What to Bring and What to Leave Home for Your First Visit to Bolivar County Jail
Your first visit goes a lot smoother when you show up with the right ID, the right paperwork for kids, and nothing that will get you turned away at the door. Use this guide to pack smart and avoid a wasted trip.
Before you make the drive, confirm two things: that the person you're visiting is approved to receive visits, and that you're on their approved list. If you're traveling any distance, call ahead to double-check - showing up only to be turned away is frustrating. Once inside, plan to stay put. If you leave the visiting area for any reason, your visit is over for the day. One more thing: MDOC visitation application forms aren't available online, and MDOC doesn't email or mail them. You can't grab one at the last minute from home.
Remember: Visits can be denied or ended for common issues like showing up under the influence, refusing a search, using false ID information, dressing improperly, letting children become disruptive, or having excessive physical contact.
If you're 16 or older, bring a photo ID every time. You'll also need to be on the offender's approved visiting list - both are required for entry. At check-in, staff will ask for your photo ID, have you sign the visitor log, and walk you through registration. No ID? Wrong ID? Can't verify your information? You may be turned away.
- ✓ Visitor ID card
- ✓ Driver’s license
- ✓ State ID
- ✓ Military ID
- ✓ Other photographic ID accepted by the facility at check-in
Bringing kids? Get their documents together before you leave. Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. For children 15 and under, bring a legible birth certificate. If a child 15 or younger doesn't have a birth certificate but does have photo ID, that ID must show their date of birth.
If you’re visiting with an infant: You may bring one diaper bag with up to four diapers, two bottles, one change of baby clothes, one pacifier, diaper wipes in a zip-lock bag, and any necessary infant medication.
S4
- ✓ Cell phones
- ✓ Wallets
- ✓ Purses
- ✓ Handbags
- ✓ Change purses
- ✓ Similar personal items (and other excess items) - keep them locked in your vehicle
- ✓ Anything you leave behind is on you: MDOC isn’t responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged personal property on facility grounds
- Confirm you’re approved before you go - Visitors 16+ must be on the offender’s approved visiting list and have photo ID.
- Bring acceptable photo ID and be ready to sign in - You’ll need to present proper identification, sign the visitor sign-in log, and complete registration at check-in.
- Arrive sober and ready to follow directions - Being under the influence or refusing a search can get your visit denied or ended.
- Keep behavior and contact appropriate - Disruptive children or excessive physical contact can end the visit.
- Dress to pass inspection and don’t bring problem items - Improper dress, false/insufficient identification, or having money/negotiable instruments on prison grounds can lead to denial or termination.
Once you're in the visiting area, settle in and plan to stay. If you leave for any reason - even briefly - the facility considers your visit over for the day. You won't be allowed back in.
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