What You Absolutely Cannot Bring Into Colorado State Penitentiary (And What Happens If You Try)

Colorado State Penitentiary classifies portable electronic communication devices as contraband - they're banned from facility grounds entirely. Cell phones are the obvious one, but the rule extends to tablets (including iPads), pagers, portable radios, laptops, smart glasses, and even watches that can transmit signals. If it sends, receives, or intercepts cellular or radio signals, leave it behind. The only exception: devices specifically authorized by the Executive Director of the Colorado Department of Corrections.

Tobacco and vaping products are also contraband at Colorado State Penitentiary. Don't bring cigarettes, tobacco products, tobacco substitutes, e-cigarettes, vaping devices, or vaping liquid. Even if you don't plan to use it, having any of these on you will cause problems at screening. Leave it all off the property.

Security screening is standard. When you arrive at Colorado State Penitentiary, you, your vehicle, and anything you're carrying are subject to inspection based on facility security needs. Your pockets, your bag, your car - all fair game.

Here's the bigger risk: if contraband turns up with the person you visited, the department assumes you brought it in. If an offender is found with contraband during or after a visit, that's enough "reasonable suspicion" to revoke or suspend your visiting privileges - even if nothing was found on you at the entrance.

Practical Tips

• ✓ Leave all electronics that can transmit (phones, smart watches, tablets, smart glasses, etc.) at home or locked in your vehicle before you enter the property.
• ✓ Don’t bring cigarettes, tobacco, tobacco substitutes, vapes, e-cigarettes, or vaping liquid onto the grounds.
• ✓ Assume you, your vehicle, and anything you carry can be searched - pack light and keep your pockets/bag simple.
• ✓ If staff tell you a procedure is required for entry, comply or you can be denied entry and required to leave immediately.