Can You Bring 5 People to Visit at CRC? Understanding the Visitor Limit
Planning a group visit at the Correctional Reception Center (CRC)? The key is understanding the difference between the per-visit limit and the approved visiting list. Here's how the "five visitors" rule works, who counts toward it, and how to plan when more people want to come.
At CRC, an incarcerated person can have a maximum of five visitors at one time. Bringing a group of five? That's allowed - just don't exceed the cap. If more than five people show up expecting to enter together, some will need to sit out or come back another day.
Children can change the math. Walking children count toward the five-person limit, same as adults. So if you're bringing kids who walk on their own (not being carried), factor them into your headcount before deciding who else is coming.
The five-person cap applies to each visit - but there's also a separate approved visiting list. An incarcerated person can have up to fifteen approved adult visitors on their list. This means your loved one can maintain a fairly large circle of approved visitors, even though only five can visit at once.
There's also a cap on friends specifically. The visiting list can include no more than two friends - anyone who isn't immediate family. If you're a friend rather than a family member, confirm you're within that two-person limit before making plans.
Note: Some visitors may fall into special categories with different procedures than regular social visits. If that applies to you, confirm the correct process with CRC before you travel.
When deciding who should attend, remember: walking children count toward the five. A common mistake is thinking "it's four adults plus the kids" - then getting turned away at the door because the kids count too. Plan your group carefully so nobody makes the trip for nothing.
- ✓ Decide your “must-have” visitors for this trip, then rotate other approved family members on future visits
- ✓ If kids are coming, count every walking child toward the five before you add other adults
- ✓ Use the larger approved-list allowance (up to 15 approved adult visitors) to plan for different combinations over time
- ✓ If multiple households want to attend, pick one group per visit so you don’t exceed the five-person cap
On visit day, every visitor has to register at check-in. CRC requires valid identification each time you enter. Even if you've visited before, don't assume your last visit carries over - plan for check-in and ID verification every single time.
Before visiting at all, you need to be approved. Each potential visitor must complete the Visiting Application (DRC2096), sign the Declaration of Understanding (DRC2554) and the General Visiting Instructions (DRC2274), and provide a copy of valid identification. Visits aren't granted until the application is processed and you've been approved and notified. If you're trying to visit soon, build in time for approval - don't travel on a "maybe."
Time-sensitive: Reception incarcerated persons at CRC are not permitted to receive visits during their first eight days at the facility.
- Confirm you’re approved - visitation isn’t allowed until your application is processed and you’re approved and notified.
- Bring bona fide identification - you’ll need it for entry.
- Arrive ready to register - all visitors must register upon each visit.
- Keep your group size within five - if you’re arriving together, remember the five-person cap includes walking children.
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