What You Can't Bring to a Visit at Bristol County (and What Happens If You Try)

At Bristol County, you’re not allowed to bring contraband into an inmate visiting room. The key thing to understand is that the Security Reception Officer makes the final determination of what counts as contraband, even if an item seems harmless to you. If you’re unsure about something, treat it as a “leave it behind” item and store it before you enter.

Money is a common surprise. Bristol County lists money of any denomination as contraband - that includes pocket change. Check your wallet, coat pockets, and the bottom of your bag before you head in, because a few coins can be enough to create an issue at check-in.

Pens and pencils are also treated as contraband for visitors. The facility makes specific exceptions for attorneys, legal representatives, government officials, private investigators, and media - but if you’re visiting as family or a friend, don’t bring one “just in case.” Leave it in your car or locker so you don’t get stopped at the door.

Expect to be searched. Bristol County states that visitors and their property are subject to search, and refusing a search - or failing it - can cost you your visiting privileges. If something in your pockets or bag could raise questions, handle it before you reach the security area so you’re not making decisions under pressure.

• ✓ Disclose anything you have besides clothing before the search starts.
• ✓ Don’t wait to be “caught” with it - the rule is that you must disclose items prior to the search.
• ✓ If you brought an item by accident, speak up immediately so staff can decide how to handle it.

If you refuse a search or you don’t pass the search, the facility can revoke your visiting privileges. That can mean losing your ability to visit, even if you didn’t intend to break a rule - so it’s worth taking a minute beforehand to empty your pockets and keep what you bring as minimal as possible.

Practical Tips

• ✓ Use the on-site lockers for personal items; there’s a small fee that’s reimbursed when you return the locker key.

• ✓ Leave all money behind - even coins - since money of any denomination is contraband.
• ✓ Don’t bring pens or pencils unless you fall into one of the listed professional exceptions.
• ✓ Bring as little as possible, and disclose any item (other than clothing) before a search begins.

If staff tell you to vacate the premises, do it right away. Bristol County’s rules say refusal to leave when ordered will be treated as trespassing, and trespassers may be prosecuted under M.G.L.127, §36.