Visiting Applications and Rules for Visiting Vermont Inmates
Family and friends maintaining communications with an inmate is an important part of an offenders rehabilitation. Inmates who have substantial community ties and a strong support network are more likely to successfully discharge from prison and become a productive member of society. Because the process of visiting an inmate can be confusing and many people don't know how to start the process we have outlined all the important information you need to know when visiting an inmate in Vermont.
- When inmates are initially processed into the Vermont Department of Corrections they will fill out a visitation list. You can view a sample of the Vermont Inmate Visitors form here.
- An inmate will have to submit a visitors full name, date of birth, relationship, home and mailing address on the visitation form. If you think the inmate does not know all of this information you can send them a letter or tell them over the phone the next time they call.
- Once you are on an inmate's approved visitors list you can attend a visiting session.
- All visitors over the age of 16 must provide a valid photo government issued ID such as a driver's license, state ID, or passport. The name and address on the ID must match the name and address submitted by the inmate on the visitors form.
- Visitors under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or adult legal guardian. Additionally, visitors under the age of 16 must bring their birth certificate with them to visit.
- Visiting hours are posted for each facility on our site. The processing of visitors will stop during the last 30 minutes of the visiting times posted.
- All visitors are required to enter through the main entrance, and record their name on the visitors log.
- You will be required to pass through a metal detector and may be searched. The prison may utilize canine units to aid in their search for contraband. Additionally your car may be searched if it is on institutional grounds.
Additional information you should know when visiting inmates in Vermont:
- Anyone who appears to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol will not be allowed to visit.
- If you are denied visitation or have been directed to leave you must do so immediately. Failure to do so may result in a trespass citation being issued by local law enforcement.
- Cell phones, cameras, recording devices, music devices, and electronics of any kind are prohibited from entering into the facility, leave these items in your car.
- Food and drinks are also restricted from entering into the prison.
- Money, jewelry purses, wallets etc. are not allowed to enter into the visiting area.
- Tobacco and tobacco related products are not allowed in any of the Vermont correctional facilities.
- During the visit, inmates hands and visitors hands must be visible on top of the table at all times.
- Inmates are allowed a maximum of three visitors at a time.
- Read the full list of rules and regulations for visiting inmates in Vermont here.
Dress Code/Contact Rules for Visitors of Vermont Inmates
All visitors of Vermont inmates are required to follow a dress code. The dress code is in place to preserve the safety, security and order of the institution and is strictly enforced. We recommend all visitors leave a change of clothes in their car so that they may quickly change in the event an article of clothing they are wearing is deemed inappropriate. The Vermont prisons dress code is as follows:
- All visitors and inmates are required to talk in a quiet manner. Loud and disruptive behavior is not tolerated and will result in the visit terminating.
- Sweat shirts and hooded shirts are not allowed.
- Clothing that contains holes or has rips in them are prohibited.
- Sheer and transparent clothing is restricted from being worn.
- Any clothing that closely resembles the inmates clothes or the staffs clothes is prohibited.
- Uniforms such as military or doctors/nurse scrubs are restricted from being worn.
- Any items that cover the face including hats, headbands, scarves etc. are not allowed to be worn.
- Outerwear that includes coats, gloves, and jackets are not permitted to enter into the visiting room.
- Any clothing that exposes the midriff, back, shoulders, cleavage, thighs or other excessive skin is not allowed.
- Clothing that is tight such as spandex or leggings is not allowed.
- Low cut clothing, v-neck shirts, tank tops, halter tops, and tube tops are prohibited.
- Skirts, shorts, and dresses must be no higher than two inches above the knee when standing.
- Clothing that contains offensive language or images are prohibited.
- Tattoos must be covered especially if they are of an inflammatory nature.
- Sandals, flip-flops, and open toed shoes are not allowed.
If you are visiting an inmate in Vermont and have a question, or have already visited your inmate and would like to share your experience, please leave a comment. Alternatively, if you know of some other useful information relating to visiting an inmate in Vermont let us know by leaving a comment below.