Visitation Rules and Procedures

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 inmates are required to obey all staff instructions and to comply with all relevant Administrative Regulations. Please reference for detailed information in Administrative Regulation 300-01 Offender Visiting Program, which is available for review on our department policies page.  Each visitor is responsible to know and abide by the rules outlined in the policy. Failure to do so may result in termination of visits and/or suspension of visiting privileges.

Contact
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. In instances of substantiated security risks, the administrative head may restrict any offender’s contact visitation privileges for legitimate penological concerns and they will have non-contact or video visits only. Body contacts between inmates and visitors other than these will not be permitted.

Children and Minors
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. Breast-feeding of infants is only allowed in the designated area noted in the facility procedures.

Any approved visitor over the age of 18 is required to present valid picture identification prior to their admission for visiting.

Clothing Standards

• Any clothing worn on the top half of the body must have sleeves and not expose the cleavage line, back, midriff and/or underarm at any time while standing, sitting and/or bending down.  
• 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.
• 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.  
• 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 or comb will not be allowed.  Only hair accessories which are soft in nature will be permitted to be worn inside the visiting area.
• Top or bottom clothing which is solid gray, solid green, solid orange, solid white, camouflage, or tactical in nature, or resembles offender attire or presents adornments which could be used as a weapon, are not permitted.  
• 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.  
• Appropriate undergarments are required, and will not be visible.
• Clothing which is sheer or transparent will not be permitted. Clothing that contains holes and/or rips will not be permitted.
• Outer garments worn on the bottom half of the body must be no shorter than the knee while standing.
• Trousers will be worn in the manner intended (no sagging).
• No cargo pants or shorts.
• Wrap-around clothing will not be allowed.
• Visitors are not to wear hats into the visiting area, except for religious hats or headgear or by approval of a disability accommodation. 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.    
• If a pull over, zipper, or button up sweater is worn, it will be worn at all times inside the visiting area. A garment is required to be worn underneath the sweater within the guidelines of this policy.
• Leggings and jeggings may only be worn under outer garments that must be no shorter than the knee while standing.  
• Prescription sunglasses only.  

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 shall not exchange any object nor 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. If an offender is found to be in possession of or use of 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 privileges for that visitor(s).

Sanctions that may be Imposed for Violations

Revocation/Termination of visits
Up to 30 days of non-contact visitation and/or video visitation for first violation.

Up to 90 days suspension of visitation privileges which may include a combination of non-contact, video visiting and suspended visits for second violation.

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 privileges.
 

Any visitor whose privileges have been revoked or suspended for one year or longer may initially request, in writing, reconsideration after one year. After one year, reconsideration, in writing, may be requested at six-month intervals.  Requests are to be sent to the administrative head where the offender resides.

Suspension and/or revocation from visiting privileges from one facility will automatically include all other DOC facilities.

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.  

When an offender initially tests positive for drugs, refuses to submit to testing, and/or tampers with a urine sample, visiting privileges may temporarily be suspended pending the conclusion of the investigation and/or disciplinary processes.

Upon verified introduction or attempted introduction of illegal and/or dangerous drugs, including marijuana and/or tobacco through visiting, the following may be imposed:

a.    Up to three months of non-contact visitation and/or video visitation only.

b.    Up to six-months suspension of visitation privileges.

c.    For subsequent violations, an automatic one-year visiting suspension may be imposed.
 

Verified possession will be by accepted testing procedures such as Narkit field testing and/or urinalysis screening.

Suspension of visiting privileges will be ordered, in writing, by the administrative head. 

An offender’s suspension and/or revocation from visiting privileges from one facility will automatically include all other DOC facilities.

Any approved visitor over the age of 18 is required to present a valid picture identification prior to their admission for visiting. Acceptable identification would include:

• State issued driver’s license or state issued picture I.D.
• 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
   

Official or picture identification card need not be required for visitors under age 18 unless the visitor is an emancipated minor.

The address listed on the photo ID on file must match the address on the visiting application. 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: 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 shall 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.

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 visits and will be required to leave DOC facility/property immediately. 

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

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.

Items authorized to enter the facility must be carefully inspected for contraband.

Food purchased and/or made from outside of the facility may not be brought into a visiting area, with the exception of baby food. 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:

a.      Two blankets per infant, no quilted blankets

b.      Four diapers, per child, along with a small quantity of diaper changing wipes

c.      One change of clothing per child

d.      One bib per child

e.      Two factory sealed containers of baby food, along with one plastic feeding utensil. No glass or metal containers

f.      Four baby bottles containing formula, water, milk, or juice (must be transparent plastic material)

g.      One plastic child’s drinking cup

h.      Two plastic one-piece toys

i.      One pacifier
 

Visiting area vending machines are for use by visitors to obtain snack food items and beverages while visiting. Staff 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.  
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.
 

Visitors’ vehicles will be secured and locked while on state/DOC property.

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.

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 to include watches, I-Pads or tablets, 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 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.

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 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.  

Visitors will not be permitted to bring or have cameras, film of any kind, or video recording equipment in the course of a visit.  

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.
 

Offender visiting is a privilege.

Searches
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 or a video 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.  In questionable cases, a DOC medical practitioner may be called to assist before the visit is approved.  If an adequate search cannot be accomplished, the visit may be denied.

-Health care appliances, i.e. wheelchairs, prosthetics, mobility devices 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.

-Health care appliances, disability assistive devices and special diet items:  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. 
 

This offender visiting policy recognizes offender visiting as a privilege that can be approved, denied, suspended, or revoked by the administrative head or designee of the facility to which the offender is assigned.

The Executive Director or Deputy Executive Director may cancel in-person 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: https://cdoc.colorado.gov/  

Each facility will regulate the time schedule, frequency of visits, and the number of persons permitted, per visit, according to its security needs and space limitations.  All limitations must be applied uniformly to all offenders of the same security level at each facility.  To the extent practical, facility visiting hours will be established to minimize interruption of regular offender programming.

Within the facility’s implementation adjustments governing offender visiting, the administrative head or designee will establish criteria for determining whether the visit is to be a video visit, a contact or a non-contact visit. Other special visiting restrictions may be imposed in consideration of facility scheduling, space availability, security, and/or employee constraints.

Visits may be terminated any time if a facility emergency exists; visitors must leave the facility/grounds promptly.

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:  

     1)    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).  

     2)    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.  

     3)     Persons who incurred a misdemeanor adjudication and the sentencing terms (e.g. probation, community service, fines, or any other sentence) are satisfied, and the case is closed, may be considered if they meet all conditions under this AR.

     4)     Visitors will not be placed on an offender’s visiting list and will be denied visiting privileges when it has been determined they have a felony or misdemeanor warrant.  If an active warrant is discovered the facility’s OIG investigator will be notified and provided with the information.  

     5)    Co-defendants.

     6)    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 privileges 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.  

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.  

     1)    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.  

          a)    The administrative head will consult the victim services unit coordinator involving victims who are enrolled in the Victims Notification Program or as necessary.  

         b)    The administrative head 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.  

         c)    A written response to the victim indicating the decision will be made within 30 days from the receipt of such request.  

         d)    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.  

         e)    The victim of the offender may have to resubmit another request if the offender changes facilities. Authorization does not apply to all facilities.  

If it is determined that an individual is likely to have a detrimental effect on the offender, or present a potential security threat to the facility, they will not be approved for visits.

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, terminated for cause, or suspended, or for any other reasonable cause include, but are not limited to:

• 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, produce a valid ID, or refusal of searches.
• 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 or intoxicants.
• A violation of this AR, employee directives, and/or other relevant rules, or repetitive minor violations requiring cautions and/or warnings by employees.
• Either the offender or visitor creates a disturbance, including failure to control minor children, during the visit.
• The offender and/or visitor become involved in body contacts (other than hand holding or holding a young child) or engage in any type of inappropriate sexual conduct.
• The visitor engages in activity that appears intent upon aiding in the escape or attempt to escape from custody of any offender.
• 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.
• Any attempt to exchange with or give an offender any item other than that acquired through available vending machines during the visit.
• The offender or visitor fails to promptly obey employee instruction.
• The offender or visitor directs verbally abusive language about or to employees.
• The offender or visitor attempts to damage or damages state property.
• The visitor attempts to smuggle any 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 area on, adjacent to, being used by, or associated with facility property or operations, for the offender to pick up.
• A visitor has incurred a pending felony or misdemeanor.
       
  Failure to visit for a one-year period without reapplying.
• Visitor is active on another offender’s list and is not an immediate family member.    
• Visitors who operate a motor vehicle on DOC property without a valid driver’s license, visitors whose vehicles are left unsecured and/or if contraband is visible in plain sight within the vehicle.

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. The visitor may provide, in writing, any information deemed pertinent for the administrative head’s consideration during the review process.