What to Bring (and What to Leave Behind) for Your Blackburn Corrections Complex Visit
Pack light and stick to what's allowed—that's the key to a smooth visit at Blackburn. This guide covers exactly what you can bring and what needs to stay in the car.
Want snacks or drinks during your visit? You'll need to use the vending machines - outside food and beverages aren't allowed in the visiting area. Blackburn caps vending money at $50, and only quarters, ones, fives, and tens are accepted. Put your cash in a clear container. Leave purses, wallets, and handbags in the car; they're not allowed inside.
Heads up: Show up with more than $50, wrong denominations, or a purse, and you could be delayed or turned away. Pack only what the rules allow.
Leave your cell phone locked in your vehicle - phones aren't allowed in the visiting area. Keep your car and pockets simple, too. Both your vehicle and person may be searched before entry, so anything you don't need for the visit should stay in the car before you reach check-in.
Need prescription medication during your visit? Bring only the exact dosage for that day in its original container. Report it to the Post One officer before entering the visiting area. Since everyone stops at Post One for ID check (including your vehicle license number), mention your medication then to avoid any issues later.
Wondering what your loved one can have with them? Blackburn limits inmates in the visiting area to three items: an institutional ID, a locker key, and a wedding band. Nothing else.
Keep your group small - Blackburn allows no more than three approved adult visitors per inmate during each visiting period. Bringing kids? They must stay with you at all times, and you're responsible for supervising them throughout the visit.
Dress code enforcement: Staff have the final say on whether your clothing meets the dress code. If there’s an issue and you can fix it (change or cover up), you may be allowed to - if it can’t be corrected, you can be denied entry.
Predeparture Checklist
- ✓ Confirm your appointment at least one week ahead - visits are by appointment only; arrange it with Sharon Johnson at 859-246-2366 ext. 7224 or sharonk.johnson@ky.gov.
- ✓ Bring proper ID and your vehicle license number - you must stop at Post One, provide proper identification (including vehicle license number), and sign in with the Visiting Officer.
- ✓ Pack vending money correctly - no more than $50 total, only quarters/ones/fives/tens, and all change in a clear container (leave purses, wallets, and handbags behind).
- ✓ Bring prescription medication the right way (if needed) - only the exact dosage for that day, in the original container, and report it to the Post One officer before entering.
- ✓ Lock up your phone - cell phones aren’t allowed in the visiting area and must be locked in your vehicle.
One last tip: expect that your vehicle and person may be searched before entry. Leave extra belongings at home, and lock anything you don't need for the visit in your car before you reach Post One.
Find an Inmate at Blackburn Corrections Complex, KY
Search for a loved one and send messages and photos in minutes.
