Visitation Rules and Procedures

All visitors will be required to abide by visitor conduct policies and the visitation dress code.  Failure to do so may result in cancellation or termination of the scheduled visit.

Specific dress code and conduct requirements are outlined under each expandable section below. 

Visitor Conduct

Offenders and their visitors are accountable to conduct themselves in such a manner as to not bring suspicion nor discredit upon them or be disruptive or offend the sensibilities of other visitors. Visitors and offenders are required to abide by the below rules during visits.  Failure to abide by visitation rules may result in termination of the visit.

• Visitors and offenders are required to obey all employee instructions and to comply with these and all other relevant DOC ARs.
• Visiting conditions will permit informal communication and reasonable levels of physical contact between offender and visitors.
  • A short embrace and a brief closed mouth kiss may be permitted at the beginning and at the end of each visit.
  • During visits, offenders may hold hands with their visitor.
  • Breast-feeding of infants is only allowed in the designated area noted in the facility procedures
• It is the responsibility of visitors to supervise and maintain control over their minor children.  
  • Any physical discipline of such minor children deemed necessary cannot occur on correctional facility property.  
  • If a minor becomes disruptive during a visit and is not controlled by verbal instruction from the supervising visitor, the visit will be terminated.
• In facilities where restrooms are provided within the visiting area, the use of restrooms will be established by the facility administrative head and posted for visitor’s information.  Times will be posted as well as reflected in the facility procedures.
• Other than items from available vending machines, visitors will not exchange any object or article with an offender.  
• The DOC will assume no responsibility for items lost, stolen, or left in or around the visiting area or on DOC grounds.
• Visitors’ vehicles will be secured and locked while on state/DOC property.
   

Visitor Dress Code (Contact, In-Person Non-Contact, and Video)

THE BELOW DRESS CODE APPLIES FOR ALL CONTACT, IN-PERSON NON-CONTACT AND VIDEO VISITS:

All visitors must be fully dressed.

Clothing worn on the upper body must not expose the cleavage line, back or midriff at any time while standing, sitting and/or bending down. No thin (spaghetti strap) tops will be allowed.  

Pants will be worn in the manner intended (no sagging).  Pant legs, skirts, and dresses must be no shorter than the top of the knee while standing. Shorts of any style and cargo pants are not allowed.

Appropriate undergarments are required, and will not be visible outside of the clothing.

Clothing which is sheer, transparent or contains holes or rips are not allowed  

Shoes are required. Infants are not required to wear shoes until such time as they can walk. Infants and toddlers who are able to walk, must wear shoes at all times during the visit.  Minors are allowed to wear shoes that display lights. Shoes with removable heels or adornments will not be allowed.

Clothing which is solid gray, solid green, solid orange, solid white, solid yellow, camouflage, resembles offender attire, or has adornments which could be used as a weapon, are not permitted.

No controversial/objectionable gang, obscene, drug and alcohol designs, objectionable messages or profanity on clothing. Clothing with any photo or drawing of an offender to include the offender name, DOC number or any written reference to an offender is prohibited.

The only jewelry or adornment visitors will be permitted to wear into the visiting area is a wedding ring set, one religious medallion, and medical alert badges.  Medicine bags are not allowed. Any dermal jewelry implants that cannot be removed by the visitor will be allowed.

Hair extensions and/or wigs will be permitted but are subject to search in a respectful and appropriate manner. Hair extensions which are attached to the hair with a clip, comb or band will not be allowed.  Only hair accessories which are soft in nature will be permitted to be worn inside the visiting area.

Visitors are not to wear hats into the visiting area, Gloves, scarves, or outer garments, such as topcoats, raincoats, jackets, and similar inclement weather attire will not be permitted within the visiting area.  No hooded garments will be allowed in the visiting area.  *Exceptions will be made for religious head covering or headgear or by approval of a disability accommodation.  

One pair each of eyeglasses/sunglasses. Cases are not allowed.  

Layering garments, i.e. pull over, zipper, or button up sweater will be worn at all times inside the visiting area. If removed, the garment underneath must be within the guidelines of this policy and the garment will be stored with other outerwear outside of the immediate visiting room.

Tight, form fitting dresses or yoga pants will not be permitted. 
 

Video Visitation Conduct and Dress

Visitors who are participating in a video visit with an offender are required to be properly dressed and abide by the visitation dress code.  Video visitors are also expected to conduct themselves in a respectful and courteous manner while visiting.

Video visits are subject to the below rules and requirements:

• The offender and approved visitor must be visually identifiable during a video visit, and their faces must not be covered or obscured.
• The following are prohibited during a video visit:
  • Any criminal activity.
  • Driving a vehicle.
  • Any attempt to incite a riot, strike, mutinous act, or disturbance.
  • Soliciting, commanding, encouraging, hiring, or requesting another person to engage in illegal conduct
  • Using coercion, threats, or fraud to obtain money, favors, or anything of value.
  • Nudity of any kind is not permitted. Children must be fully clothed at all times for their safety.
  • ANY behavior or actions that are of a sexual nature.
  • Displaying a video or pictures that are sexual or pornographic in nature as defined in AR 300-26, Publications, “Sexually Explicit Content”.  
  • Use or display of any weapons, drugs/alcohol, or related paraphernalia.
  • Activity or display of graphics/paraphernalia associated with any Security Threat Group.
  • Unlawful activity or depiction of unlawful activity.
  • Recording or filming a visit by any visitor participant or any third party. Live streaming and/or taking audio or video recordings of personal phone calls and/or video visits with an offender is prohibited except for law enforcement purposes.   
  • If ANY inappropriate behaviors are displayed the video visit will be terminated

Refunds are issued by the video visit provider. It is the responsibility of the visitor to contact the provider to inquire about video visit refunds.

Visits may be terminated for the following reasons, which after review by the administrative head, may carry a visitor suspension of 30 days for first violation, 90 days for the second and one year for a third violation.  

1. A violation of the visiting AR, employee directives, and/or other relevant rules, or repetitive minor violations requiring cautions and/or warnings by employees.
2. The offender or visitor fails to promptly obey employee instruction.
3. The offender or visitor directs verbally abusive language about or to employees.
4. The offender or visitor attempts to damage or damages state property.
5. The offender or visitor engages in any behavior, action, circumstance that is deemed by the employee assigned to supervise visits as a risk to the safety and/or good order of the facility.
6. Visitors whose vehicles are left unsecured and/or if contraband is visible in plain sight within the vehicle.
7. Either the offender or visitor fails to control minor children (after warning) during the visit.
    

Visits may be terminated for the following reasons; which after review by the administrative head may carry a visitor suspension of 90 days for first violation, and one year for a 2nd violation.  

1. Either the offender or visitor creates a disturbance during the visit.
2. The offender and/or visitor become involved in body contact (other than hand holding or holding a young child) or engages in any type of inappropriate sexual conduct.
3. Visits may be terminated for the following reasons; which after review by the administrative head will carry a permanent visitor suspension.
4. The visitor engages in activity that appears intent upon aiding in the escape or attempt to escape of any offender from custody.
5. Any attempt to exchange with or give an offender any item other than that acquired through available vending machines during the visit.
6. The visitor conspires or attempts to smuggle any contraband item into or out of the facility.  Such behavior need not have occurred in connection with a visit or in a visiting area, e.g., a visitor who leaves contraband in another location on, adjacent to, being used by, or associated with facility property or operations, for an offender to pick up.
7. The visitor and/or offender are in possession of contraband, or the visitor is introducing any contraband, including weapons, explosives, escape devices, tobacco, tobacco substitutes, vaping products or e-cigarettes, illicit narcotics/drugs, including marijuana, paraphernalia, communication devices or intoxicants. The administrative head will review the circumstances.
8. The administrative head will review the violations observed and documented as well as any other relevant information within three business days to determine if the suspension is warranted. If a suspension is determined, both the visitor and offender will be notified in writing.

The administrative head may implement the below sanctions for violations of visiting policy:

• Up to 30 days of non-contact visitation and/or video visitation for first violation with the exception of major visiting violations.
• Up to 90 days suspension of visitation which may include a combination of non-contact, video visiting and suspended visits for second violation with the exception of major visiting violations.
• For subsequent visiting violations, an automatic one-year visiting suspension may be imposed.
• Major visiting violations that jeopardize the security of the facility may result in permanent suspension of a visitor’s visiting.

The visitor(s), offender, and OIG investigator will be advised, in writing, of the administrative head’s decision within ten business days of the incident or situation. A visitor who has been denied, terminated, suspended, or revoked from visiting will be advised of the reasons for such action without revealing any confidential information.  

A visitor’s suspension and/or revocation from visiting from one facility will automatically include all other DOC facilities.

For all in-person contact and non-contact visits, visitors are required to abide by the below entry requirements and procedures. 

Detailed information regarding each requirements may be found under each expandable section below. 

Entry requirements 

Any approved visitor over the age of 18 is required to present valid picture identification prior to their admission for visiting. Social security numbers and additional identifying documents may be required to confirm a visitor’s identity in cases of name changes, suspected falsification and/or impersonation, or for other legitimate penological interests. Valid picture identification will include:

• State issued driver’s license or state issued picture I.D.
  • Address must match address on application.
  • Actual photo I.D. must be presented; no photocopies or digital I.D.s will be accepted.
• U.S.  Government issued or military I.D.;
• Driver’s license or picture I.D issued by American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.  
• Passport;
• Picture Visas issued by the U.S. Department of State such as Border Crossing Card and Resident Alien Cards.

ID Requirements:

• All forms of valid picture identification must be current (not expired) with an identifiable photo.  
• Other forms of identification which are not valid for purposes of entry include but are not limited to: digital ID, foreign driver’s licenses, proof of voter registration, social security cards, and student ID cards.    

At facilities housing medium or higher custody offenders, all visitors, except children under three years of age, will be required to have the back of their right hand stamped with an ultra-violet marker before entry into the facility, by the employee authorizing entry.  The marker stamped on the back of the right hand will be read by a “black light” to establish positive identification prior to authorizing the visitor’s departure from the facility.  After the visitor has left the facility, they may not return to visit during that visiting session.

All visitors are required to register upon entry into the facility by completing AR Form 300-01B, Offender Visitor Consent to Search Authorization, which specifies the circumstances under which visitors may be searched. Visitors will be required to complete this form before entering a facility or office. The form will remain on file and in effect at the facility or office for a term of one year after which the visitor will need to complete a new form.

It will be the responsibility of each visitor to notify DOC of any personal changes, verbally at the visiting center, or by completing AR Form 300-01C, Visiting Update, as necessary, at each subsequent visit.

Visitor refusal to provide information, omission of information requested and/or submission of false information may result in denial/revocation of visits. When visits are denied, as much specificity as reasonable shall be provided to the applicant to resolve their application.

All persons coming onto the grounds of a DOC facility, their vehicles, and articles of property in their possession are subject to inspection/search consistent with the security needs of the facility, as provided by C.R.S. 17-19-101.  In the event a visitor refuses to submit to any entrance or visiting procedure, that person will be denied entry and will be required to leave the DOC facility/property immediately. 

Introduction of Contraband

If an offender is found to be in possession of or using contraband, either during or following a visit, it will be assumed that the contraband was introduced by the visitor(s) and the contraband will become reasonable suspicion for revocation or suspension of visiting for that visitor(s).

Introduction of contraband is grounds for the permanent suspension of in-person and/or contact visitation.  Non-contact visitation by video or phone may be authorized as determined by the administrative head.

All items of contraband found on a visitor during a search will be immediately seized.  

• The shift commander is to be promptly notified to make a determination as to whether the seized contraband warrants summoning an Office of the Inspector General (OIG) investigator or in some cases the local law enforcement of jurisdiction.  
• The employee who initially discovers the contraband is to follow procedures for proper sealing and recording of such contraband for use as evidence.  A chain of custody, in writing, will be maintained on all confiscated evidence. Every effort is to be made to keep the number of employees who handles the evidence to a minimum.  
• The employee confiscating the contraband will transfer it directly to the summoned law enforcement representative.

If employees interacting with visitors determine that reasonable suspicion exists regarding the possible introduction and/or possession of contraband or the visitor has an outstanding warrant, the visitor:

• Will be denied entrance.
• May be detained for OIG investigators or in some cases local law enforcement of jurisdiction.  Physical force may not be used to detain a visitor unless there is an imminent threat to the life or safety of another person or to the security of the facility.
• May be referred to the district attorney’s office for criminal prosecution.
• Will be suspended or revoked from future visits.

 

Contraband Items per statute:

UNDER THE PROVISIONS OF COLORADO LAW, THE FOLLOWING ITEMS ARE DECLARED CONTRABAND TO THE OFFENDER POPULATION.  VISITORS WILL NOT INTRODUCE OR ATTEMPT TO INTRODUCE THESE ITEMS INTO THIS FACILITY OR AT ANY LOCATION WHERE AN OFFENDER IS LIKELY TO BE LOCATED WHILE SUCH OFFENDER IS IN THE CUSTODY AND UNDER THE JURISDICTION OF A POLITICAL SUBDIVISION OF THE STATE OF COLORADO OR THE DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS, BUT NOT ON PAROLE.

1. Any dangerous instrument: A firearm, explosive device or substance (including ammunition), knife or sharpened instrument, poison, acid, bludgeon, or projective device, or any other device, instrument, material, or substance which is readily capable of causing or inducing fear of death or bodily injury, the use of which is not specifically authorized.
2. Alcoholic beverages.
3. Marijuana and/or marijuana products   
4. Controlled substances.
5. Any key, key pattern, key replica, or lock pick.
6. Any tool or instrument that could be used to cut fence or wire, dig, pry, or file.
7. Any money or coin of United States or foreign currency or any written instrument of value.
8. Any uncanceled postage stamp or implement of the United States postal service.
9. Any counterfeit or forged identification card.
10. Any combustible material.
11. Any drug, other than a controlled substance, in quantities other than those authorized by a physician.
12. Any mask, wig (which was not disclosed in advance), disguise, or other means of altering normal physical appearance which could hinder ready identification
13. Any drug paraphernalia: all equipment, products, and materials of any kind which are used, intended for use, or designed for use in planting, propagating, cultivating, growing, harvesting, packaging, repackaging, storing, containing, concealing, injecting, ingesting, inhaling, or otherwise introducing into the human body a controlled substance in violation of the laws of this state.
14. Any material which is “obscene.”
15. Any chain, rope or ladder.
16. Any cigarettes or tobacco products, tobacco substitutes, vaping products or e-cigarettes or vaping liquid. (Employees refer to AR 100-04, Tobacco Use in Buildings and Vehicles for non-tobacco nicotine).
17. Any portable electronic communication device including but not limited to cell phones, public, private or family style radios, watches, I-Pads or tablets, pagers, personal digital assistants, “smart” glasses or any other device capable of transmitting or intercepting cellular or radio signals, and portable computers; except those devices authorized by the executive director of the DOC.
18. Consumer DNA testing kits (such as AncestryDNA, 23andMe or similar services).
19. Any article or thing that poses or may pose a threat to the security of the detention facility as determined by the administrative head of the facility.  This will include but not be limited to: matches, cigarette lighters, any substances used for brewing or making intoxicating beverages, any counterfeit or forged medium of exchange, or paraphernalia used to produce this medium, any written message, item or object that is to be sent or brought to another offender, batteries, cameras, film, flashbulbs, flashlights, chewing gum, pets, plant life, or any article or substance that is not specifically allowed by facility procedures.

AUTHORITY: C.R.S.  18-7-101, C.R.S.  18-8-203-204.2, C.R.S.  18-18-102, C.R.S.  18-18-202-207 and C.R.S.  18-18-426        

Food for Visitors and Inmates

Food purchased and/or made from outside of the facility may not be brought into a visiting area, with the exception of baby food. Administrative heads will have discretion to make visitor food exceptions, as defined in each specific facility’s implementation adjustment or by approval of a disability accommodation.

Visiting area vending machines are for use by visitors to obtain snack food items and beverages while visiting.  Employees supervising visits are not responsible for the vending machines.  Problems encountered in using the machines must be handled directly with the vendor.  Complaint and refund information will be posted in the visiting room.  

Visitors must abide by the following rules regarding food in visitation:

• All food preparation must be done at the assigned preparation areas.  
• Once done with food containers, soda bottles, etc., they will immediately be removed from the table and placed in the trash receptacle.
• Offenders and visitors will not eat or drink from the same container. All food and drink containers must remain on the same side of the table as the individual that is consuming them.
• Table tops must be cleared of all checked out items 30 minutes prior to the end of visiting. Closed food items may remain on the table.  
• Visitors will be allowed to retain excess food items or drink and take these items with them when the visit is concluded.
   

Visitor Expectations, Denial of Entry, and Prohibited Items

The following items are prohibited on DOC facility grounds and in visitation, as specified. 

• Visitors will not possess nor carry onto the grounds of a DOC facility any explosive devices, firearms, ammunition, alcoholic beverages, illicit narcotics, objects or materials that are readily adaptable for use to compromise the safety or security of the facility.  
• Visitors will not bring into the visiting area: books of any kind, pagers, cellular telephones, watches, I-Pads or tablets, cameras, film of any kind, video recording equipment, smart glasses or any other device capable of transmitting or intercepting cellular or radio signals, briefcases, cosmetics, tobacco, tobacco products, tobacco substitutes, vaping products or e-cigarettes and paraphernalia, or other items that require shakedown or search procedures, thus causing delay in facilitating visits.  
• Visitors will not bring into the visiting area any prescription medications other than the amount needed for the duration of the visit and as noted on the prescription.
  • All prescription medication must be in the pharmacy issued container with the pharmacy label attached. Separate medications may not be combined in one pharmacy issued container.
  • All prescription medications will be held at the officer station by visiting staff for accountability purposes.  
  • If medication needs to be refrigerated or requires a device to administer the medication, please see AR 100-42, Americans with Disabilities Act - Public Access for information on how to apply for an accommodation.  
• Animals are not allowed on state grounds except those that are service animals to assist disabled individuals.  Guidelines for use of service animals can be found in AR 100-42, Americans with Disabilities Act - Public Access.
• Visitors will not be permitted to bring in outside equipment for effective communication when it is available at the institution.  Any equipment that visitors are permitted to bring in for this purpose will be subject to search.
• Food purchased and/or made from outside of the facility may not be brought into a visiting area, with the exception of baby food. Administrative heads will have discretion to make visitor food exceptions, as defined in each specific facility’s implementation adjustment or by approval of a disability accommodation.

Authorized Items:

•  Visitors are allowed to bring one (1) personal debit/credit card into the facility visiting rooms for use in the vending machines. Visiting staff will account for each debit/credit card upon the visitor’s entry and departure and ensure that all debit/credit cards will remain in the visitor’s possession at all times.
• Diaper bags must be left under employee supervision. The following items in a diaper bag are allowed for infants and toddlers.  This is limited to children up to three years of age:
  • Two blankets per infant, no quilted blankets.
  • Four diapers, per child, along with a small quantity of diaper changing wipes.
  • One change of clothing per child.
  • One bib per child.
  • Two factory sealed containers of baby food, along with one plastic feeding utensil. No glass or metal containers.
  • Four baby bottles containing formula, water, milk, or juice (must be transparent plastic material).
  • One plastic child’s drinking cup.
  • Two plastic one-piece toys.
  • One pacifier.
    
     

Searches

All persons coming onto the grounds of a DOC facility, their vehicles, and articles of property in their possession are subject to inspection/search consistent with the security needs of the facility, as provided by C.R.S. 17-19-101.  In the event a visitor refuses to submit to any entrance or visiting procedure, that person will be denied entry and will be required to leave the DOC facility/property immediately. 

Searches of persons include:

• Electronic searches: At a minimum, electronic searches using walk through metal detectors or hand-held metal detectors will be used in processing visitors. Visitors without a medical accommodation who cannot clear an electronic search may be considered for a non-contact visit.
• Pat searches:  Pat searches will be conducted on as many visitors as time permits upon visitor entry and will be conducted by employees of the same gender.
  • If a visitor states they are transgender or intersex, they can request to be searched by an employee of the gender they identify with. This request will be honored if an employee of the designated gender is available and willing to conduct the search.
• Bandages, dressings, casts, etc:  Employees conducting the search will exercise care to be sure that they do not aggravate any injury, contaminate any wound or damage the coverings. Employees will use their discretion as to whether or not an adequate search of such items is possible. If an adequate search cannot be accomplished, the visit may be denied for that day.
• Health care appliances, i.e. wheelchairs, prosthetics, mobility devices as addressed in AR 100-42, Americans with Disabilities Act – Public Access, etc. and disability assistive devices or items, i.e. personal amplifiers, magnifying devices, special diet items, etc. and any other item approved as a reasonable disability accommodation.  If these items cannot be reasonably searched or pose a direct threat which cannot be reduced or eliminated, alternative, but equally effective appliances or devices may be offered at the administrative head or designee’s discretion.
• Religious hats or headgear will be removed and searched by a member of the same gender and then returned to the visitor. Visitors may request to remove the religious headgear in an enclosed private location in the presence of a staff member of the same gender to be searched and then returned to the visitor.
• All reasonable alternatives for effective search and/or measures, and options such as non-contact visit, to reduce security concerns will be exhausted prior to determination that the day’s visit will be denied.
• Visitors will not be strip searched.  If reasonable suspicion exists that the visitor is concealing contraband, OIG investigators or in some cases local law enforcement are to be summoned.

Visiting List Restrictions:

An offender’s visiting list will be subject to the following restrictions:

• Any person representing any potential health hazards to offenders, employees, contract workers, volunteers, or other visitors will not be approved for visits, until the health hazard is cured (e.g., communicable disease). DOC medical providers will render final decisions in such matters.
• Volunteers who resign from or are terminated by Faith and Citizen Programs may not be placed on an offender’s visiting list for a period of three years.
• The following persons will not be approved for visits without the approval of the administrative head.  Approval may be granted if visitation would assist with offender rehabilitation and re-entry. Administrative head may also consider allowing video visitation for the following:  
  • Persons who are on active parole, probation, or other forms of conditional release (e.g., community programs, furloughs from custody, etc.) for a felony or misdemeanor adjudication or those placed under constructive custody or perpetual supervision by the parole board or courts (e.g., sex offender life-time supervision).  
  • Persons who incurred a felony adjudication for which the terms of sentencing were incarceration must wait three years past the completion of their sentencing terms.  
  • Persons who incurred any other felony adjudication (e.g., probation, deferred judgment, community programs, fines, community services, or any other sentence) must wait one year past the completion, satisfaction or discharge of the sentencing terms.
  • Immediate family members as designated by policy will be eligible for review for visitation prior to the three-year waiting period.
  • Co-defendants.
• Visitors will not be placed on an offender’s visiting list and will be denied in person, non-contact, and video visitation when it has been determined they have a felony or misdemeanor warrant.
  • They MAY be on the offender’s phone list and have phone calls.  
  • If an active warrant is discovered the facility’s OIG investigator will be notified and provided with the information.  
• Current or previous employees, private prison employees, contract workers, or private company employees who provide offender supervision assistance, who were not an immediate family member of the offender prior to incarceration or parole supervision.
  • All such persons may request visiting access through the administrative head or designee after seven years have elapsed from the last date of their employment, or other work as listed, with the DOC.
• If it is determined that an individual is likely to present a potential security threat to the facility, they will not be approved for visits. 

Victim Requests for Visitation

Victims of offenders will not be approved to visit with the offender through the normal application process. Persons with an active and valid protection order that prohibits contact with the offender will not be authorized to visit the offender with whom the protection order exists unless approval has been obtained through the following process:

• Any victim of the offender who wishes to visit with the offender must submit such request, in writing, to the appropriate administrative head requesting authorization.  
  • The administrative head/designee will consult the victim services unit coordinator involving victims who are enrolled in the Victims Notification Program or as necessary.
  • The administrative head/designee will consult with the sex offender treatment team regarding victims of an offender, or children under the age of 18 who are requesting to visit a judicially determined sex offender.  *Judicially determined sex offenders will not be allowed to loiter near children in the visiting room.
• A written response to the victim indicating the decision will be made within 30 days from the receipt of such request.  
• The victim services unit coordinator will be notified of the administrative head’s or designee decision in cases involving victims enrolled in the Victim Notification Program.  
• The victim of the offender may have to resubmit another request if the offender changes facilities. Authorization does not apply to all facilities.  

The executive director or deputy executive director may temporarily cancel in-person or video visitation at individual facilities or visitation department-wide due to public health, safety and/ or security concerns.  Individual facility or department-wide notice of cancellation will be posted on the DOC website: cdoc.colorado.gov.  

Criteria for Visit Cancellation:

1. Public health emergencies, including but not limited to disease outbreaks, natural disasters, or environmental hazards impacting the facility.
2. Facility security incidents, such as lockdowns, disturbances, or other emergent safety threats.
3. Staffing shortages that directly affect the facility’s ability to safely supervise visitation.
4. Operational disruptions, including severe weather, infrastructure failures (e.g., power/water outages), or maintenance emergencies.
5. Programmatic or facility-wide events that require the use of visitation space, only if advance planning is not possible and the event is deemed essential by the administrative head.
6. Visitation will not be canceled for elective or non-essential reasons if it can be reasonably avoided.

Notification Process:

1. When visits are canceled, visitors will be notified as early as possible using the contact information provided on the approved visitation application (e.g., phone call, email, text, or mail, where applicable).
2. Offenders will be informed through facility communication procedures (e.g., written notice, case manager communication, or announcement).
3. The reason for cancellation will be clearly communicated to both parties.
    

Each facility may make the determination to deny, terminate, or suspend visiting based on inappropriate behavior(s)/action(s) of the visitor.  

Employees assigned to interact with offender visitors will contact the shift commander to discuss and review all decisions to deny or terminate visits with cause.  All decisions to deny or terminate visits will be documented via PCDCIS incident reporting.  

If a visit is denied or terminated for cause, the administrative head or designee will be notified and the visitor will be precluded from further or future visits until a determination is made by the administrative head.  The visitor may provide, in writing, any information deemed pertinent for the administrative head’s consideration during the review process.

Reasons for a visit being denied include:

• Offender refuses the visit.
• The visitor and/or offender appear to be under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.
• The visitor and/or offender refuses to submit to required entry procedures, including:
  • Failure to meet dress requirements
  • Failure to produce a valid ID
  • Is verbally abusive, is uncooperative or refuses to comply with search procedures.
• Visitors who operate a motor vehicle on DOC property without a valid driver’s license.
   

Possession and/or use of illegal and/or dangerous drugs including marijuana or tobacco constitutes a serious threat to the safety and security of all correctional facilities or offices, requiring that all efforts be employed to preclude entry and/or use of illegal and/or dangerous drugs including marijuana and tobacco within a correctional facility or DOC office.  

1.  Verified possession will be by accepted testing procedures such as Narkit field testing and/or urinalysis screening.  When an offender initially tests positive for drugs, refuses to submit to testing, and/or tampers with a urine sample, visiting access may temporarily be suspended pending the conclusion of the investigation and/or disciplinary processes.
2. Upon verified introduction or attempted introduction of illegal and/or dangerous drugs, including marijuana and/or tobacco through visiting, the administrative head will review the incident report(s) and all other relevant information to determine sanctions.
3. Suspension of contact visiting access will be ordered, in writing, by the administrative head and provided to the offender.
4. An offender’s suspension and/or revocation from visiting access from one facility will automatically include all other DOC facilities for the same duration.