What You Can't Bring to a Bristol County Visit: Complete Contraband & Clothing Rules
Bristol County has strict contraband rules for the visiting room, and the Security Reception Officer (SRO) gets the final say on what's allowed. Your best bet? Show up with only what's permitted. Anything extra can get you turned away - and violations can lead to arrest and prosecution under M.G.L. c 268, § 31.
Leave all money behind - cash and coins of any denomination are considered contraband. Even a few quarters at the bottom of your bag can cause problems at screening. The SRO has final say, and violating contraband rules can result in arrest and criminal prosecution under M.G.L. c 268, § 31. Not worth the risk.
Tobacco
- ✓ Tobacco products of any kind
- ✓ Smokeless tobacco products
- ✓ Lighters
- ✓ Matches
Outerwear isn't allowed in visiting areas - jackets, coats, raincoats, umbrellas, vests, all of it needs to stay outside. Lockers are available for a small fee, and you'll get that fee back when you return the key.
Tip: Keep track of your locker key - your locker fee is reimbursed when the key is returned.
Exercise, gym, and dance clothing - tops or bottoms - aren't allowed, including anything made from similar materials. Spandex tops are also banned. If your outfit looks like workout wear, expect to be told to change before you can visit.
- ✓ Running shorts
- ✓ Leotards
- ✓ Yoga pants
- ✓ Sweat shirts
- ✓ Sweat pants
- ✓ Hooded sweat shirts (hoodies)
- ✓ Other hooded tops
- ✓ Bathing suits / swimwear (tops or bottoms)
- ✓ Muscle shirts
Spandex tops are off-limits. Spandex leggings are allowed only if covered by an approved shirt that falls no shorter than three inches above the knee. Think "long enough to cover," not cropped or tunic-length.
Leave the headwear at home - hats, baseball caps, hair wraps, hair coverings, and durags aren't permitted. Religious head coverings, wigs, and toupees are allowed but will be searched before entry.
- Disclose items before screening - if you have anything besides clothing, tell staff about it prior to search.
- Comply with the search process - visitors and their property are subject to search, and refusing or failing a search can get your visiting privileges revoked.
- Follow the SRO’s decision - the Security Reception Officer makes the final determination of contraband; violating contraband rules can lead to arrest and prosecution under M.G.L. c 268, § 31.
Warning: The SRO's contraband call is final. Refusing or failing a search can cost you your visiting privileges, and contraband violations can lead to arrest and prosecution.
Find an Inmate at Bristol County Corrections, MA
Search for a loved one and send messages and photos in minutes.
