a 29% reduction–and their “wages were higher.” Ninety-five percent of offenders will one day return to society and these areas are tasked with preparing offenders for their return to society as productive citizens. Per a recently published Rand Corporation study (2014), "How Effective Is Correctional Education, and Where do we go from here," it is reported that for every dollar in GED correctional education, there is future savings of $5.
Profile of Academic Education
Voluntary participation for offenders who do not have a high school diploma or GED
Daily enrollment is 4,500 – 5,000
Academic Education is comprised of one to three courses of study and is available in all State and Private Prisons, Probation Detention Centers, Residential Substance Abuse Treatment Centers, and most Transitional Centers (85 GDC sites)
General education and special education courses of study:
Literacy (L/RR)
Adult Basic Education (ABE)
General Education Diploma Preparation (GED Prep)
Charter High School Program (HS diploma)
ESL and Braille available at select facilities
2,500-3,000 GED examinations annually; 70% passing rate
Classroom-based instruction delivered by part-time and full-time GDC staff, supplemented by instructors from local area Technical colleges. Charter School teachers are staffed by Foothills Education Charter High School.
Post-secondary academic study available providing that the recipient has approval and pays all post-secondary costs
Overview The Education & Programs division is comprised of four units:
• Chaplaincy
• Education
• Risk Reduction Services
• Vocational
These units are critical to the Governor’s criminal justice reform and the prison reentry initiative. Ninety-five percent of offenders will one day return to society and these areas are tasked with preparing offenders for their return to society as productive citizens
CHAPLAINCY
Promote peaceful communities by demonstrating the following:
• Elimination of violence
• Assistance in reentry preparation
• Reduction of recidivism
New Orleans Baptist Theologicial Seminary
• GDC’s only 4-year college program
• Graduates receive a degree in Theology
• Located at Phillips State Prison in Buford
The program is offered in two or four-year cycles and has up to 30 offenders per class. Offenders must have proof of a high school diploma, GED or college courses, must have a minimum of five years left to serve, must not have any disciplinary reports for 12 months, recommendation by staff and must voluntarily participate.
EDUCATION
• Voluntary participation for offenders who do not have a high school diploma or GED
• Daily enrollment is 4,500-5,000
• Available in all state and private prisons, boot camps, probation detention centers (PDC), residential substance abuse treatment centers and most transitional centers (TC).
• A total of 85 GDC sites • Comprised of one to three courses of study
• General education and special education courses of study are as follows:
• Literacy (L/RR)
• Adult Basic Education (ABE)
• General Education Diploma Preparation (GED Prep)
• ESL and Braille available at select facilities
• 2,500 to 3,000 GED examinations are administered annually with a 70% passing rate
• Classroom-based instruction is delivered by part-time and full-time GDC staff, supplemented by instructors from local area Technical Colleges
• Post-secondary academic study available providing that the recipient has approval and pays all post-secondary costs Charter School Program
• 7 out of 10 inmates lack a high school diploma
• Charter schools will allow inmates the opportunity to complete their high school educations and receive diplomas
• In January 2015, classes began at Lee Arrendale State Prison for the state’s female offenders
• Partnership with the Mountain Education Charter School
• Expansion plans will create the opportunity for male offenders to receive a high school diploma at Burruss Correctional Training Center
• Partnership with Foothills Education Charter School GED Fast Track
• In July 2014, GDC launched a fast track program at three medium security prisons: Lee Arrendale, Johnson, and Washington State Prisons
• Designed for offenders who have higher reading and math levels
• 10 to 12 week program
RISK REDUCTION SERVICES
• A unit within the Georgia Department of Corrections’ (GDC) Education and Programs division which mandates the reduction in recidivism by providing research-based programs
• Provides constitutionally mandated or legally required programs
• Implements evidence-based programs that target crime-producing behavior
• Focuses on changing criminal thinking and reducing criminal behavior
• GDC partners with federal agencies, state and county agencies and non-profit and community-based organizations
SELECTION OF OFFENDERS FOR RISK REDUCTION PROGRAMS
• Selected by an assessment process that identifies an offender’s risk and needs
Primary Targets of Effective Offender Interventions
• Criminal thinking
• Substance abuse
• Education
• Employment
VOCATIONAL
Workforce Development Prepares offenders for employment
Classroom Training
• Auto Body Repair
• Auto Mechanics
• Auto Painting
• Barbering
• Braille Transcription
• Building/Industrial Maintenance
• Computer/Office Technology
• Cabinetry/Carpentry
• Commercial Driver’s License
• Computer/Electronic Repair (Microsoft Certification)
• Cosmetology
• Customer Service and Computer Technology
• Diesel Mechanics
• Drafting
• Electrical Wiring
• Food Preparation/Culinary Arts
• Graphic Arts/Printing
• Heating & Air Conditioning
• Masonry/Tile Setting
• Plumbing
• Veterinary Assistant (large and small animals)
• Visual Graphics
• Welding Technical College System of Georgia has collaborated with GDC to certify these programs and offer certificates to offenders who complete the program. On the Job Training (OJT)
• Offenders earn Technical College completion certificates certifying the skills learned while employed on their work assignments
Live Works Project
• Provide work experience for offenders in vocational education classes
• Offenders build, remodel, or repair items owned by state, county, local government and non-profit agencies TOPPSTEP
• Offender Parolee Probationer State Training Employee Program (TOPPSTEP) is a collaborative effort between the Department of Corrections, Department of Labor, Department of Human Resources and State Board of Pardons and Paroles
• Provides offenders with the documents needed to obtain employment upon release
• Documents include birth certificate and Social Security card
Residential Substance Abuse Treatment (RSAT)
RSAT is a nine-month residential substance abuse treatment program, which targets high risk, high needs offenders with a history of substance abuse as a crime-producing behavior leading to correctional supervision. This program is based on the Therapeutic Community Model. Offenders who are referred to RSAT are parole mandated and have an assessed need as identified by NGA or professional override. For more information, please click here.
Program Sites: Coastal State Prison (males), Johnson State Prison (males), Pulaski State Prison (females), and Valdosta State Prison (males).
Probation Substance Abuse Treatment Center (PSATC)
This is a nine-month residential substance abuse treatment program for probationers. Offenders are court-mandated for this program and have a history of substance abuse.
Program Sites: Bainbridge Probation Substance Abuse Treatment Center (males), Northwest Probation Substance Abuse Treatment Center (males) located at Walker State Prison, Lee Arrendale State Probation Substance Abuse Treatment Center (females) located at Lee Arrendale State Prison, Coastal Probation Substance Abuse Treatment Program (males) at Coastal State Prison, and Turner Probation Substance Abuse Treatment Center (males) located at Turner RSAT facility.
Integrated Treatment Facilities (ITF)
ITF is a nine-month program that actively combines interventions intended to address substance use and mental health disorders with the goal of treating both disorders, related problems, and the whole person more effectively. For more information on the agency’s ITFs, please click here
Program Sites: West Central Integrated Treatment Facility (females) located in Pike County and Appling Integrated Treatment Facility (males) located in Baxley, Georgia.
Transitional Services
Transitional Services establishes effective methods that permeate all levels of affected agencies and organizations to reduce recidivism through collaborative partnership that support offender placement into evidence-based interventions and continue through offender transition (reentry) to the community. Reentry is a process of transition that should begin when the offender enters our system or at pre-sentence. Reentry provides effective opportunities for offenders to achieve positive change and to be a more pro-social contributor to society.
Goals of Reentry
To build individual capacity of the offender to be a productive member of his/her family and community
To link offenders to program services necessary for successful transition and reentry into the community
To increase the community and correctional capacity to address the offender’s needs and identify community resources to match assessed needs
To enhance public safety by reducing recidivism among the formerly incarcerated population
To promote public safety through collaborative partnerships that support offender transition to the community
Transitional Services initiatives:
Faith and Character Based Programs/Dorms
Faith and Character Based initiative
The Georgia Department of Corrections implemented the Faith and Character Based Initiative in 2004 to provide the state of Georgia, Department of Corrections, and its citizens with a model for positive change by allowing offenders to strengthen their mind, body and spirit in an environment that promotes positive change.
The Faith and Character Based Initiative enhances public safety through community partnerships that will support the offender's successful transition from custody to community. Georgia’s Faith and Character Based programs have been shown to have a treatment effect of 10; meaning someone is 10 times less likely to return to prison after completing a Faith and Character Based program.
The program consists of a Faith and Character Based Prison in Walker County and Faith and Character Based dorm programs throughout the state. The program operates on a holistic approach, secular in nature, which involves our stakeholders and community volunteers in the process of the offenders learning to change their attitudes, beliefs and behaviors.
Our objective is to provide an atmosphere for offenders to develop interpersonal communication skills, understand diversity and participate in the rehabilitative process, by providing an environment for positive change through the promotion of personal accountability and responsibility, integrity, and the building of one's faith and character. Our vision is that coordinated community partnerships will enhance existing risk interventions and services; that participants will present fewer management problems as a result of involvement; that the program will increase awareness of the reentry needs of offenders; and that recidivism will be reduced due to the offender's ability to set positive, attainable goals for themselves and then to think and act in a responsible manner in the pursuit of those goals.
The Faith and Character Based Initiative consists of personal and spiritual growth and development under the supervision of a trained program coordinator. Participants are divided in to four phases, which follow a 12-month curriculum (for the dorms) and a 24-month curriculum for the prison for successful completion and graduation.
Reentry Partnership Housing Program
Reentry Partnership Housing
The Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC) and the State Board of Pardons and Paroles (PAP) entered into an agreement to accomplish the Reentry Partnership Housing (RPH) for Residence-Problem Inmates (RPI) project. The RPH is designed to provide housing for work-ready convicted felons who remain in prison after the Parole Board has authorized their release due solely to having no residential options. Housing service provider applicants selected to participate in the RPH program must provide (directly or through written agreement with third parties) parolees with stable housing and food (room and board). In return, the RPH program will provide short-term financial assistance; generally $1,800.00 for three months of assistance. The goal of the program is to enhance the released offenders' ability to remain crime free once reentering society from the prison system.
This program involves a unique collaboration by several different agencies. GDC, PAP, and the Georgia Department of Community Affairs are critical partners. The State Housing Trust Fund for the Homeless (HTF) is the administrative agent for this program administered by the Georgia Department of Community Affairs.
Minimum standards for staff in the RPH are personal qualities of understanding, dedication, empathy and sensitivity to those facing challenges to reentry into community and should have moral social character, which is above reproach. Eligible applicants include non-profits, for-profits (including individuals), religious organizations, government, and quasi-government entities. Successful applicants (grantees) will be certified at the discretion of the State Board of Pardons and Paroles, with collaborative assistance provided by the Georgia Department of Corrections and the State Housing Trust Fund for the Homeless (administered by the Georgia Department of Community Affairs). While representatives of the RPH routinely inspect or visit the housing units approved for inmate placement, the RPH approval is strictly for placement of offenders in the RPH program and not to endorse or reject any facility for any other purpose.
Applications are for those who are interested in becoming housing service providers for released offenders. Please review eligibility requirements in the application package through the link below.
Downloads & Related Links
The application submission materials may be found online at: http://www.dca.state.ga.us/housing/specialneeds/programs/rph.asp
Veterans Administration
In-House Transitional Centers (Hall, Floyd, Coweta & Jackson counties)
Community Impact Programs
Grace Village
Social Security on-line benefit application program
Fatherhood Program
Community Coalitions
Intensive Re-Entry Program (IRP)
IRP is a 90-day Intensive Reentry Program, which targets non-violent offenders with a history of substance abuse as a causative factor leading to correctional supervision. The goal of the IRP is to give offenders tools they can use to abstain from drugs, alcohol and criminal behaviors once released, thereby reducing recidivism.
Program Sites: Coastal State Prison
Vocational and Postsecondary Education
Career, Technical, and Postsecondary Education
The Career, Technical, and Post-Secondary Education Unit prepares inmates for employment.
Vocational Classroom Training prepares inmates for employment in the following trades:
• Auto Body Repair
• Auto Mechanics
• Auto Painting
• Barbering
• Beekeeping
• Braille Transcription
• Building/Industrial Maintenance
• Computer/Office Technology
• Cabinetry/Carpentry
• Commercial Driver’s License
• Computer/Electronic Repair (Microsoft Certification)
• Cosmetology
• Customer Service and Computer Technology
• Diesel Mechanics
• Drafting
• Electrical Wiring
• Food Preparation/Culinary Arts
• Graphic Arts/Printing
• Heating & Air Conditioning
• Masonry/Tile Setting
• Plumbing
• Veterinary Assistant (large and small animals)
• Visual Graphics
• Welding
• Woodworking
Units of the University System of Georgia
The Department has collaborated with the University System of Georgia deliver these post-secondary education and programs and offer certificates to offenders who complete the programs. USG Partners include the University of Georgia and Middle Georgia State University.
Units of the Technical College System of Georgia
The Department has collaborated with the Technical College System of Georgia to certify and deliver programs and provide certificates to offenders who complete courses / programs. TCSG Partners include Central Georgia Technical College, Wiregrass Georgia Technical College, Albany Technical College, Athens Technical College, and Oconee Fall Line Technical College.
On the Job Training
On the Job Training offenders earn Technical College completion certificates certifying the skills learned while employed on their work assignments.
Live Work
Live Work Projects provide work experience for offenders in our vocational education classes. Offenders can build, remodel, or repair items owned by state, county, local government and non-profit agencies.
visitation Info
GDC – Jenkins Correctional Center – CoreCivic – Visitation
HOURS: 8:30am TO 12:30pm and 1:30pm – 5:30pm
DAYS: Saturday & Sundays
The dorm assignment dictates the time for inmate to have visitation on these days. Regular visiting Is permitted on State observed holidays.
Visitation Frequently Asked Questions
Who can visit?
The visiting list will consist of immediate family members (parents, brothers, sisters, spouse, children stepchildren and grandparents). All visitors will be required to be on your approved visitation list. Inmates may receive visits from Significant others (members of inmate’s extended family, a friend or some other person having a meaningful relationship with the inmate.) Individuals considered as “Significant others” must complete the 16-2D application for visitation privileges. This form must be mailed in directly to Classification. Special Visits are allowed only by Warden Approval.
How do I get approved for visitation?
Everyone who wishes to visit an inmate at JCC needs to fill out the significant other form, located in the classification office and with each UM, have the form notarized, send in a copy of birth certificate, driver's license, social security card and have a letter stating the visitor's name, inmate's name, inmate's GDC# and the relationship between the visitor and inmate. This must also be notarized. There is a list of these instructions attached to each significant other form that is located in the classification office.
How do minors get approved to visit?
The same process is required as explained above. The guardian of the minor must fill out the significant other form completely and send in a copy of the social security card, birth certificate and letter stating the visitor's name, inmate's name, inmate's GDC# and the relationship between the visitor and inmate. This must be notarized.
How long does the application process take?
Time varies on this process. If the visitor sends in all information correctly the first time then the average processing times is roughly 6 weeks. Visitation is updated twice per year, May and November.
How will I know if I've been approved?
When visitors are approved there is a form sent to the inmate with each visitor's name that has been approved. It is the inmate's responsibility to notify the approved visitor. This information will not be given over the telephone.
How long can I visit?
Visitors may come each day during the inmates scheduled session. Inmate's dorm assignments dictate morning or afternoon session. These are rotated quarterly.
Where do I park when I arrive at the facility?
Visitor parking has been designated in parking lot of the facility. Visitors shall not be allowed on the facility parking lot until 8:00 a.m. Processing into the facility will begin at 8:30 a.m. Will I be searched? Visitors shall be subject to search upon entering and exiting the institution. Refusal of a visitor to be searched upon entering the institution shall result in denial of the current visit. Refusal of a visitor to be searched after entry to the visiting park or upon exiting the institution shall result in the denial of future visits.
Authorized visitor searches include:
1. All visitors requesting entry into facility will continue to be required to clear the metal detector and all items shall continue to be scanned using the facilities x-rays system. In addition to those requirements, all visitors will be required to submit to a hand held detector search and a pat search of their person. No cross gender searches should occur. Visitors shall be required to complete CoreCivic form 16-2E, "Voluntary Search Consent Form," each time when entering the facility. Visitors have the right to refuse the pat down search and refuse to sign the consent to search form, however, visitation will be denied.
2. The facility will be implementing the use of the GCIC Rapid Identification System which will conduct an on the spot background check utilizing fingerprints. All visitors entering the facility will be required to submit to this GCIC ID background check using this system. The system is designed to check for federal, state, local issued wants or warrants. Any Federal, state, local wants or warrants found to be active on the system will result in the Jenkins County Sheriff's department being notified. Jenkins Correctional Center is required to report all alerts received during this procedure to the local law enforcement.
3. Vehicles are subject to be searched. (Staff shall accomplish this search in a manner that does not damage or destroy the item or impair its use.)
4. Careful search by touching of the visitor’s hair and scalp.
5. Visual inspections of the ears, nose, and mouth without the insertion of any instruments or the officer’s fingers.
6. Removal of and searching inside the visitor’s shoes and gloves.
7. Removal of any clothing such as scarves, overcoats, or sweaters worn over a visitor’s first layer of exterior clothing, and a search by visual inspection and touching of the interior and exterior and pockets of such clothing.
8. After removal of outer clothing and/or headgear, careful search by visual inspection and by touching of the visitor’s first layer of clothing generally worn over one’s underwear.
9. Searches with metal detection devices.
10. K-9 searches.
11. Careful search by touching of clothing worn next to the body such as stockings, socks, and diapers, using sufficient pressure to detect contraband items. If it is necessary to remove the diaper of an infant or toddler, written consent from the parent, legal guardian, or authorized adult shall be obtained as provided in subsection (3), and it shall be done in the privacy of a search room with the parent, legal guardian, or authorized adult present and by an officer of the same sex.
What is the dress code for visitation?
Visitors are reminded that they are in the correctional setting and should be dressed in suitable clothing.
The following is not permitted:
• No open toe sandals, no flip flops — shoes must be closed
• Pants should be full length. Capri pants should be below the knee. Shorts are not allowed.
• Dresses should come to the knee
• Shirts must have sleeves, no tanks or muscle shirts and must not show skin around waist area
• No low cut or see through top
• All pants must be worn on the waist
What type of identification do I need to be allowed into the facility?
All visitors sixteen (16) years of age or older must present a valid form of picture identification for visiting registration. Acceptable forms of identification are identification cards that contain a photograph, current address, and date of birth and physical characteristics of the individual. Signatures are not required if the identification otherwise complies with all other standards of proper identification.
What items am I allowed to bring to visitation?
Visitors are allowed to bring picture ID and keys. At the present time, $25.00 in quarters or $1 bills are allowed. We are in the process of changing the visitation vending machines from cash machines to credit/debit card machines. Once installed, visitors will no longer be allowed to bring any form of cash into the facility, but will be allowed to bring one credit or debit card into the facility. The machines will be compatible with Visa debit/credit or Master Card credit cards only. A sign will be posted at Front Entry and in the inmate housing units when a date has been set for this change.
Entering a Facility for Visitation
Visiting a correctional facility can feel intimidating, especially for the first-time visitor.
We have our own specific processes and rules, strict security measures, uniformed staff and words and terminology you may not be familiar with. Ultimately, those security features are in place to protect you and your loved one although we understand the potential for concern or confusion.
Our goal is for visitors to be comfortable, even impressed, by our facility environment during your visit. We simply ask that you help us maintain safety and security by following our important guidelines.
Contraband and Personal Items
When entering one of our facilities, typically, visitors are only permitted to bring in an ID and a small amount of cash ($10 or less) or a vending card for use at the facility’s vending machines during visitation. Please check with the facility prior to visitation for specific information on the use of vending cards or cash.
Proper identification must be a valid driver’s license or a government-issued ID. Some facilities require a birth certificate to be presented for children attending visitation, so check the requirement of the specific facility you are visiting.
For security reasons, visitors will not be allowed to take any personal items or gifts into the facility – including cell phones, wallets, purses, food, gifts, magazines or books.
Attempting to pass any of these unapproved items through security, even if accidentally, is illegal. Please leave all personal items in your vehicle. Some facilities offer lockers in the facility lobby for storing these items.
Additionally, attempting to introduce illegal contraband, such as cigarettes, drugs and alcohol, weapons and cell phones, to a facility inmate is considered a security threat and will result in immediate legal action.
While we understand that some of these rules may be inconvenient or difficult for our visitors, it is our responsibility to keep all of our inmates, staff and visitors safe. These strict safety procedures are very important and are just one of the many ways we maintain a safe and secure environment.
Visitation and Inmate Contact
There are different types of visitation, depending on the facility and the inmate’s classification – contact visitation, noncontact visitation and, occasionally, video visitation.
Most of our facilities have both contact and noncontact visitation. Appropriate contact with your loved one – such as hugging – varies. Our staff will help you understand the appropriate contact rules for your time with your loved one.
Typically contact visitation will be held in a large room with tables. Some facilities have a designated visitation room. Others may use educational rooms for visitation.
Noncontact visitation includes the use of individual booths with telephones for speaking with inmates.
Video Visitation
A small number of CoreCivic correctional facilities provide video visitation. Video visitation is especially useful for those inmates incarcerated in another state.
To participate in a video visitation session, the inmate must schedule a specific visitation time. CoreCivic will partner with a local church or other organization to provide the video visitation equipment and session for the visitor.
For specific information on video visitation, please contact the facility directly.
Preparing for Visitation
At CoreCivic, our dedicated team of corrections professionals goes to prison or jail every day. Uniforms, metal detectors, security measures, policies and procedures, closed doors and locked gates – it’s all second nature to us.
But if you’re not accustomed to correctional facility life, you may have some questions or concerns, maybe even nervousness, about what to expect if you are planning a visit.
Being well prepared for your visit to one of our correctional facilities can help alleviate the stress and anxiety that sometimes accompanies visitation.
From what to wear to what to leave behind, here are a few tips and instructions to help you prepare for your upcoming facility visit.
Visitation List and Approval
During the inmate orientation process, inmates will mail a visitation application form to the friends and family members who want to visit.
It is the inmate’s responsibility to mail the applications. Individuals who receive the application must complete the form and mail it back to the specific CoreCivic facility to initiate the approval process. All facility visitors must be approved through a background check prior to visiting an inmate.
Once the background checks are completed, the inmate is responsible for informing friends and family members that they are approved for visitation. Please ensure that, as a visitor, you have been approved before planning your visit.
Some CoreCivic facilities require that all visitations be scheduled in advance of the visitation appointment. Or there may be special requirements if an individual is in restricted housing. You may wish to contact the facility directly if you are unsure.
An inmate can change or update their list over time. If an inmate is transferred to another correctional facility, please check with the facility before visiting to ensure all records were transferred at the time of the move.
Passing Security
Every visitor who enters our correctional facilities must pass through our security measures before proceeding to a visitation area.
Visitors will be screened through a metal detector, much like what you would experience in an airport. However, our metal detector settings are much more sensitive than typical metal detectors. When preparing for your visit, please be sure to consider any metal on your clothing, including underwear and shoes.
Visitation Dress Code
Understandably, many of our visitors do not realize that what they are wearing can impact their ability to visit with their loved one.
Every facility has a strict dress code for visitors, and each facility’s dress code may vary, sometimes depending on the specific requirements of our government partner. Please review the specific dress code requirements for the facility you are visiting prior to your visit.
A few general guidelines that apply at every facility include:
Skirts and shorts must be knee-length or longer.
Only closed-toe shoes are permitted. No sandals or flip-flops.
No revealing or low cut shirts. No tank tops or halter tops.
No see-though or extremely tight clothing.
No strapless dresses. No swimsuits.
No gang or obscene messages or designs.
No hats or hoodies on shirts
No sunglasses or excessive jewelry.
Underwear must be worn at all times, but not visible.
Everyone must clear the metal detector.
Visiting from Out of State
If you must travel a great distance to visit your loved one, you want your limited visitation time to go smoothly. To help ensure you are prepared, we’ve assembled our most important advice for a successful visit.
Inmate Visitation Checklist
Before arriving at a correctional facility, think through the following checklist to ensure that you are prepared for visitation.
___ I am on my inmate’s approved visitation list.
___ I have returned my paperwork and passed the visitation background check.
___ I have my driver’s license or government ID.
___ I have planned my visit during the facility’s visitation hours.
___ I have packed facility dress code approved clothes and shoes.
___ I will clear the metal detector.
___ I have ensured that my car, purse and pockets are clear of any inappropriate items before entering the facility grounds.
___ I have checked to see if there are special visitation requirements, such as a scheduled appointment.
