Visiting an inmate in Mississippi

Visiting Applications and Rules for Visiting Mississippi Inmates

Maintaining the relationship between inmates and their friends and family is an essential part of the inmates rehabilitation.  Multiple studies have shown that inmates who have close community and family ties supported through visitation have a lower recidivism rate.  One of the challenges faced by the Mississippi department of correction is the stigma attached to visiting an inmate.  Prospective visitors often feel discouraged and overwhelmed when they think of visiting a prison, and often don't know how to start the process.  To make it easier for everyone, we have amassed the most important things you'll need to know before you visit your inmate in Mississippi:

• During the initial receiving and classification process, inmates will fill out a visitation list with up to ten visitors on it.  These visitors will be mailed a visitors application, this is the only way you can get the application, as the Mississippi Department of Correction does not make it available online.
• The offender is responsible for informing you of your visiting applications status, do not contact the facility in regards to your applications status.
• You can only be on one offenders visiting list at a time (with the exception of immediate family members).
• All visitors must have a valid state issued or federal ID, such as a driver's license, state ID, passport, or military ID.
• If the visitor is 14 years or older they must have photo ID with a date of birth on it, visitors under 14 years of age must be accompanied by a parent/guardian and bring their birth certificate with them.
• All visitors must submit to a search and pass through a metal detector if they want to visit an inmate.
• Cell phones, cameras, recording devices, music players, and electronics are prohibited from entering the facility, leave these items in your car.
• Tobacco and related products including cigarettes, lighters, and matches are not allowed to enter into the facility.

Some additional information you may want to know about visiting Mississippi inmates:

• Non-contact visitation is conducted behind a window, or partition that keeps you physically separate from the inmate.
• Contact visits allow a brief hug and a kiss at the beginning and end of each visit.
• If you leave the visiting area during a visit, the visit will terminate.  Be sure to use the bathroom prior to entering into the visiting area.
• Some facilities have vending machines in the visiting area or allow you to purchase items from the canteen while visiting.  To purchase items you may bring up to $20 in small bills/dollar coins, or quarters.  Not all facilities participate, so call ahead and check if you want to bring money with you. 
• If you are visiting a correctional institution with an infant you can bring additional items.  Most facilities allow up to two diapers, clear Ziploc of a small amount of wipes, two clear plastic bottles, a single change of clothes, and a single pacifier.  You should contact the facility to get the specifics as each facility differs slightly in what they allow.
• You cannot bring any items to give to the inmate during a visit, and the inmate may not give anything to you.
• If you fail to comply to orders given by staff, are disruptive, fail to produce ID, display excessive physical contact, or appear to be under the influence of drugs/alcohol your visiting privileges will be terminated.

Dress Code/Contact Rules for Visitors of Mississippi Inmates

Every institution in Mississippi has a dress code for visitors.  The dress code exists in order to respect other visitors, and to ensure the safety and security of the institution.  The dress code is strictly enforced, and if you fail to adhere to the dress code you will not be allowed to visit.  It is up to the guard on duty to interpret and enforce the dress code rules, so what may be acceptable to one guard may be a violation to another.  We suggest you always bring a change of clothing with you to leave in your car so that in the event an item of clothing you are wearing is deemed inappropriate you can quickly change and not miss a visit.  The following dress code must be adhered to:

• Shirts, underwear (including bras for women), and Shoes must be worn at all times.
• You cannot wear sleeveless tops, or any clothing that exposes the midriff, back, shoulders, cleavage, thighs or other excessive skin is not allowed.
• If the clothing is tight such as spandex, leggings, tube tops, tank tops, or is sheer or see-through it cannot be worn.
• All pants and shorts must be worn above the waist.
• No cut off shorts, jogging shorts, or biking shorts are allowed.  All shorts must come down to the knees.
• Jewelry may not be worn, with the exception of a wedding ring, religious medallion or a medical alert bracelet.
• Hats, caps, bandanas, or any item that covers the face may not be worn.
• Skirts and dresses must come down to the knee when seated and may not have a slit above the knee.
• If your clothing contains offensive language or images you will not be allowed to visit.
• Uniforms such as military or doctors/nurse scrubs are restricted from being worn.

If you have a question, or if you have already visited your inmate in Mississippi and would like to share your experience, or know of some other useful information please post it below.