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  rules for visiting prisons

Original Article

Visitors must present photo identification (ID) upon entering the visitation checkpoint. Acceptable forms of ID are: a valid driver's license, a military identification card, a passport, an official photo identification card of any state or federal agency, or Immigration and Naturalization document.

Dress Code

Visitors are prohibited from wearing any brown-colored clothing that resembles the clothing worn by Department security staff, including khaki-colored clothing, solid light tan or light brown-colored shirts or dark brown-colored pants or slacks.

Visitors shall not wear any article of clothing fabricated with spandex-like material, blue denim material, or clothing that is orange or blue denim in color.

Skirts and dresses shall be knee-length, when standing. Slits in skirts and dresses shall not extend above mid-thigh when seated.

Shorts shall be knee-length, when standing. Jogging shorts, cut-offs or hip huggers are prohibited.

Sheer, see-through and/or open-netted clothing is prohibited.

Sleeveless tops/shirts or dresses; tank, tube, and halter tops; tops that are strapless; tops that allow display of bare midriff; mesh clothing; body suits; "muscle" shirts; and swimsuits are prohibited. Tops of clothing shall be no lower than the person's collarbone in the front and back.

Undergarments and shoes shall be worn at all times.

Allowable Property

Personal identification.

Prescription medication, in the original container, and only in a limited amount needed during the visitation period.

One unopened package of cigarettes. A flameless electric lighter shall be located in the designated smoking section of the Visitation Area.

A maximum of $20.00 in coins to purchase items from the vending machines, in a clear plastic bag/container, per visitor.

One engagement/wedding ring, one religious medallion, one wristwatch and one pair of earrings or two observable body piercing adornments.

Two vehicle keys or one key and a vehicle remote control entry device.

What items can be purchased at the inmate store?

Inmates may purchase items such as hygiene products, vitamins and supplements, food, candy, soda, bottled water, instant coffee, writing supplies, postage stamps, greeting cards, playing cards, tobacco products, chess/checker sets, clothing, and electronic devices including televisions, walkman, desk lamps and electric razors. For a complete listing of items an inmate is allowed to purchase, according to his or her custody level, refer to the table in Department Order 909, which can be obtained from Public Access for a fee or is available on the Department's web-site

RELIGIOUS ACTIVITIES

The Department believes that sincere religious belief and expression serve a positive role for inmates. The Department's pastoral services section provides a variety of religious services, counseling and pastoral visits. Religious representation in the Department is accomplished through the services of full-time correctional chaplains and volunteers. In addition, inmates have the opportunity to request pastoral visits from their own minister.

Staff chaplains or volunteers conduct religious services at each prison facility for all major faiths, such as Christian, Jewish, Islamic, Native American and Sikh. Other services are accommodated when a sufficient number of inmates request service and appropriate representation is available. Inmates are also encouraged to practice their religion individually as security and operational requirements permit.

Requests for religious services or accommodations are to be made by the inmate with the chaplain of the inmate's assigned facility, and are considered within the requirements for operating prisons in a safe, secure and orderly manner. For this reason, some practices or religious supplies used by someone of a given faith on the street may not be authorized in the prison setting. However, the established primary mandates of a religion are accommodated within the prison security requirements.

(is this a joke or what?? i thought it was easier to get drugs in prison then it is to get drugs on the street)

Maintaining a drug-free environment and intervention are critical steps with an inmate population. The Department's position is a zero tolerance with respect to the possession or use of alcohol, narcotics or illegal drugs by inmates/offenders under its supervision.

Is there a charge for medical services?

Yes, there is a charge of up to $5.00 when an inmate is scheduled to be seen after submitting an HNR, or is seen on an emergency basis. However, should an appointment be requested by a health care provider (for instance, if a follow up appointment was required by the physician), there is no charge for this service. In addition, certain chronic serious medical conditions such as diabetes or hypertension are followed up on a routine schedule without the necessity of an HNR. There is no charge for this service.

No inmate will be denied services due to lack of funds. Charges will be assessed to his inmate trust account.