How long does it take to get approved to visit someone at Coyote Ridge Corrections Center?
Visiting someone at Coyote Ridge Corrections Center (CRCC) starts with an electronic visit application. Washington DOC policy aims to process these within 30 business days, but their current public guidance is more realistic: expect about 50 business days. Don't book travel until you have your approval in hand.
Washington DOC only accepts electronic applications for prison visits. Your visit can't move forward until your application is in the system and under review.
Note: Submitting the application isn't the same as being approved. Consider your visit "not cleared yet" until you get the official approval notification.
According to DOC policy (DOC 450.300), visit applications should be processed within 30 business days of receipt. That same policy acknowledges timelines can stretch when application volume is high or when your application needs extra review - like review by the Visit Multi-Disciplinary Team.
DOC's Prison Visits page gives a longer estimate: applications are processed in order and may take up to 45 business days - longer if additional review is needed. That page also asks people to hold off on status update requests so staff can focus on processing.
DOC's visiting FAQ gives the most conservative estimate right now: approximately 50 business days from submission (weekends and holidays don't count). They're also asking applicants to skip status inquiries while they work through the backlog.
Plan with the longest timeline: Different DOC materials show 30, 45, and ~50 business-day estimates. For travel planning, assume about 50 business days - potentially longer if extra review is needed. That way you're not out money or making multiple trips.
The 30 business-day goal is just that - a goal. DOC specifically cites high application volume and cases requiring further review (like the Visit Multi-Disciplinary Team) as reasons applications take longer.
Reminder: A slow approval doesn't mean denial. Sometimes it just means extra review or a backlog.
Practical Advice and Help
- ✓ Submit the required electronic visit application (paper applications aren’t accepted for prison visits).
- ✓ Plan around the longest stated processing estimate (about 50 business days) so you’re not rushing the process.
- ✓ Don’t make travel arrangements until you’ve received your approval notification.
- ✓ Don’t submit multiple applications unless you’re specifically directed in writing to do so - duplicate submissions can slow things down.
- ✓ Avoid requesting application status updates while your application is in the normal processing window.
If you're stuck or need a human answer, contact the facility and ask for visit staff. When you leave a message, include the incarcerated person's six-digit DOC number and a short summary of what you need. Visit staff often work non-traditional schedules to cover visit hours, so voicemail is common. If the facility can't resolve your issue, reach out to the Statewide Visit Unit.
Once you're approved, check CRCC's facility-specific information before you go. Washington DOC provides CRCC visitor guidelines, visiting hours, and an event calendar through the Prison Visits page - that's where you'll confirm the details for your visit day.
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