What to Wear (and Not Wear) When Visiting Bell County Camp: Visitor Dress Code Checklist
Dress code violations are one of the fastest ways to get turned away at the door. Use this checklist to make sure you show up to Bell County Camp dressed right and avoid a wasted trip.
Dress modestly and keep things simple. Clothing should be appropriate for a correctional setting, which means nothing too revealing or too tight. Wear appropriate undergarments, and make sure they stay hidden. If your undergarments show through your clothes, peek out at the neckline, or become visible when you move, staff may treat that as a dress code violation.
Bell County Camp bans several clothing categories from the visiting room. Skip anything provocative, revealing, see-through, or excessively tight. Also leave behind clothing with obscene language or images, gang-related insignia, or anything offensive, derogatory, or disruptive.
- ✓ Do not wear shorts, dresses, or skirts that are more than 2 inches above the knee when standing.
- ✓ Do not wear tank tops.
- ✓ Do not wear halter tops.
- ✓ Do not wear tube tops.
- ✓ Do not wear any sleeveless shirts.
- ✓ Do not wear spandex, leggings, or yoga pants as the outermost garment.
- ✓ Leggings/yoga pants are only permitted when worn underneath a skirt, dress, or pants that meet the length requirements.
Head coverings are not allowed. This includes hats, caps, bandanas, scarves, and hoods. Religious head coverings are the exception, but expect them to be searched during screening.
Even if you believe your outfit follows the rules, staff have the final say. Bell County Camp gives facility staff sole discretion over whether your clothing meets the dress code.
- Be ready to fix it on the spot: If staff say something you are wearing violates the dress code, you may be given a chance to correct the issue (for example, changing clothes or covering up) if it is possible.
- Know the risk if you cannot correct it: If the problem cannot be fixed, you will be denied entry for that visit.
Quick Prep
- ✓ Check length before you leave. Shorts, skirts, and dresses cannot be more than 2 inches above the knee when you are standing.
- ✓ Skip leggings, spandex, and yoga pants as your main outfit. If you wear them at all, they need to be under a compliant skirt, dress, or pants.
- ✓ Avoid anything revealing, see-through, or overly tight.
- ✓ Do not wear sleeveless tops (including tank, halter, and tube styles).
- ✓ Do a quick mirror check for undergarments. They must be worn and they cannot be visible.
- ✓ Keep a simple cover-up option in the car (like an extra layer) in case you are asked to cover up.
Note: If you wear a religious head covering, plan extra time and patience for screening. Religious head coverings are allowed, but they are subject to search.
Not sure about a specific item? Email bcfc.visitation@ky.gov before your visit. Getting an answer ahead of time can save you a wasted trip.
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