What to Bring (and What to Leave Home) for Visitation at Dane County Jail

Bring a valid government-issued photo ID or passport. Dane County Jail requires this for visitation, and you'll be denied entry without it. Make this the one item you double-check before leaving home.

Go in with as little as possible. All personal items must be secured in lobby lockers before you enter the visitation area, and visitors are subject to search. Leave non-essentials at home or in your car to avoid juggling extra belongings at check-in.

• ✓ Extra personal items you do not need for the visit (anything you bring has to go into a lobby locker before you enter)
• ✓ Anything you would rather not store in a locker during your visit

Dress with full coverage in mind. Clothing must cover you from the collarbone to mid-thigh, and your shoes need to stay on the entire time you're in the visitation area.

Some clothing isn't allowed. Skip anything transparent or see-through, anything that exposes undergarments, and clothes with images or slogans related to drugs, violence, nudity, or profanity.

Don't pass anything to the incarcerated person, and don't accept anything from them. Any exchange of items is prohibited and can end your visit immediately.

Arrive sober and steady. If staff believe you are under the influence of drugs or alcohol, you will be denied visitation.

Expect rules to be enforced at the door. Visitors are subject to search, and you can be denied if there's a no-contact restriction with the inmate. The Sheriff's Office has authority to deny visitors, revoke visitation privileges, or end visits at any time.

If staff deny or end your visit, stay calm and cooperative. The Sheriff's Office can deny or terminate visits at any time for safety and security reasons. Arguing at the counter usually makes it harder to resolve things for a future visit.