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What to Wear to a Video Visit at Alger: MDOC Dress Code for Remote Calls

Video visits at Alger Correctional Facility come with a dress code—and yes, staff enforce it on camera. Here's how to pick an outfit that won't get your call cut short.

• 2 min read • michigan.gov
What to Wear to a Video Visit at Alger: MDOC Dress Code for Remote Calls

The baseline rule for MDOC video visits at Alger is straightforward: you must be fully dressed for the entire call. Underwear, bathing suits, and lingerie don't count as outer clothing - even if you're calling from home. You also can't remove clothing during the visit, so get comfortable before you connect.

Staff are watching through a webcam, so "coverage" means what your outfit looks like on screen - not just what you meant to wear. Pick something that clearly reads as regular clothing (not pajamas or beachwear) and stays in place when you shift around. Not sure how it'll look? Do a quick test in the same chair and lighting you'll use for the actual visit.

Breastfeeding exception: Breastfeeding is allowed during an MDOC video visit as long as the breastfeeding child is on the prisoner’s approved visitor list.

You're not allowed to display or show items on camera during an MDOC video visit. Don't hold things up to the screen or try to "show" objects to the person you're visiting. Keep the focus on conversation - anything you present on camera could end the visit early.

Legal documents exception: Immediate family members may show and discuss legal documents during a video visit.

What to Wear to a Video Visit at Alger: MDOC Dress Code for Remote Calls
  1. Log into the ViaPath Visitor Website 10 minutes early - MDOC requires registered, approved video visitors to be online 10 minutes before the scheduled visit for verification.
  2. Have your photo ID ready to show on camera - Adult visitors must present pictured identification (such as a driver’s license, state ID, military ID, passport, or other government-issued photo ID) on video prior to each visit.
  • ✓ Wear full, regular clothing on camera (no underwear, bathing attire, or lingerie as outer garments)
  • ✓ Keep your clothing on for the entire visit (no removing clothing during the call)
  • ✓ If you may need to breastfeed, make sure the child is on the prisoner’s approved visitor list before nursing on camera
  • ✓ Do a quick “camera frame” test beforehand so your outfit stays fully covered when you sit, lean, or reach

Have your photo ID ready when the session starts. You'll need to hold it up to the camera so staff can read it clearly. Fumbling around or having an ID that's hard to see on screen can stall verification - and that's an easy way for a visit to go sideways before it even begins.

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