What to Wear (and What Not to Wear) When Visiting Bristol County Corrections
Dress code issues are one of the fastest ways to lose time—or miss your visit entirely. Here's what you need to know to choose an outfit that clears security at Bristol County Corrections, plus what to do with items you'll need to store.
The Security Reception Officer decides whether your clothing passes muster. That call matters - you and your belongings are subject to search, and refusing or failing a search can get your visiting privileges revoked. The easiest way to avoid problems? Dress within the rules and follow staff directions during screening.
Two rules trip people up at the door: shorts length and how spandex is worn. Dress shorts are fine, but only if they fall no higher than three inches above the knee. Spandex leggings? They're allowed when covered by a shirt that also meets that three-inch rule - so pair them with a longer top that clearly hits that mark.
Common turn-away issue: Shorts that sit higher than three inches above the knee, or spandex leggings worn without an approved longer shirt, can get your outfit flagged at check-in.
Plan ahead for outerwear. Jackets, coats, raincoats, umbrellas, and vests aren't allowed in the visiting area - you'll need to stash them in a locker before going in.
Leave casual head coverings at home or in your car. Hats, baseball caps, hair wraps, hair coverings, and durags aren't allowed. Religious head coverings are permitted, as are wigs and toupees - but expect them to be searched before you enter.
Reminder: Even permitted religious head coverings (and wigs/toupees) are subject to search. Refusing or failing a search can result in your visiting privileges being revoked.
Outerwear - jackets, coats, raincoats, umbrellas, vests - can't come into the visiting area. Store these items in a locker. Lockers cost a small fee, which you get back when you return the key.
- Arrive with a storage plan - if you bring a coat, umbrella, or other outerwear, expect to put it away before entering the visiting area.
- Use a locker for outerwear and personal items - lockers are available for a small fee.
- Hold onto your locker key - you’ll need it after the visit.
- Return the key - the fee is reimbursed when the locker key is returned.
Quick Checklist
- ✓ Remember the final call is made by the Security Reception Officer.
- ✓ Dress shorts are OK only if they’re no shorter than three inches above the knee.
- ✓ Spandex leggings are allowed only when covered by an approved shirt that’s no shorter than three inches above the knee.
- ✓ Don’t wear hats, baseball caps, hair wraps, hair coverings, or durags.
- ✓ Religious head coverings, wigs, and toupees are allowed, but they will be searched before you enter.
- ✓ Expect to be searched; you and your property are subject to search.
- ✓ Don’t refuse a search - refusing or failing a search may revoke your visiting privileges.
- ✓ Leave outerwear out of the visiting area (jackets, coats, raincoats, umbrellas, vests, etc.) and store it in a locker.
- ✓ Bring a small fee for a locker; you get it back when you return the locker key.
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