What to Bring (and What Not to Bring) When Visiting FCI Tallahassee

Before heading to FCI Tallahassee, spend a few minutes reviewing the Bureau of Prisons visiting regulations. They cover what you can wear, what you can carry in, and how the visit itself will be handled once you arrive.

• ✓ A valid, government-issued photo ID
• ✓ Your car keys
• ✓ Only the bare minimum you need for the visit (plan to secure everything else before you go in)

Dress conservatively. Clothing that staff consider inappropriate, provocative, or revealing can get you turned away at the door. A good rule of thumb: wear what you'd wear to a large public gathering with men, women, and children. Skip see-through items, low-cut or backless tops, very short shorts or skirts, and anything else that could be considered revealing.

The Bureau uses a "Notification to Visitor" form (BP-A0224) to spell out what you cannot have on Bureau grounds or inside Bureau facilities. The list is broad, but the big ones include weapons, explosives, drugs, intoxicants, and currency. Showing up with prohibited items means delays at best. At worst, you lose your visit for the day.

Do not bring cameras of any type or recording equipment. That includes anything intended to take photos, video, or audio inside the facility.

Leave electronics behind. BP-A0224 specifically prohibits telephones, radios, pagers, and electronic devices. Plan on keeping them out of the facility and off Bureau grounds entirely during your visit.

By entering (or even attempting to enter) Bureau grounds or the facility, you're consenting to be searched. This falls under Bureau policy and federal regulations (28 C.F.R. Part 511).

1. Make a quick list of “borderline” items you were thinking about bringing (especially anything electronic).
2. Call before you drive over to confirm the visiting schedule and ask about the item: 603-342-4000.
3. When you still are not sure, leave it behind and keep what you carry in as simple as possible.