Before Your First Visit to Alvin S. Glenn: What to Bring and What to Expect (checklist)
Your first visit to Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center goes smoother when you schedule ahead, bring the right ID, and know what to expect once you arrive.
Before you go, confirm your visit is scheduled in the GTL visitation portal. Alvin S. Glenn requires all visits to be booked through this system - no exceptions. Since August 18, 2024, walk-in scheduling and "blue-sheet" scheduling by the person in custody are no longer allowed. If your visit isn't in the portal, assume you won't get in that day.
- ✓ Sign in to the GTL visitation scheduling portal before you leave to confirm your visit is on the calendar.
- ✓ Save proof of your scheduled visit (for example, a screenshot of the confirmation page) so you can reference the date and time if there’s any confusion.
- ✓ If you need to make changes, use the portal to manage the visit - don’t plan on fixing scheduling in person.
Bring a photo ID. No ID, no visit - staff will turn you away at check-in. Double-check your wallet before you leave.
Dress appropriately. Staff enforce the dress code and will turn you away if your clothing doesn't meet requirements. Play it safe with your outfit choice.
Only two visitors are allowed at a time. Children count toward that limit, so if you bring a child, that's one of your two spots.
Visiting hours run Monday through Friday, 8:15 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. That's a wide window if you're working around a job schedule - but you still need to book through the portal ahead of time.
Note: Visits may pause during meals, shift changes, or lockdowns. This doesn't mean your visit is canceled - just that the facility is handling operations and safety first.
Keep weekly limits in mind: detainees get one lobby visit and one video visit per week. If you're coordinating with other family members, the two-visitor cap still applies for in-person visits. Decide ahead of time who's going.
When Turned Away
- ✓ Keep your scheduling confirmation handy so you can verify your appointment details.
- ✓ If you can’t complete your visit as planned, use the GTL portal to manage and reschedule - walk-in scheduling isn’t allowed.
- ✓ Remember that detainees can’t schedule family visits using blue sheets anymore, so don’t rely on an on-site exception.
- Pause and wait - visits can be paused during meals, shift changes, or lockdowns.
- Check in with staff if you’re unsure - they can tell you whether visits are simply paused or if you’ll need to come back.
- Reschedule through the portal if needed - use your confirmation details and book the next available time in the GTL system during the facility’s visiting window (Monday–Friday, 8:15 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.).
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