Before You Visit: What You Can't Bring and What Not to Wear at Chester County Prison
Visiting someone at Chester County Prison goes smoothly when you know what to expect. The most common reasons people get delayed or turned away? Bringing prohibited items past the lobby or wearing clothes that don't meet the dress code.
You can't bring anything into the visiting area at Chester County Prison - plan on walking in empty-handed. And don't try to pass money or items to the person you're visiting. That kind of exchange isn't allowed and can end your visit immediately.
- ✓ Purses, bags, or anything you’re “carrying in”
- ✓ Cell phones
- ✓ Food or drinks
- ✓ Money (do not give money to an inmate)
- ✓ Any items or “gifts” (do not give any item to an inmate)
Leave your coat or jacket in the lobby. Outer garments aren't allowed in the visiting area, so expect to store them before going through.
Chester County Prison enforces a strict dress code. Staff will deny visitation if your clothing is revealing or suggestive - that means no tube tops, tank tops, halter tops, or sleeveless shirts. Sheer fabrics, very short hemlines, and low-cut styles are also off-limits. Your condition matters too. Show up under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and you won't be allowed in. If you're not feeling well or have had anything that might raise concerns, reschedule rather than risk being turned away.
- ✓ Sleeveless clothing
- ✓ Tube tops
- ✓ Tank tops
- ✓ Halter tops
- ✓ See-through clothing
- ✓ Mini-skirts
- ✓ Mini-dresses
- ✓ Clothing that exposes your midriff
- ✓ Clothing that exposes your side
- ✓ Clothing that exposes your back
- ✓ Clothing with revealing necklines
- ✓ Clothing with excessive splits
Warning: Persons under the influence of alcohol or drugs will not be permitted to visit.
Expect to be searched. All visitors go through a search upon arrival, and additional searches can happen during your visit.
- Decide whether you’ll comply with the search - all visitors are subject to search.
- If you refuse, leave the facility - anyone refusing a search will be asked to leave.
- Request approval before trying again - you’ll be instructed to call to make an appointment with the Warden to get approval to visit at a later date.
Quick Printable Checklist
- ✓ Bring proper ID: if you’re 18+, bring one form of full photo ID, or a photo ID plus supporting documentation
- ✓ If you’re age 12–18, bring a photo ID that shows your name
- ✓ Do not carry any items into the visiting area
- ✓ Do not give money or any item to an inmate
- ✓ Leave outer garments in the visiting area lobby
- ✓ Follow the dress code (no sleeveless clothing; avoid revealing or suggestive clothing)
- ✓ Expect to be searched (refusing a search means you’ll be asked to leave)
Before you head out, confirm you’re on the resident’s visiting list: call the Correctional Center at 610-344-4222, and after the voicemail answers, press 0.
Find an Inmate at Chester County Prison, PA
Search for a loved one and send messages and photos in minutes.