What to Expect During the Search Process at Branchville (and the Consequences of Refusal)

Every visitor entering Branchville undergoes a frisk search. This isn't a quick pat-down - staff will physically check the breast and groin areas. It's thorough, and it's standard procedure for everyone.

What-staff-are-looking-for

• ✓ Controlled substances and other drugs (including narcotics)
• ✓ Tobacco and tobacco-related items
• ✓ Weapons of any kind, including firearms, knives, and ammunition
• ✓ Electronic devices and recording equipment, including cell phones, cameras, pagers, and similar devices
• ✓ Medication (not allowed unless it’s life-saving or life-sustaining, such as nitroglycerin pills, oxygen bottles, bee sting kits, or inhalers)
• ✓ Baby items are limited: you may only carry in one clear plastic baby bottle and/or pacifier and one diaper

Staff are looking for prohibited items: controlled substances, tobacco, electronic devices, and weapons. The search exists to keep these off Department property.

Getting caught with prohibited items is serious. If staff suspect trafficking - bringing in controlled substances, tobacco, electronic devices, or weapons - they can turn evidence over to the Indiana State Police with a recommendation to prosecute. You could also be permanently banned from visiting any offender at any Department of Correction facility. Not just Branchville - every facility in the system.

Quick-summary

• ✓ Expect a frisk search as part of entry, including a physical search of the breast and groin areas.
• ✓ If you refuse to be searched, you will be denied the visit.
• ✓ Trafficking/prohibited items (like controlled substances, tobacco, electronic devices, or weapons) can be referred to law enforcement and may lead to a permanent ban from DOC visits.