What Happens During Your Visit at Chippewa CF: Contact Rules, Photos, and Bathroom Breaks

Michigan DOC rules allow brief physical contact at just two moments: a quick hug and kiss when the visit starts, and another when it ends. That's it. During the visit itself, no other personal contact is permitted - so plan on talking and connecting from your seats rather than holding hands or sitting close.

Group size matters because everyone shares the same visit space and follows the same rules. Up to five visitors can join an in-person visit at one time. Good news if you're bringing a baby: children under two don't count toward that limit.

Timing shapes your visit experience too. You'll need to schedule at least 48 hours ahead, but no earlier than seven days before your visit date. Need more time? MDOC allows up to two separate visits on the same day with the same person - just remember the hug-and-kiss rule still applies only at the start and end of each visit.

Photos are one of the few times contact rules loosen up. You can embrace - including a kiss - while the picture is being taken. Outside that photo moment, stick to the standard rule: brief hug and kiss only at the start and end, with no other contact during the visit.

Bathroom breaks are allowed, but the clock keeps running. Any time in the restroom counts against your visit. Weekday visits run three hours; weekend visits are just two. On a Saturday or Sunday, even a quick break eats into limited time.

• ✓ Use the restroom before you enter the visiting area so you don’t burn visit time on a preventable break.
• ✓ Remember the clock is shorter on weekends (two-hour blocks) than weekdays (three-hour blocks) when you’re planning meals, kids’ needs, and pacing.
• ✓ If you need more time overall, consider scheduling two separate in-person visits on the same day (when available) instead of trying to stretch one block.
• ✓ Don’t wait until the last minute to book: visits must be scheduled at least 48 hours ahead and no more than seven days out.

Once inside, you can only move between the lobby, restroom, and visiting room. No going outdoors or into non-public areas. If you brought something that's not allowed in the visiting area, secure it before you go in - you won't be able to deal with it mid-visit.

Sometimes visits get cut short or canceled for facility reasons - mobilization, quarantine, or other operational needs. When this happens, ask staff how it's being handled: Does this count against the prisoner's allowed visits? Can you reschedule? Don't assume anything - treat an early termination as a "stop and confirm" moment before leaving.

1. Confirm the status of the visit right away - If the visit is terminated early, ask staff what the facility is recording it as and what you should do next.
2. Ask what your next option is - Find out whether you should reschedule and whether anything changes because the termination was due to facility action.
3. Rebook within the scheduling window - In-person visits must be scheduled at least 48 hours in advance and no more than seven days ahead.
4. Consider splitting time into two visits - If you’re trying to make up lost time, remember you may schedule up to two separate in-person visits on the same day with the same prisoner, when slots are available.