What to Expect During Security Screening at Chillicothe Correctional Center
Security screening at Chillicothe Correctional Center is thorough but manageable when you know what's coming. Here's what to expect from the parking lot through the checkpoint.
Time your arrival carefully. You can't enter the parking lot more than 30 minutes before visiting starts. Once check-in begins, it's first-come, first-served - so showing up within that window helps you avoid getting pushed back in line. One more thing: don't plan on waiting in your car. No person or pet may remain in a vehicle on institutional grounds.
Screening covers more than just you. Visitors, packages, children, and vehicles are all subject to search. Like most Missouri DOC facilities, Chillicothe uses walk-through metal detectors - similar to what you'd encounter at a courthouse or airport.
Chillicothe uses the Intercept full-body scanner alongside walk-through metal detectors, hand-held wands, and X-ray baggage scanners. On your first visit, staff will enter your name and ID number into the body scanner system and take a photograph that stays on file. If you're 18 or older, you'll go through the scanner unless you have an approved exception.
You may also be asked to do an "itemizer" wipe. Staff will hand you a towelette to wipe the front of your shirt, your pockets, and your palms. That towelette then goes into a machine that detects traces of narcotics or explosives. It's quick, and it's standard.
Practical Tips
- ✓ Arrive no earlier than 30 minutes before visiting starts so you’re within the allowed parking-lot window.
- ✓ Expect first-come, first-served entry - getting there on time can make a big difference.
- ✓ Don’t plan to sit in your vehicle to wait; no person or pet may remain in a vehicle on institutional grounds.
- ✓ Assume screening can include you, your packages, your children, and your vehicle.
- ✓ Be ready to pass through a walk-through metal detector during entry screening.
- ✓ If asked, follow instructions for an itemizer wipe (shirt front, pockets, and palms) so the towelette can be tested for trace narcotics/explosives.
- ✓ Expect multiple screening tools at adult institutions, including the Intercept full-body scanner, hand-held metal detectors, and X-ray baggage scanners.
- ✓ Bring valid photo ID, since your name and ID number are entered into the body scanner system before your first scan.
- ✓ If you’re 18 or older, expect that you may be scanned by the full-body scanner unless you have an approved exception.
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