Before Your First Visit: What You Can and Can't Bring to Columbia County Prison
Your first visit goes much smoother when you show up with only what's allowed. Here's what Columbia County Prison won't let inside—and what happens if you bring it anyway.
Leave your cell phone in the car. Columbia County Prison doesn't allow phones or any electronics inside. Bring one anyway, and your visit could be over before it starts.
Note: If you’re in possession of a cell phone while you’re in the facility, you will be escorted from the prison and your visitation privileges may be revoked.
Weapons aren't allowed anywhere on prison property - including the parking lot. Don't bring anything that could be considered a weapon, even if it stays in your vehicle.
Skip the snacks. No food or beverages are allowed inside Columbia County Prison. Also, plan on keeping your hands empty. Residents can't receive items during visits - no pictures, letters, mail, or anything else to hand over.
Walk in with something prohibited - especially a phone - and staff won't give you the benefit of the doubt. Columbia County Prison's rule is straightforward: get caught with a cell phone inside, and you'll be escorted out. Your visitation privileges may be revoked. It doesn't matter if it was an honest mistake.
Before you walk in: Do a quick pocket check - phones, electronics, anything that could be a weapon (even in your car), food, drinks, and items you planned to give the resident. If you're found with a phone inside, you can be escorted out and may lose visitation privileges.
Previsit Checklist
- ✓ Cell phones
- ✓ Other electronic devices
- ✓ Weapons of any kind (this includes the prison parking lot)
- ✓ Food
- ✓ Beverages
- ✓ Pictures, letters, mail, or any other items intended for the resident during the visit
- ✓ Clothing that could violate the facility’s dress rules (check the dress-code guidance before you leave)
- Do a final pocket-and-bag check - before you leave home and again before you enter the building.
- Remove prohibited items - leave them secured in your car or, better yet, at home so you don’t forget.
- Call ahead if you’re unsure - if you can’t tell whether something counts as a device or prohibited item, confirm before you make the trip.
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