What to Expect During the Security Screening at Chillicothe Correctional Center
Your first visit can feel stressful, mostly because you don't know what the entry process looks like. Here's what visitors at Chillicothe Correctional Center can expect during security screening, and which rules matter most before you step inside.
You can't line up as early as you want at Chillicothe Correctional Center. Visitors may arrive in the parking lot no earlier than 30 minutes before visiting starts, and entry is first-come, first-served. Plan your arrival with that window in mind. Your place in line matters.
Do not leave anyone in the car: No person or pet may remain in a vehicle on institutional grounds.
Once you enter prison grounds, screening applies to more than just you. Visitors, their packages, children, and vehicles are all subject to search. Only bring items you're comfortable having inspected, and expect staff to apply the same safety checks to everyone in your group.
Metal detectors are part of the standard entry process. Missouri DOC uses them at all facilities, so expect to walk through one during check-in at Chillicothe Correctional Center. It's similar to airport security.
Wipe test screening: You may be given a towelette to wipe your shirt front, pockets, and palms, and that wipe may be tested in an itemizer to detect traces of narcotics or explosives.
Missouri DOC uses the Intercept full-body scanner at adult institutions. You may be asked to complete a full-body scan before you're allowed into the visiting area.
Before your first Intercept scan, staff will enter your name and an ID number into the body scanner system and take your photograph. Both are stored on file. The ID number can come from a visitor ID number, driver's license, non-driver's license, or passport.
Adults should expect scanning: Anyone 18 or older may be scanned using the Intercept full-body scanner unless they have an approved exception.
Take the prohibited-items rules seriously. Under Missouri statute 217.360, bringing drugs, alcoholic beverages, firearms, or any other article an offender is not permitted to possess into a correctional facility is a criminal offense. It can be charged as a felony and carry a punishment of up to 15 years in prison.
Prepare for Screening
- ✓ Expect that you, your packages, your children, and your vehicle may be searched when you enter prison grounds.
- ✓ Be ready to go through a metal-detector screening.
- ✓ If staff gives you a towelette to wipe your shirt front, pockets, and palms, expect that the wipe may be tested in an itemizer for traces of narcotics or explosives.
What you wear can determine whether check-in goes smoothly. Chillicothe Correctional Center prohibits tight or excessively baggy clothing, transparent or revealing clothing, camouflage designs, and skirts, dresses, or shorts shorter than the top of the kneecap when standing. Headwear is also prohibited except for verified religious purposes, and it is subject to search.
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