Before Your First Visit to Butler County Prison: What to Bring and What to Leave Behind

Bring a valid photo ID. Butler County Prison requires photo identification for every visitor upon entry, with no exceptions - if you don’t have it with you, you won’t be allowed in.

Photo ID is only part of getting through the door. The person you're visiting also has to add you to their visitation list before a visit can be scheduled. That list holds up to five adult visitors - if your name isn't on it, the visit won't happen until it is.

If you’re bringing someone under 18, plan for them to come in with a parent or legal guardian. The only time a minor can visit without that adult accompaniment is when the Warden or Deputy Warden has given prior approval.

Bring paperwork for kids, too. Butler County Prison may ask for proof of guardianship and a birth certificate at entry, so have those documents ready if you're visiting with a minor. Minors with a parent or legal guardian don't need to be on the inmate's visitation list - but they still count toward the three-person limit for the visit.

Lockbox Screening

• ✓ Put personal items away before you go inside - visitors are required to secure all personal items in the lock boxes when entering.
• ✓ Bring only what you truly need for entry (your photo ID and any necessary documents for minors).
• ✓ If you’re unsure an item will be allowed, leave it in your vehicle rather than trying to bring it through the entrance.

Expect airport-style screening. Everyone entering Butler County Prison must pass through a metal detector, and visitors may be searched if needed. Make it easy on yourself: empty your pockets beforehand and skip anything extra that might trigger an alarm.

Build in extra time. Visitors who arrive more than five minutes late get turned away - even if it's just traffic or parking that held you up. Plan to get there early enough to handle check-in and screening without rushing.

Prohibited Items

• ✓ Property (any personal items) - not accepted at visitation without prior approval from the Shift Commander, Warden, or Deputy Warden.
• ✓ Photos - not accepted at visitation without prior approval from the Shift Commander, Warden, or Deputy Warden.
• ✓ Clothing - not accepted at visitation without prior approval from the Shift Commander, Warden, or Deputy Warden.
• ✓ Money - not accepted at visitation without prior approval from the Shift Commander, Warden, or Deputy Warden.

1. Decide exactly what you’re trying to bring - be specific (for example: photos, clothing, money, or another item of property).
2. Request approval before you show up for visitation - staff won’t accept these items at visitation unless approval has already been given by the Shift Commander, Warden, or Deputy Warden.
3. Bring only the pre-approved item(s) - if you don’t have prior approval, leave it out of your visit plan and don’t bring it to the entrance.

If you trigger screening, focus on getting through without making things worse. Everyone must pass the metal detector, and staff can search visitors - up to and including a strip search - when there's cause. Keep your hands visible, follow directions, and answer questions directly. If you forgot something in your pocket (keys, loose change), say so right away so it can be secured.

A couple of rules trip people up on repeat visits. The inmate's visitation list holds up to five adult visitors, and you won't get a visit scheduled unless your name is on it. That list can only be changed once every 30 days, so last-minute swaps usually aren't an option. Bringing kids? Remember the exception and the limit: minors with a parent or legal guardian don't have to be listed, but they still count toward the three-person visit cap.