What to Bring (and What to Leave Home) for Your Bristol County Visit
Your Bristol County visit will go much smoother when you arrive with only what you're allowed to carry in. This guide covers what to bring, how lockers work, and common items that can get you delayed—or turned away at the door.
Bring a current, government-issued photo ID to every visit - staff will check it each time you come in. If you’re bringing a minor, the minor must have a birth certificate.
Infant Items
- ✓ Lightweight receiving blanket (for visitors with infants)
- ✓ Pacifier (for visitors with infants)
- ✓ Plastic feeding bottle (for visitors with infants)
- ✓ Leave the diaper bag at home - diaper bags are not allowed
Bristol County provides lockers for a small fee - you'll get it back when you return the key. Use one for anything you can't take into the visiting area, especially outerwear.
Planning to wear leggings? Pay close attention to the coverage rule. Spandex leggings are allowed only when covered by a shirt that falls no shorter than three inches above the knee. Shorts follow the same measurement. Dress shorts are permitted, but they can't be shorter than three inches above the knee.
Leave hats and casual head coverings in the car. Baseball caps, hair wraps, durags, and similar items aren't permitted in the visiting area. Religious head coverings, wigs, and toupees are allowed - but expect them to be searched before you enter.
Note: Outerwear - jackets, coats, raincoats, umbrellas, vests, and similar items - isn’t permitted in the visiting area. Store it in a locker before you go in.
Never attempt to bring contraband into the visiting room. The Security Reception Officer has final say on what qualifies, and violations can lead to arrest and criminal prosecution under M.G.L. c 268, § 31.
You'll go through screening on the way in. Both you and your belongings are subject to search. Refusing - or failing - a search can cost you your visiting privileges.
One easy-to-miss item: pens and pencils are prohibited for regular visitors. Exceptions apply to attorneys, legal representatives, government officials, private investigators, and media.
Quick Checklist
- ✓ Current government-issued photo ID for every adult visitor; birth certificate for minors
- ✓ If you’re bringing an infant: lightweight receiving blanket, pacifier, and a plastic feeding bottle (no diaper bag)
- ✓ Bring a little cash for a locker fee (it’s reimbursed when you return the key); plan to store outerwear and extra personal items
- ✓ Keep it simple: don’t bring contraband, and leave pens/pencils at home unless you’re in an allowed professional category
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