Before Your First Visit to Caldwell Correctional Center: How to Schedule, What to Bring, and What to Expect
Visiting for the first time can feel overwhelming. But once you understand what Caldwell expects—scheduling an appointment, getting approved, and passing the entrance screening—planning a smooth visit becomes much easier.
Caldwell Correctional Center in Hudson is a minimum security prison for adult males. Planning your first in-person visit? Focus on three things: getting on the schedule, making sure you're approved to visit, and showing up ready for the entrance screening.
Visits at Caldwell are by appointment only. Call or email the prison to schedule before you go. Not sure which number or email to use? Check Caldwell's facility page on the department website for current contact information.
Tip: Contact details can change. Double-check Caldwell's facility page on the department site to confirm you're using the right phone number or email before scheduling.
Call the prison the day before your visit to confirm the facility's visitation status. It's a quick step that can save you a wasted trip if something changes last minute.
Before you can visit, facility staff must approve your visitor application. No approval means no visit - even if you've already scheduled an appointment. Start the application process early so you're not scrambling right before your planned date.
Note: Don't wait until the week of your visit to submit your application. Approval must be in place before you'll be allowed inside.
What to Bring
- ✓ Any documents the visitor application process requires
- ✓ Anything you were instructed to provide as part of getting approved to visit
Bring valid photo identification. Double-check which forms of ID are accepted before you leave home - confirm the requirements on Caldwell's facility page or when you call to schedule. Getting turned away at check-in over an ID issue is frustrating and avoidable.
Expect screening when you arrive. Visitors age 16 and older go through a pat/frisk search and an electronic device scan before entering. These checks help prevent contraband from coming in. Build extra time into your day and follow staff instructions.
Keep your pockets and personal items simple. Cellphones, smartwatches, cameras, recording devices, and smart/AI glasses are not allowed inside. Leave them at home or secured in your car before you enter - you'll move through screening faster.
Warning: Refuse the search and you'll be denied entrance. Make it easy on yourself - leave prohibited electronics behind before you arrive.
Under normal circumstances, your loved one can have one visiting session per week, lasting up to two hours. Knowing this limit helps you plan travel, childcare, and expectations - especially if you're coming from out of town.
- ✓ Schedule an appointment by calling or emailing the prison
- ✓ Call the day before your visit to confirm visitation status
- ✓ Make sure your visitor application is completed and approved before you go
- ✓ Bring valid photo ID (confirm what types are accepted ahead of time)
- ✓ Leave prohibited electronics behind (cellphones, smartwatches, cameras, recording devices, smart/AI glasses)
- ✓ Be ready to complete a pat/frisk and electronic-device search if you’re 16 or older
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