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Before Your First Visit to Mount Pleasant: What to Wear, What to Expect, and How Visits Are Scheduled

Your first visit to Mount Pleasant Correctional Facility goes smoother when you know two things: how scheduling works and what will get you turned away at the door. This guide covers how to plan your visit, what to wear, and what to expect during screening.

• 3 min read • doc.iowa.gov
Before Your First Visit to Mount Pleasant: What to Wear, What to Expect, and How Visits Are Scheduled

Both in-person and video visits at Mount Pleasant are scheduled through the Ameelio App. Visits are free for approved visitors. Your first step? Get approved, then use the app to find open time slots and reserve one. Don't guess at visiting hours - check the app and facility pages for what's actually available, since schedules can shift.

If your visitation request is denied, you’re not stuck - you can appeal the decision in writing. Send your appeal to: Central Visiting Authority, Mount Pleasant Correctional Facility, 1200 E. Washington St., Mount Pleasant, IA 52641.

Before Your First Visit to Mount Pleasant: What to Wear, What to Expect, and How Visits Are Scheduled

Adult visitors must submit a paper Visitor Application to get approved. Print it, sign it, and mail it - electronic applications aren't accepted. Send it to: Mount Pleasant Correctional Facility, Attn: Central Records, 1200 E. Washington St., Mount Pleasant, IA 52641. Factor in mailing time. This is one of the most common reasons a first visit gets delayed.

Note: Visits are free, but only approved visitors can schedule them. All in-person and video visits go through the Ameelio App. Denied? You can appeal in writing to Central Visiting Authority, Mount Pleasant Correctional Facility, 1200 E. Washington St., Mount Pleasant, IA 52641.

Expect screening at the entrance. All visitors are subject to search, which can include a pat down, metal detector, electronic ion scanners, and visual inspection. Refuse to comply with the search policy and you'll be turned away - so go in ready to follow staff instructions without pushback.

  • ✓ Arrive ready to be screened (pat down, metal detector, electronic ion scanner, other electronic devices, or a visual search)
  • ✓ Empty your pockets before you reach the front of the line so you’re not scrambling during screening
  • ✓ Follow staff directions right away during the search process - refusing to comply can mean you won’t be allowed into the visiting room
  • ✓ Keep your personal items minimal so the check-in and screening process stays simple

Dress code is enforced at the door, so pick clothes that won't cause problems. All visitors must wear shoes. You'll be turned away if you show up in miniskirts, shorts above the knee, muscle shirts, see-through clothing, or halter tops.

Tip: If you're unsure about an outfit, change it. Miniskirts, shorts above the knee, muscle shirts, see-through clothing, and halter tops will get you turned away.

Bringing a child? They'll go through the same entrance screening you do - metal detectors and other electronic devices included. Check the facility's guidance on kid-specific clothing before you leave home. Nobody wants to make last-minute changes in the parking lot.

Before Your First Visit to Mount Pleasant: What to Wear, What to Expect, and How Visits Are Scheduled

Practical Arrival Tips

  • ✓ Confirm your visit in the Ameelio App before you leave (all in-person and video visits are scheduled there)
  • ✓ Don’t assume you can walk in without approval - visits are free for approved visitors, but you still have to be approved first
  • ✓ If you’re still in the approval stage, make sure you’ve printed, signed, and mailed the Visitor Application (electronic applications are not accepted)
  • ✓ Wear shoes (required)
  • ✓ Avoid clothing that will get you turned away: miniskirts, shorts above the knee, muscle shirts, see-through clothing, or halter tops
  • ✓ Expect a search at entrance (pat down, metal detector, electronic ion scanners, other electronic devices, or visual searches) and comply - refusal can mean you’re denied entrance to the visiting room
  • ✓ Keep the appeal address handy in case you need it: Central Visiting Authority, Mount Pleasant Correctional Facility, 1200 E. Washington St., Mount Pleasant, IA 52641

Denied a visit? Put your appeal in writing right away. Send it to: Central Visiting Authority, Mount Pleasant Correctional Facility, 1200 E. Washington St., Mount Pleasant, IA 52641.

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