What to Expect and What to Bring on Your First Visit to Bedford Hills
Your first visit to Bedford Hills goes smoother when you plan around the schedule, bring the right ID, and know what to expect from screening and visiting-room rules. Here's your quick prep guide so you don't get delayed—or turned away at the door.
Bedford Hills has visits on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Start there when picking a day - then check the weekend schedule rules below to narrow it down.
Visiting hours run 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM. The window looks long, but factor in check-in and security screening before you actually reach the visiting room.
Don’t cut it close: The latest arrival time for visits at Bedford Hills is 3:00 PM.
Weekend visits are divided into segments based on the incarcerated person's last name - groupings like A–Z, A–L, and M–Z. Double-check which segment applies before you go. Show up on the wrong one, and you won't be able to visit that day.
IDs Minors
- ✓ Driver’s license with photo (valid and current)
- ✓ DMV non-driver photo identification (valid and current)
- ✓ Government-issued photo identification (valid and current)
- ✓ Armed Services ID with photo (valid and current)
- ✓ Employment identification with a photo (valid and current)
Bringing a minor without photo ID? DOCCS accepts a birth certificate or baptismal certificate. Just make sure you're comfortable handing it over for inspection at the facility.
Before entering the visiting area, you'll go through a body image scanner. DOCCS requires this for access to the full-contact visiting program. Build in extra time - especially on busy days.
If you decline the scan: You’ll be processed under Directive #4403 for a non-contact visit only.
Most people can visit as long as they come during scheduled hours, bring proper ID, and the incarcerated person agrees to the visit. At Bedford Hills, that means planning for Wednesday, Saturday, or Sunday - and arriving with valid ID that staff will accept at check-in.
- Bring valid identification - you’ll need proper, current ID to be processed as a visitor.
- Confirm the incarcerated individual agrees to the visit - first-time visits can be allowed when the person you’re visiting agrees.
- Sign the required statement - first-time visitors must sign a statement saying they’ve been advised of, and agree to follow, the visiting rules and regulations.
Bedford Hills allows up to three visitors per visit, plus one child under five. That child must sit on an adult's lap - plan your seating accordingly.
Follow the visiting rules closely. DOCCS takes violations seriously - you could lose visiting privileges or face prosecution. Not sure if something's allowed? Ask staff first.
Heads up: Generally, once you’re in the visiting room, you can’t leave without terminating your visit.
Visitor Hospitality Center
- ✓ Shelter (a place to wait before entering)
- ✓ Restrooms
- ✓ Baby changing station
- ✓ Lockers for storing personal belongings
- ✓ Visitor information about visitation rules and regulations
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