Before Your First Visit to Bent County: Complete Checklist for Visitors

Start with visitor approval. The process at Bent County typically takes about 45 days, so plan ahead if you're trying to visit by a specific date. Once you're approved, request a visit by emailing bccfvisiting@corecivic.com. Include the first and last name and date of birth for each person who wants to visit, the days you're requesting, and the incarcerated person's first and last name plus their DOC number. One thing to keep in mind: in-state visitors cannot schedule more than 14 days in advance. That limit can affect how you time your request, especially if you're coordinating travel or working around a tight schedule.

• ✓ Expect a yearly background check if you are an active visitor on file.
• ✓ If you have not visited for one year, you will be automatically deactivated and will need to reapply.

Application and ID Documents

• ✓ Submit a copy of a valid, unexpired government-issued photo ID with your visiting application.
• ✓ Make sure the address on your photo ID matches the address on your visiting application, mismatches can lead to denial.
• ✓ Bring your valid picture ID if you are 18 or older, you must present it before you will be admitted for visiting.
• ✓ Do not rely on photocopies or digital IDs for entry.

When you arrive, you'll need to complete AR Form 300-01B (Offender Visitor Consent to Search Authorization). This consent form stays on file for one year. After that, you'll need to fill out a new one.

Expect entry checks before you're allowed into the visiting area. At facilities housing medium or higher custody offenders, everyone (except children under three) must have the back of their right hand stamped with an ultra-violet marker before entry. Staff will also verify your AR Form 300-01B consent-to-search registration. If you've visited before within the past year, that form may already be on file. Either way, you still need to follow the facility's full entry procedures each time.

Bent County visitors must follow the DOC visitation dress code and conduct policies. If you don't meet the dress code or break conduct rules, the facility can cancel or end your visit on the spot. You're responsible for knowing the full visiting rules in Administrative Regulation 300-01. Ignoring them can cost you visiting privileges, not just for the day, but longer-term.

Physical contact during a visit is limited. A short embrace and a brief closed-mouth kiss may be permitted at the beginning and end of the visit. Hand-holding is allowed during the visit. If you're visiting with an infant, breast-feeding is only allowed in the designated area described in the facility's procedures.

1. Treat contraband rules as zero-tolerance - introduction of contraband by a visitor is grounds for permanent suspension of in-person and/or contact visitation.
2. Know how suspensions can stack up - after review by the administrative head, visiting violations may result in a 30-day suspension for a first violation, 90 days for a second, and one year for a third.

Day of Visit Timing and Practicals

• ✓ Visit on the correct days: Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
• ✓ Plan around the visiting hours: 10:00 a.m. to 3:50 p.m.
• ✓ Arrive early for processing, Bent County begins processing visitors at 9:30 a.m.
• ✓ Do not assume holidays are "off," holidays are not exceptions and visiting follows the posted schedule.
• ✓ Plan ahead for anything you might need from your car, you cannot re-enter once you leave.

If you're putting money on an account for canteen, timing matters. Funds sent before 4:00 p.m. MT are generally available the next day, but it's smart to allow 2 to 3 days for processing before the money is ready for canteen orders. For care packages, Union Supply is the department's only approved provider. They offer monthly care packages, and orders are subject to spending limits for the incarcerated person's assigned facility and living unit.