Before Your First Visit to Algoa: What to Bring, What to Leave Behind
Your first visit to Algoa Correctional Center goes smoother when you plan for screening and arrive at the right time. Use this checklist to avoid getting turned away at the gate or accidentally bringing something that could cause serious problems.
At Algoa, you can't show up hours early and wait on the grounds. Visitors may arrive in the parking lot no earlier than 30 minutes before visiting starts. If you get there too soon, wait off-site until you're within that window.
Entry is first-come, first-served. If you want the best shot at getting processed without feeling rushed, treat arrival time as part of your visit plan.
Heads up: No person or pet may remain in a vehicle on institutional grounds during visits. Arrange childcare and pet care before you drive onto the property.
Expect airport-style screening when you enter. You, your packages, your children, and your vehicle are all subject to search. Metal detectors are used at all facilities. When you submit the online visiting application, you agree to comply with all visiting regulations, including consent to searches.
Before you drive out: You need the offender's DOC ID to submit the online visiting application. Don't attempt to visit until you've received final approval.
You may also be asked to do an itemizer wipe test. Staff will hand you a towelette to wipe your shirt front, pockets, and palms. The sample goes into a machine that checks for trace amounts of narcotics or explosives. This is part of the broader screening process alongside searches and metal detector checks.
Don't bring anything that could be considered contraband, even if it's legal outside. Under Missouri statute 217.360, bringing drugs, alcoholic beverages, firearms, or any other prohibited article into a correctional facility is a criminal offense. This may be charged as a felony, with punishment up to 15 years in prison.
Reminder: Visiting includes consent to searches. Screening can cover you, your property, your children, and your vehicle. If you bring prohibited items and they're discovered, you face legal consequences.
If you're attending an incentive (food) visit, plan for hands-on inspection. Staff may cut, stir, pierce, or separate food items to check for contraband. If something can't be easily searched, it may be denied. Keep your food choices simple and easy to inspect.
What you’ll see: Staff members conducting food searches must wear appropriate gloves and a hair net or cap during inspection.
Practical Reminders
- ✓ Get the offender’s DOC ID before you start the online visiting application.
- ✓ Wait until your visiting application has final approval before attempting a visit.
- Show up ready for screening - entering prison grounds means you, your packages, your children, and your vehicle are subject to search, and metal detectors are used.
- Stick to the visiting regulations you agreed to - the online application includes agreeing to comply with all visiting regulations, including consent to searches.
- Follow staff instructions the first time - if you are unsure about an item you brought or a step in the process, ask before you proceed.
One last timing and parking check: arrive no earlier than 30 minutes before visiting begins. Entry is first-come, first-served. No person or pet may remain in a vehicle on institutional grounds, so don't plan to have someone wait in the car while you go inside.
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